You can stop looking
Since 1930, Jane Parker fruitcakes have enjoyed a huge fan base during the holidays. When A & P grocery stores left the Atlanta area, the cakes were only available through the company website. Each year, quite a few readers would ask if the cakes were still available and, each year, I directed them to the Jane Parker website. This year, however, while the site is still up, visitors will notice that all of the various sizes and flavors of Jane Parker fruitcakes are marked “out of stock.” The reason isn’t because there was a run on the fruitcakes. Unfortunately, A & P, also known as Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., filed papers in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and, so, this year, Jane Parker fruitcakes will no longer be available. Of course, some venerable brands have been known to make a come back by popular demand.
Q: Our problem is trying to find a single item. Where can we find one Sharpie or one felt tip pen? Great column, and keep up the good work. — Shel Miller, email
A: It’s pretty surprising that most pens and markers come in multiples. However, I found a place where you can purchase individual Sharpie permanent markers in black as well as assorted colors, priced from $1.59 to $2.49. Check out Michaels Art and Crafts, 2625 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, 404-266-8711. You’ll find a large assortment of single Sharpie pens near the cash registers.
Q: I am looking for Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar to make my mom’s German fruit tort. It’s a German product and used in the cake itself. Where can I find this locally and not pay an arm and leg? Thank you for looking. — Elaine Jones, email
A: While Dr. Oetker vanilla-spiked sugar often is used in baked goods, it also provides a sweet, vanilla scented boost to fresh fruit, cereal coffee and even yogurt. You can find a steady supply of Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar at Cost Plus World Market, 3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, 404-814-0801. A pack of six .32-ounce vanilla sugar sells for $2.99.
Q: I’ve been searching for a ridge filler called Nail Tek Foundation, without any luck. Can you help? Thank you. — Marie Silvestri, Marietta
A: Nail Tek Foundation 1 is formulated to give rough nails a smooth base as it strengthens. You can find a .05-ounce bottle for $9.99 at Sally Beauty Supply, 425 Ernest W Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw, 770-590-7982.
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