Q: My grandfather still shaves the old-fashioned way; with a brush and shave soap, not foam in a can. He used to use a lavender soap many years ago. He said it smelled clean and fresh, not flowery. He doesn’t know the brand and I don’t think it matters, but I would like to find a really nice shave soap for him with a lavender scent. I’d like to find it locally if that’s possible, so that I could see what I’m buying. He has a birthday coming up and I would love to surprise him. Thanks so much. — D. Gentile, email
A: Lavender is an ideal unisex fragrance because, as your grandfather pointed out, it boasts a refreshing scent that’s never cloying. I think I found a lavender shave soap that will make a thoughtful gift. Check out The Art of Shaving, Lenox Square Mall, 404-841-8665. The store stocks a good variety of shaving essentials for those who prefer a traditional wet shaving experience. Take a look at the 2.3-ounce lavender-scented shaving soap boosted with essential oils. The soap comes in a beautiful wooden bowl, making it a perfect gift. It’s priced at $50.
Q: I have several recipes using Dutch-processed cocoa powder. I recently discovered mine had expired. I tried to replace it, and checked Publix, Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and Cost Plus World Market, and didn’t find it. Is it still available and, if so, where can I find it? I don’t use it very often, obviously, but can’t substitute according to the Internet. Help! Thank you. — Judy Olderman, Atlanta
A: Judy, there is a difference between Dutch-processed cocoa and natural cocoa. The Dutching process — washing the cocoa beans in a potassium solution —neutralizes the cocoa’s acidity. Dutch-processed chocolate also looks different from natural cocoa in that it’s much darker, almost black. Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder is an example of a Dutched-process cocoa powder that’s easily available at just about any major supermarket. You’ll find it with the regular cocoa in the baking section. Note that, according to Hershey’s, the Special Dark Dutch-processed cocoa is typically lower in antioxidants than natural cocoa. If you want to try another brand of Dutch-process cocoa, then visit Penzeys Spices, 6235 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-256-7970. You’ll find Dutch-processed cocoa powder that you can purchase in various sizes ranging from 1/4-cup jar for $3.19, up to a 1-pound bag for $11.30.
Q: I’ve been trying to find malt flavoring like the type used in ice cream shops to flavor chocolate drinks. I have searched everywhere, including online, and all I can find is chocolate malt mixes for a complete breakfast drink. Hope you can help. Thank you. — Barbara Crawford, Waleska
A: The Corner Shop British groceries, 114 S. Park Square, Marietta, 770-794-8747, stocks Horlicks Original Malt powder, which sounds like what you’re seeking. A 500-gram jar, just over two cups, sells for $9.99.
Q: I have been trying to locate a product called Spa Formula by Cutex, it’s made of acetone and natural botanical oils, and have not had any success. I would appreciate it if you can find it for me. Thanks. — Claire Simpson, Cumming
A: I found a 10-ounce bottle of Cutex Spa Formula nail polish remover for $3.98 at Walmart, 2395 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-406-5165. Cutex Spa Formula is made for hard-to-remove nail polish as well as gel nails and glitter polish.
