Q: Little European Bakery used to make the most delicious Russian black bread, a very dense bread with molasses. Do you know where I might purchase something close to this? — W. Stephens, Brookhaven
A: Check out aisle 20, in front of the Russian deli counter at Buford Highway Farmer’s Market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-455-0770. You’ll find two brands of Russian black bread made with molasses. Stolichniy and Karelskiy are both $4.49, and each loaf weighs in at 28 ounces.
Q: I use corn puffs in a dessert item I sell at a local farmers market. For several weeks, I was able to find Harvest Road corn puffs, butter flavor, in a 10-ounce package for less than $2 at Big Lots. Then they were no longer available. I can get Chester’s butter flavor corn puffs, however, the bag is only 3 1/2 ounces and costs $2. I would really like to use the Harvest Road brand but am unable to locate them anywhere. I have written to the company but they will not respond. I would be glad to purchase them by the case if you can find a place where I can order them. — Kathy Perry, email
A: I spoke to someone at Pretzels Inc., which produces Harvest Road puffs. Clearly, the company doesn’t make it easy for fans to get their hands on the crunchy snacks. There is no way to order any items through the company website — or any other site, it seems. However, you should be able to stock up on Harvest Road puffs with a little bit of planning. Pretzel’s Inc. ships an order to the Big Lots southern distribution center every other month. Big Lots are the only stores in the Atlanta area that sell your puffs. There’s a shipment due before the end of the month, so you might want to buy all you can handle when they land at Big Lots.
Q: During a recent trip to Connecticut, my wife and I were introduced to cheddar cheese curds. I have not identified a local producer of these treats. Can you find them in metro Atlanta? — Ed Ingram, email
A: During the cheese-making process, the milk solids separate from the liquid whey, creating squeaky curds that have legions of fans, especially from the cheese capital of Wisconsin. Ideally, you would find the best curds near a cheese-making facility, since they’re at their most flavorful eaten fresh. The freshest curds emit a squeak when you bite down on them. A stale curd remains silent. You can find cheese curds at DeKalb Farmers Market, 3000 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-6400. They’re located near the prepared foods and pre-packaged dairy section, not with the artisan and imported cheeses adjoining the meat department.
Q: I have been trying to find Sahlen’s Hot Dogs. Could you help me find them? — Gary Teribury, Canton
A: Sahlen’s, a meat packing company based in Buffalo, N.Y., has been turning out a variety of meat products since 1869. While the company offers deli meats and sausages, the hot dogs seem to have die-hard fans that are willing to do almost anything to find their favorite franks. Locally, you can get your Sahlen’s fresh off of a charcoal grill or pick up packages from the deli at Barkers Red Hots, 3000 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, 770-272-0407. A 1-pound package of seven Sahlen’s original hot dogs costs $7.49, and five pounds run $26.99. The deli also offers Sahlen’s jumbo all-beef red hots; 1 pound sells for $8.59 and 5pounds sets you back $42.99 for the German-style frankfurters.
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