Q: My mother is very picky about her corn meal, and she wants me to find Arnett's self-rising brand. She used to make the best cornbread, so I'm happy to try and find it for her. Can you please help? Thank you. — C. Raymond, email
A: Arnett’s is part of the China Doll line of products, all of which are grown, milled and packaged in the USA. Other China Doll labels include Dixie Lily, Southern Charm and Alabama King. Your mother’s favorite corn meal is available at Buford Highway Farmers Market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-455-0770. You’ll find 24-ounce bags of Arnett’s stone-ground, self-rising cornmeal for $1.49 on American aisle 8.
Q: I have several recipes that use cane syrup. I know that it's available through mail order but I really don't want to do that since shipping the heavy containers will probably cost more than the syrup itself. If you could find a local source, I would very much appreciate it, since I want to buy several cans. Thank you. — Alice Hale, Atlanta
A: Louisiana-based Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup is a Southern staple that is similar to molasses but with a smoother flavor. The syrup is equally at home in barbecue sauces, candies or baked goods. You can usually find Steen’s in yellow cans at DeKalb Farmers Market, 3000 E. Ponce de Leon, Decatur, 404-377-6400. A 12-ounce can costs $3.99.
Q: Where can I find Schweppes Dry Lemon? It's soda, but not sweet at all. I started drinking it while living in South Africa, although I think it's British. I haven't been able to find it here at all. Thanks. — Jen Amosa, Marietta
A: While it’s known as Dry Lemon in South Africa, this soft drink, spiked with quinine, is called Bitter Lemon in its native England. You’ll find Schweppes in 1-liter bottles for $7.99 each at The Queen’s Pantry, 4235 Merchants Walk Drive, Marietta, 678-483-0900. Bitter Lemon often is used as a mixer for cocktails made with gin or vodka.
Q: My boyfriend, his family and I spent the weeks before Passover looking for special food items that used to be easy to find but, for some reason, this year they weren't readily available in the usual places. One of those was Dr. Brown's cream black cherry seltzer (or black cherry cream seltzer). The holiday has come and gone, but I would love to tell him where to find it. He lives in Acworth, I live in Sandy Springs, so if it's available near either city, that would be great. Thank you. — Linda Schmid, email
A: It sounds as if you’re looking for Dr. Brown’s black cherry and cream sodas. Both of these flavors are available in 12-ounce six-packs in the Kosher section of Kroger, 2205 Lavista Road, Atlanta, 404-633-8694. Each six-pack costs $4.99. By the way, that Kroger in Toco Hills has a generous kosher section, so you might find the other items you seek, too.
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