DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know if readers would please share their recipes for meat pies. I would like to make some for the holidays. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all.

—Linda, Jay

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped me before. I need a Canadian meat pie for Christmas. Thank you.

—No name, no town

ANSWER: Bisson’s Meat Market at 116 Meadow Road in Topsham and Sweet Cakes Bakery at 72 Lisbon Road in Lisbon come to mind when I think of quality meat pies, if you want to purchase some. This is a primo time of year for tourtière, so you will want to call in advance to order. Readers, if you purchase your meat pies from a special place, please let us know.

And to make your own, here is a recipe that was published in a Sun Journal Eats column a few years ago. These pies are easy to prepare, freeze well and can be served at any meal.

As you know, I love recipes, so if you want to share your tourtière secrets with all of us in Sun Spots Land, we would love it.

Tourtière: Dice a large onion and simmer it with 2 pounds of ground pork in 1 1/2 cups water over low heat for 1 hour. Add 1 tablespoon allspice, 1 1/2 teaspoons cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, until liquid is completely cooked away.

Meanwhile, cook 3 large peeled and chopped potatoes in water until tender then mash them with 1/2 cup milk.

Combine meat and potatoes with electric mixer, set on low.

Spoon mixture into prepared 9-inch pie crust. Cover with top crust, sealing and crimping edges and cutting vents for steam to escape. Brush with milk. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, until golden. Yum!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Dec. 4 Sun Spots about canceled postage stamps, I have been collecting them since I was in high school and am still enjoying it. I am 72 years old and hope to continue this hobby, even though I realize my collection probably has no value these days. I would like Charlotte to contact me at 743-1678 so she can give my desire to take her collection and combine it with my lifetime accumulation some consideration.

Thank you many times over for your valuable advice and assistance. Sun Spots is the main reason I read the Sun Journal. Merry Christmas to you.

—Virginia, South Paris

ANSWER: Thank you for the lovely note. It lifted my spirits on this gray December day.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am ready to donate many hardcover books, mostly mystery, to a nonprofit. Please email me at anananagram@live.com, if interested. I can deliver.

—Lynn, no town

ANSWER: If you have not already, I urge you to call your local library. The library can add them to its collection or the books can be sold through the library’s annual book sale or at a second-hand shop. Funds received go to buy relevant materials, help pay for programming and more.

Goodwill Industries is another nonprofit that sells your donated books to help those in need. Homeless and women’s shelters also might welcome your collection. Readers, if you have specific charities in mind that could use books, please write.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we will not use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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