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DEAR SUN SPOTS: With the exorbitant price of eggs, I decided to use substitutes for the eggs in my brownies. I used 1/2 cup of applesauce instead of one large egg. The brownies were moist and delicious.

For another substitution idea, I have also used puréed prunes instead of vegetable oil in spice cake. This makes the cake healthier as well. — Joan, no town

ANSWER: You read my mind, Joan! I was thinking about adding some egg substitution ideas to a Sun Spots letter so thanks for the lead-in! Here you go:

For 1 egg, you can substitute 1/4 cup silken tofu or yogurt, 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or ground chia seeds plus 3 tablespoons water (allow to sit for about 10 minutes), or 3 tablespoons liquid from a can of chick peas or from chick peas you have cooked yourself can be used as an egg white substitute. There is also an egg replacer made by Bob’s Red Mill.

If you enjoy eggs for breakfast and are trying to cut back to stay within your grocery budget, try tofu scramble, liquid egg replacer. Vary your morning menu with yogurt and fruit, overnight oatmeal cups, or hot oatmeal or other grains, last night’s leftovers, soups, protein shakes, roasted veggies, and more. Let’s get some out-of-the-box thinking going — if you have other substitute ideas for eggs and meals containing eggs that I haven’t mentioned, please share. We need to get through this together!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw this scam warning on the Lewiston Fire Department Facebook page on Feb. 10 and wanted to be sure those who don’t use Facebook are aware of this.

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The department and the Lewiston Firefighters Association are not conducting any fundraising at this time. Please be aware of any phone solicitations claiming to be on behalf of these organizations, as they are fraudulent. — Heidi, no town

ANSWER: Thank you for sharing that information with Sun Spots readers. Never give your financial or personal information to a caller. If you’re unsure, hang up then contact the organization yourself. These scammers can sound very professional and legitimate.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to thank the Hobby Lobby store personnel and the person who found and returned my credit card to them. I must have dropped it while Christmas shopping there. — Shirley, no town

ANSWER: I’m certainly glad you and your credit card have been reunited after an honest person finding it. I’m sure you’re very relieved!

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 won’t 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 [email protected].