SC - ONCE AGAIN: PRECEDELLA MADE OF ALMONDS

[Elaine Koogler]

Oh Great Sources of Wonderful Information (there, have I groveled
enough??)

I am in serious need of some information.  I am cooking that Oriental
feast weekend after next (9/23) and am in need of several ingredients
which I cannot seem to locate.  I hope some one of you will know where I
can find them:

    Apricot kernel paste
    Tsaoko Cardamom (large black cardamom pods)
    Mei (described as salted, pickled white Chinese plum)
    Chestnuts

If any of you know and can get back to me by tomorrow, I'd be really
grateful.  I've now reconstructed two of the recipes and they came out
pretty well, though the proper kind of cardamom would make a tremendous
difference in the lamb/mutton stew I'm making!

If you don't know any source for the apricot kernel paste, do you know
of a reasonable substitute?

Thanks!!!!

Kiri