As a consumer, you have more power than you might think to influence what's stocked at the supermarket. We were struck by the ingenuity of Kim Burton of Wichita, Kan., whose blog complaints about the discontinuation of her favorite cookie, Sunshine Hydrox, sparked a resurrection of the century-old treat.

Our motto is, if you want to eat something -- or cook with it -- speak up!

We've heard from a lot of readers over the years who can't locate products we've mentioned in this column. If there's an easy substitute for a new or obscure ingredient, we make note of it. And we always research the manufacturer's website to be sure the product is available. Even so, we sometimes disappoint cooks who want to try a new recipe and can't find everything they need.

Here's our best advice: Do a quick Internet search to see what the product looks like, and print out a picture to take with you to the store. If you still can't find it, give the printout to supermarket managers and ask them to order it. Nationally distributed products can be ordered quickly, and stores aim to stock what customers want to buy.

One favorite tricky-to-locate ingredient is Del Monte brand Mexican Recipe Stewed Tomatoes. This is the secret to our easy homemade salsa, which pairs perfectly with today's beef tacos. With a quick pulse in the blender, a little cilantro and a shot of fresh lime, these tomatoes become restaurant-worthy salsa.

If you can't find Mexican stewed tomatoes, we offer a close alternative in our recipe notes. But these tomatoes are really worth asking for. Go to delmonte.com/products and click ''tomatoes,'' then ''stewed tomatoes'' for a photo.

• Menu idea: Beef Tacos with So-Simple Salsa and corn on the cob.

Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross' latest book is Cheap. Fast. Good! Their website is desperationdinners.com.

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