What Kind of Value is This?

Sometimes I like doing the shopping for the house - not too often, but I find it therapeutic, sometimes.

Recently, however, I encountered a situation in a large nationally branded SuperMarket that made me think about the value that is being offered to the consumers today. It made me think about the people behind the marketing of these brands. It made me think about the people buying the various brands.

Sauntering down the aisles I was looking at the price per kg of similar products as opposed to the actual sale price of the items. This is normally shown in little tiny print at the bottom of the price card below each product and can give you a very quick view of the real cost of the product.

In the vegetable aisle I saw fresh Broccoli wrapped up in plastic on a little white tray - €2.75 for 300g - nicely trimmed with good florets and not too much stem. "Mmm", I thought. "That'll be nice with a little smoked trout and pasta with that red pepper pesto I got for Christmas". I picked up a few bananas and stuff while there and went over to the electronic scales.

Bananas, one leek, one turnip. "Ah sure I'll throw on the broccoli for the craic!" Not a good plan. The Broccoli which was marked at €2.75 in the pack showed up at 97c when weighed on the scales!

Surely a mistake? No - and don't call me Shirley.

I thought I’d better bring this to someone's attention in case it simply was a mistake and called to a young fella that was stocking shelves nearby. I explained quickly the situation so as not to confuse the young chap and asked him to tell his manager.

As I stood in the Q for the checkout one of the store managers approached and mentioned my “problem with the broccoli”. “Sorry about that” she said “You’re right, but we don’t make the prices here in the store – they are directed by Head Office. But I will bring it to their attention”

Duly noted and thanked I went home.

Two days later the price of the pre-wrapped Broccoli was cut in half, with the words “For Your Convenience” printed above the wrapped vegetable section.

The moral of the story is simple - Check your Prices and “Caveat Emptor” as they say “Let the Buyer Be Aware”.

My Favourite Stuffing Mix

this is a stuffing recipe that i have used for many years. it is versatile and adaptable and can be used with any type of meat. this makes enough for 6 people - generous portions!

Ingredients:
250g butter
200g diced onion
100g diced red onion
100g grated carrot
1 tblsp chopped thyme
1 tblsp chopped parsley
1/2 tspn cracked black pepper
2 cloves garlic diced
1 tspn chopped rosemary
1 tspn chopped basil
1 tspn chopped oregano
300g white breadcrumbs made with crusts and all
300g wholemeal breadcrumbs made with crusts and all

Method:
1. Simply place the butter and all other ingredients, except the crumbs, on a medium heat and cook gently, stirring, until the onions are soft and golden.

2. Add the breadcrumbs and mix in well until the crumbs have absorbed all the wet ingredients.

3. If the stuffing feels a little dry
(depending on the type of day, the weather, the heat of the kitchen or one of another hundred amazingly uncontrollable conditions) I tend to add a little splash of my favourite white wine at this stage and mix well.