Sunday, June 18, 2006

Cheapskate trap

Okay, I was in the market in the deli section where they have mountains of cheeses piled up. I love the cheeses, sometimes I check to see if my favorites are there, just to make sure my little babies are available, the secret cheeses that only I appreciate. Anyway, I spotted some grated Parmesan cheese in ziploc type pouches. And the price seemed VERY reasonable. Or was it? I had to be sure, so I went looking for the pasta aisle where they keep the Kraft brand (I don't like the chunks as they tend to create bloody knuckles when you grate them) to find out how much it cost per gram. Per gram! I thought to myself that I am officially an old lady.

But you know what? I was right, the one in the fresh deli section was almost half the price. So I went back and grabbed them. Both of the two remaining. And I felt smug as I finished my shopping. Bargains are like happy beans for me.

Yesterday, I made my famous Caesar Salad. It is a huge pain in the ass because I make everything from scratch including the croutons. (Secretly, I love the egg coddling part) It makes a whole dishwasherful of dishes to make it. So we sit down and start eating it and put some of the Parmesan on the salad (it was also in the dressing) and we just didn't find it to be as perfect as it usually is. Since the parmesan was the only possible deviation from the recipe, I had a look at the package.

My eyes widened in horror when I read closely:

Grated cheese product with parmesan. Like it's an afterthought with the parmesan. And what is grated cheese product. Is that like cheese-shit?

Anyway, I had to laugh at my cheapskate ways, and remember an oft learned lesson - Read the packaging!

14 comments:

mainja said...

I never coddle my eggs. i suppose someday i'm going to poison someone...

dirk.mancuso said...

Although I must admit that I do enjoy a teeny tiny bit of parmesan on spaghetti or in the olive oil with fresh bread, I really do not like cheese. And something tells me I would dislike "cheese product" even more.

Snooze said...

I love grating fresh parmesan and never damage my knuckles. Too funny about your mishap though. I probably would have missed the fine print as well.

Nicki said...

Ugh. You and all you other "I make everything from scratch" people. You make me feel like a failure. *sniff* I hope that makes you happy. (Actually, I'm just jealous I don't get a chance to enjoy your meals)

Chunks said...

So share your recipe, cheapskate!!!

I wonder what Grated Cheese Product really is? You should do an investigative report. (oh I just shivered at the gross possibilities)

GayProf said...

No, no, Tía Torn, it says nothing about your old-lady ways that you took the time to find the price per gram but didn’t read the whole label. Don’t even think that!

“Cheese-product” sounds like such a code word for something. This item, apparently because of provincial and federal laws, can’t even claim to be in the “cheese family.” It had to have a modifier.

Actually, I am horrible at shopping when it comes to prices. Basically, I just go into the store with a list of things that I know I want to buy. I have no idea how much money I will be spending until I check out. It explains a lot about my current financial situation.

Anonymous said...

Ok I worked in a cheese place eons ago but I remember that Cheese product is made from soybeans. It is little comfort to know that it is actually better for you than real cheese. If it is to good to be true...No it doesn't make you a little old lady...much. Another tip: the store brand comes from the same factory as the national brands and is usually cheaper.

A Bear in the Woods said...

I've never met a cheese I didn't like, as long as it was recognizably still cheese. Cheese food product is the mark of the beast. And lastly cheese is one of the elixirs of life.

The Lone Rangers said...

I'm a bargain hunter too but there is one thing I learned, Never, ever skimp on cheese or fois gras..

Sunshine said...

This is very disturbing. :P

The Wisdom of Wislon said...

Never heard of coddling your eggs

Perhaps I know it as curdling the eggs ;>)

enjoy your hols!

r said...

I'm with Daniel the Desert guy on this one.

All cheese is good.

Cheese product?

not so much.

Patricia said...

oh now that is just wrong. i feel positively duped, right along with you.

why in hell does the good cheese have to be so expensive, anyway?

Kalv1n said...

This is tragic! But I hope that you used anchovies in your dressing as well...