Enticed by 50 percent offers

One day, having come across a flyer of Shopwise, we became curious and decided to visit its outlet in Alabang. So we walked in, after a long absence.

We have always endeavored to check stores that are promoting special offers to consumers. And there are many of them. One day, having come across a flyer of Shopwise, we became curious and decided to visit its outlet in Alabang. So we walked in, after a long absence.

Happily we found the staff we were familiar with still working there. Lea, who apparently oversees the counters, walked us to the Elite check-out. Bagger Jaime volunteered to assist us in renewing our card. That was already a plus.

They had reduced prices for various home appliances including TVs. As the temperature rises, the primary need these days is for coolers – air conditioning units, box coolers (which should be filled with water), electric fans. Per our kasambahay, their electric fan has gone kaput. So we got one for them.

As usual our next stop was at the meat (frozen) section for the family favorite lamb chops. There were packs, each one weighing more than a kilo, as they include extra pieces (three as bonus, instead of the usual buy-one-take-one system). The pack we took, which has seven big chops, cost us a little over P600. These are best simply grilled. Brushed with a little salt and pepper, rubbed with dried thyme, grilled in a little butter, they are great! Note that this should be served with mint jelly, not mint sauce as the latter is rather sour. The jelly is available at Santis at P200-plus a bottle.

Back to Shopwise, they have a wide selection of cooking aids like sauces, both locally produced and imported. We got bottles of teriyaki and bulgogi which are practical to have in the kitchen, since they are handy when faced with the problem of what to serve. One can very well open a bottle and marinate pork, chicken or seafood.

For hassle-free snacks, we are pleased with the selection of Monde products, which now include the original mamon, the new cupcakes, the belgian waffles and the crispy waffles.

Innovation has caught up with our home cook. To date, she has concocted no less than four types of pasta dishes. What she does is look at the cupboard and takes note of items she can use. She then goes to the ref and checks out the leftovers, if there are any. She would occasionally find some unused canned goods, half cans of mushrooms, half can of tomato sauce and/or paste, pieces of bacon and ham, sardines, even chicken breast from tinola. Of course she uses olive oil and often sun-dried tomatoes. Voila! A pasta dish would soon evolve! On special days, we would encourage her to sprinkle the dish with truffle oil. Super! Encourage your home cooks to be innovative. They will find great fun, especially if the family gives their concoctions the thumbs up.

Have a good Sunday meal!

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