"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
> Do most people here live in such places?

I'm sure many of us do. I don't have the statistics though. Some are just
willing to pay for the convenience. How far can you drive to save $3 on
your spices?


>
> I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job
or
> getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
> of experimenting.
>
> That's why there are recipes? Right?

Right. Matter of choice though. One fault with your soup analogy is the
final result. Penzeys, (as well as other spice houses) are giving you spices
and herbs, not condensed versions that you add your own chlorinated water
to. You do pay a premium for the convenince, but I don't think quality
suffers.

> >
> > Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> > convince me to think otherwise.
>

>
>
> I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
> stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
> container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
> is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

Some are expensive, others are cheap, especially when compared to the
pre-packaged stuff that is in the supermarkets. There are other sources
that are much cheaper, you have to have access to them. You have that good
fortune. I'd have to drive 96 miles round trip so there would be no
savings. The gas alone is about eight bucks, but factor in all the other
costs of automobile ownership and it is an expensive trip.


>
> BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
> restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
> the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
> waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
> order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
> Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!
>
> Rich

Scams are all around us. I can buy pork loins for $2 a pound at BJ's. Today
I was in a supermarket that had the boneless chops on sale, buy one, get two
free. The price was $5.99 a pound. People grabbed lots of that bargain. Of
course some of the locals don't have the ability to drive 30 miles to the
BJ's store and buy enough to make it pay for the travel cost.