"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 20 Jun 2015 21:10:49 -0400, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
>> Where I live I find most pasta shapes, The markets carry several
>> brands including imported. between all the brands I find most shapes.
>> The only shape I don't regulary find are alphabets.
>
> That's just *too* precious.
>
>> My understanding
>> is that alphabets are the most expensive shape to produce as it
>> requires 26 separate extrusion dies, which all need regular
>> maintenence and/or replacement. I find alphabets in a couple of the
>> imported brands but they are priced twice as much at the other shapes
>> in those brands, and the letter shapes are some strange font.
>
> Every Mexican pasta maker sells 'alphabets' in America for $.25-$.50 a
> 3.5-4oz package. They are stamped, not extruded. They're right next
> to the fideo noodles at Walmart.
>
> You really think they have dies that cut off 26 little vowels and
> consonants? In Italy? Mamma mia!
>
> -sw

The price is higher here. I have seen 49 cents but most stores are more
like 65 cents. We did buy those once when Angela had some sort of school
assignment and was required to donate a rather large number of items to the
food bank. Please note that this is what she chose to do. There were other
options. Most of the other kids donated Ramen, which for some reason is
actually requested as a donation at our food bank. She wanted something
different.