Caitriona Redmond: When a treat’s too dear, why not make it at home?

In our house, we have a saying that everything will pass. I wonder how long we will have to wait this time?

This week’s recipe includes Irish apples which are in season and wonderfully tart and sweet all at once.

There I was standing in the supermarket last week, comparing the price of own-brand items to their big-name competitor with my phone in my hand. This time around it was mashed potato in the chiller cabinet and the supermarket brand was not cheaper. Yes, you can make mashed potatoes at home for cheaper than a tray from the fridge but this convenience option has its place. It’s cheaper than a takeaway meal, quicker to prepare for dinner and it also doesn’t require an oven or hob to heat up. Pre-prepared mashed potato is also helpful for people with dexterity and mobility issues.

A woman walked beside me and bent to pick up the own-brand mashed potato. I couldn’t help myself and told her that the alternative was cheaper, and so sparked a conversation that has stuck with me since.