GET YOUR BUN AND CHEESE

AS IS CUSTOMARY at this time of year Jamaicans are gearing up for the Easter Weekend in many ways, one of which may include shopping for the right bun. Bun and Cheese has become a staple over many generations for Jamaican households during the Lenten season.
The fact that schools will also be on holidays and most working adults are given Good Friday to Easter Monday off means that many householders will have stocked up on these seasonal items for the long weekend.

A Good Jamaican Bun
In addition to the regular weekly grocery, this week shopping includes the Easter Staple, a good Jamaican bun. The wide array of local Bakeries will be expecting that Consumers will patronize them by selecting their brand bun off the well-stocked supermarket shelves. Some will make their distinction based on packaging, some will make their choice based on the number of fruits used to decorate the bun, some will select base on size, others based on traditions but for many, price will be the determining factor. Especially, when one considers that a larger than usual supply of your favourite cheese will have to be purchased at this time.

Entertainment Budget
Ironically, this time of year is also known for parties, sessions, beach trips and carnival. Persons anxious to make the most of the short vacation will have a lot to choose from as it relates to where to go and with whom to spend their money. Even if it's just a drive out to the country to hang out with friends or reunite with families there will be additional travelling expenses. Many other Jamaicans will be participating in church services and other spiritual activities at this time.

Wise Consumption
In wishing persons a happy and holy Easter, the Consumer Affairs Commission, uses this medium to once again remind and invite consumers to practise "Wise Consumption". Shop around before making a final purchase; consider getting your buns directly at the source – the bakery of your choice. Persons working at the same office, living in the same community (neighbours) or attending the same church could make large volume purchases in groups to offset the cost for individual purchases, benefiting from Economies of Scale. The same principle would apply to cheese as well if purchased in bulk. Another suggestion is to cut back on purchases of other snack items by using the bun and cheese for snacks and lunch ideas during the week.

Bake your own bun
As a family project, persons could enlist their children's creativity and energies in baking their own buns. The quick recipe below is as easy as cheese; anyone can manage it.

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon browning
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ pint milk
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 tablespoons melted margarine (cholesterol free)
• Spices to taste (cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, stout)

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Fold in fruits of your choice (pre soaked in wine and stout)
• Pour into greased loaf tins and bake at a temperature of 350F until done.
• Glaze with Sugar and water or guava jam and serve.

This week also includes World Health Day, (April 7) and the theme is "Road safety is no Accident", the Commission is calling on motorists to exercise care at all times but especially this weekend as a high volume of vehicular traffic is anticipated on the roads. Parents and guardians of young children please assist them in the use of our roadways and do have a healthy and holy Easter.

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Send e-mail to: cacjam@infochan.com or star@gleaner.com

Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk