That seems bloody expensive, Otis! Pelmeni for £8.20 is outrageous. Salo and bread, Borsch - both £4. My missus says she'll make those for you for half price. Your wife should be able to make all of those.
It's not just 'these days', James. I was out of work in the early '90s and was shocked at the number of job applications I made that didn't get a reply - not even an acknowledgement of receipt.