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Title: School and Home Cooking
Author: Greer, Carlotta C. (Carlotta Cherryholmes)
Language: English
As this book started as an ASCII text book there are no pictures available.
*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "School and Home Cooking" ***
[Illustration: _By permission of Harrison H Dodge, Superintendent_ A
CORNER OF WASHINGTON'S KITCHEN AT MOUNT VERNON]
SCHOOL AND HOME COOKING
BY
CARLOTTA C. GREER HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOODS AND HOUSEHOLD
MANAGEMENT, EAST TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL CLEVELAND, OHIO
PREFACE
_School and Home Cooking_ is a text which can be placed in the hands
of the pupils and used by them as a guide both in the school and home. Its
use eliminates note-taking (which in reality is dictation) and thus saves
much time.
The _psychological_ method of education, which treats first of
material within the experience of the beginner and with that as a basis
develops new material to meet the needs of the pupil, was kept in mind in
preparing this text. Although the grouping of foods rich in each foodstuff
may be considered a logical arrangement, the method of arrangement of the
content of each division and the method of approach of each lesson is
psychological. The manipulative processes and kinds of dishes are
sufficiently varied to arouse and sustain the interest of a pupil.
Experience with pupils in the classroom shows that their interest in any
subject cannot be awakened by using a list or classification involving
technical terms in introducing the subject. For this reason a
classification of the foodstuffs is not placed at the beginning of the
text; they are classified after each is considered.
At the close of each division of the text there is placed a group of
lessons called _Related Work_, which includes table service lessons,
home projects, and meal cooking. _Table service_ lessons are
introduced in this way to emphasize the fact that a complete meal should
be prepared before all types of foods are studied and manipulative
processes are performed. The _cost_ and _food value_ of meals
are considered in conjunction with their preparation. Wise
_selection_ and thrifty _buying_ of foods are also treated in
these lessons.
_Home projects_ which progressive teachers have found effective in
making home economics function in the home--one of the goals to be
attained in democratic education--contain suggestive material which may
be adapted to the particular needs of the pupils in their homes.
An adaptation of the "meal method," _i.e., meal cooking_, is used
both for the purpose of reviewing processes of cooking, and also for
gaining skill and speed in the preparation of several foods at the same
time.
_Experiments_ regarding food preparation and composition and
processes of digestion are found in this book. Special care has been taken
to state these experiments in terms within the understanding of the pupil
and to intersperse definite questions so that a pupil can follow
directions, make observations, and draw helpful deductions.
The _recipes_ have been adapted from various sources. Where it is
possible, without a sacrifice of flavor or food value, the least expensive
food materials are used. The more expensive materials are used as
sparingly as possible. Definite and practical methods of preparing foods
follow the list of ingredients. The recipes have proved satisfactory in
the home kitchen.
Special thanks are due to Mrs. Mary Swartz Rose, Assistant Professor of
Nutrition, Teachers College, Columbia University, for criticizing portions
of the text regarding dietetics; to Miss S. Gertrude Hadlow, Head of the
Department of English, Longwood High School of Commerce, Cleveland, for
valuable suggestions of material formerly prepared which aided in the
preparation of this work; to Mrs. Jessie M. Osgood for painstaking reading
of the manuscript; and to the following for the use of illustrative
material: The Macmillan Company, D. Appleton and Company, William Wood and
Company, _The Journal of the American Medical Association, The Journal
of Home Economics_, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
CLEVELAND, July, 1920.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
FOREWORD
DIVISION ONE
INTRODUCTION
I. Baked Apples--Dishwashing
II. Measurements--Stuffed and Scalloped Tomatoes
III. Fuels and Combustion--Sauted and Baked Squash
IV. Coal Ranges--Corn Dishes
V. Gas Ranges--Scalloped Fruit
VI. Stoves and Heating Devices--Stuffed Peppers, Butterscotch Apples
DIVISION TWO
BODY-REGULATING FOOD--WATER
VII. Water and Beverages (A)
VIII. Water and Beverages (B)
RELATED WORK
IX. Home Projects
X. Afternoon Tea
DIVISION THREE
BODY-BUILDING AND BODY-REGULATING FOODS,--RICH IN ASH (MINERAL MATTER)
XI. Fresh Vegetables (A)
XII. Fresh Vegetables (B)
XIII. Fresh Fruits
RELATED WORK
LESSON
XIV. Review: Meal Cooking
XV. Home Projects
DIVISION FOUR
ENERGY-GIVING OR FUEL FOODS,--RICH IN CARBOHYDRATES
XVI. Sugar: Digestion of Sugar
XVII. Sugar-rich Fruits: Dried Fruits (A)
XVIII. Sugar-rich Fruits: Dried Fruits (B)
XIX. Cereals: Starch and Cellulose
XX. Cereals: Rice (A)
XXI. Cereals: Rice (B)
XXII. Cereals and the Fireless Cooker
XXIII. Cereals for Frying or Baking
XXIV. Powdered Cereals Used for Thickening
XXV. Toast: Digestion of Starch
XXVI. Root Vegetables (A)
XXVII. Root Vegetables (B)
XXVIII. Root Vegetables (C)
XXIX. Starchy Foods Cooked at High Temperature
RELATED WORK
XXX. Dining Room Service
XXXI. Cooking and Serving Breakfast
XXXII. Review: Meal Cooking
XXXIII. Home Projects
DIVISION FIVE
ENERGY-GIVING OR FUEL FOODS,--RICH IN FATS AN OILS
XXXIV. Fat as a Frying Medium
XXXV. Fat as a Frying Medium--Food Fats
XXXVI. Fat as a Frying Medium--Digestion of Fat
XXXVII. Fat Saving
RELATED WORK
XXXVIII. Dining Room Courtesy
XXXIX. Cooking and Serving Breakfast
XL. Review: Meal Cooking
XLI. Home Projects
DIVISION SIX
ENERGY-GIVING AND BODY-BUILDING FOODS,--RICH IN PROTEIN
XLII. Eggs
XLIII. Eggs: Digestion of Protein
XLIV. Eggs: Omelets (A)
XLV. Eggs: Omelets (B)
XLVI. Milk
XLVII. Milk with Cocoa and Chocolate
XLVIII. Milk and Cream
XLIX. Cream Soups (A)
L. Cream Soups (B)
LI. Milk Thickened with Egg (A)
LII. Milk Thickened with Egg (B)
LIII. Milk Thickened with Egg (C)
LIV. Milk Thickened with Egg and Starchy Materials (A)
LV. Milk Thickened with Egg and Starchy Materials (B)
LVI. Milk Thickened with Egg and Starchy Materials (C)
LVII. Cheese (A)
LVIII. Cheese (B)
LIX. Structure of Beef--Methods of Cooking Tender Cuts
LX. Beef: Methods of Cooking Tender Cuts (Applied to Chopped Beef) (A)
LXI. Beef: Methods of Cooking Tender Cuts (Applied to Chopped Beef) (B)
LXIL. Beef: Methods of Cooking Tough Cuts (A)
LXIII. Beef; Methods of Cooking Tough Cuts (B)
LXIV. Beef: Methods of Cooking Tough Cuts (C)
LXV. Beef: Methods of Cooking Tough Cuts (D)
LXVI. Beef: Uses of Cooked Beef
LXVII. Gelatine (A)
LXVIIL. Gelatine (B)
LXIX. Fish (A)
LXX. Fish (B)
LXXI. Fish (C)
LXXII. Legumes (A)
LXXIII. Legumes (B)
LXXIV. Legumes (C)
RELATED WORK
LXXV. Cost of Food
LXXVI. Cooking and Serving a Breakfast
LXXVII. Review: Meal Cooking
LXXVIII. Home Projects
DIVISION SEVEN
HEALTH AND GROWTH-PROMOTING FOODS,--RICH IN VITAMINES
LXXIX. Vitamines--Vegetables of Delicate Flavor
LXXX. Vitamines--Vegetables of Strong Flavor
LXXXI. Salads (A)
LXXXII. Salads (B)
LXXXIII. Classification of Foodstuffs
RELATED WORK
LXXXIV. Selecting Food
LXXXV. Cooking and Serving a Luncheon or Supper
LXXXVL. Review: Meal Cooking
LXXXVII. Home Projects
DIVISION EIGHT
FLAVORING MATERIALS: FOOD ADJUNCTS
LXXXVIII. Food Adjuncts--Dishes Containing Food Adjuncts
RELATED WORK
LXXXIX. Spending for Food
XC. Cooking and Serving a Luncheon or Supper
XCI. Review: Meal Cooking
XCII. Home Projects
DIVISION NINE
FOOD COMBINATIONS
XCIII. Vegetables with Salad Dressing (A)
XCIV. Vegetables with Salad Dressing (B)
XCV. Fish Salad and Salad Rolls
XCVI. Cream of Tomato Soup and Cheese Straws
XCVII. Veal and Potatoes
XCVIII. Mutton and Lamb Dishes
XCIX. Pork, Vegetables, and Apple Sauce
C. Chicken and Rice
CI. Chicken and Peas
CII. Oyster Dishes
CIII. Meat-substitute Dishes
CIV. Meat Extenders and One-dish Meals
RELATED WORK
CV. Menu-making
CVI. Planning, Cooking, and Serving a Luncheon or Supper
CVII. Review: Meal Cooking
CVIII. Home Projects
DIVISION TEN
QUICK BREADS: POUR BATTERS
CIX. Leavening with Steam and Air: Popovers
CX. Leavening with Baking Soda and Sour Milk: Spider Corn Bread
CXI. Leavening with Baking Soda, Sour Milk, and Molasses: Gingerbread
CXII. Leavening with Baking Powder: Griddle Cakes
CXIII. Leavening with Baking Soda, Sour Milk, and Baking Powder: Sour Milk
Griddle Cakes
CXIV. Leavening with Baking Soda, Sour Milk, and Cream of Tartar: Steamed
Brown Breads
CXV. Formulating Recipes--Waffles
RELATED WORK
CXVI. Measurement of the Fuel Value of Foods
CXVII. Planning, Cooking, and Serving a Dinner
CXVIII. Review: Meal Cooking
CXIX. Home Projects
DIVISION ELEVEN
QUICK BREADS: DROP BATTERS
CXX. Fine and Coarse Flours--Muffins
CXXI. Comparison of Wheat and Other Grains--Muffins
CXXII. Baking Powder Loaf Breads
CXXIII. Eggs for Quick Breads--Cream Puffs
RELATED WORK
CXXIV. Food Requirement
CXXV. Planning, Cooking, and Serving a Dinner
CXXVI. Review: Meal Cooking
CXXVII. Home Projects
DIVISION TWELVE
QUICK BREADS: SOFT DOUGHS
CXXVIII. Method of Mixing Fat in Quick Breads--Drop Biscuit
CXXIX. Quantity of Fat in Quick Breads--Short Cake
CXXX. "Cut" Biscuit
RELATED WORK
CXXXI. Measurement of the Fuel Value of Food Applied to the Daily Food
Requirement.
CXXXII. Planning, Cooking, and Serving a Dinner.
CXXXIII. Review: Meal Cooking.
CXXXIV. Home Projects.
DIVISION THIRTEEN
YEAST BREADS: STIFF DOUGHS
CXXXV. Yeast--Loaf Bread.
CXXXVI. Wheat Flour--Bread Sponge.
CXXXVII. Modifications of Plain White Bread.
CXXXVIII. Rolls and Buns.
RELATED WORK
CXXXIX. Food for Girls and Boys.
CXL. Planning a Day's Diet--Cooking and Serving a Meal.
CXLI. Review: Meal Cooking.
CXLII. Home Projects.
DIVISION FOURTEEN
CAKE
CXLIII. Cake without Fat--Sponge Cake.
CXLIV. Cake Containing Fat--One-egg Cake.
CXLV. Cake Containing Fat--Plain Cake and Its Modifications (A)
CXLVI. Cake Containing Fat--Plain Cake and Its Modifications (B)
CXLVII. Cake Containing Fat--Cookies
CXLVIII. Cakes without Eggs
RELATED WORK
CXLIX. The Luncheon Box
CL. Planning and Preparing Box Luncheons
CLI. Review--Meal Cooking
CLII. Home Projects
DIVISION FIFTEEN
PASTRY
CLIII. Pies with Under Crust
CLIV. Pies with Upper Crust
CLV. Two-crust Pies
RELATED WORK
CLVI. Infant Feeding
CLVII. Modifying Milk
CLVIII. Review--Meal Cooking
CLIX. Home Projects
DIVISION SIXTEEN
FROZEN DESSERTS
CLX. Method of Freezing--Water Ice
CLXI. Frozen Creams
RELATED WORK
CLXII. Diet for Young Children
CLXIII. Planning and Preparing Menus for Children
CLXIV. Review--Meal Cooking
CLXV. Home Projects
DIVISION SEVENTEEN
FOOD PRESERVATION
CLXVI. The Principles of Preserving Food
CLXVII. Processing with Little or No Sugar--Canned Fruit
CLXVIII. Processing with Much Sugar--Preserves, Jams, and Conserves
CLXIX. Processing with Much Sugar--Jellies
CLXX. Processing with Vinegar and Spices--Relishes
CLXXI. Canned Vegetables
CLXXII. Dried Vegetables
RELATED WORK
CLXXIII. The Sick-room Tray
CLXXIV. Preparing Trays for the Sick and Convalescent
CLXXV. Review--Meal Cooking
CLXXVI. Home Projects
DIVISION EIGHTEEN
SUPPLEMENTARY
I. Thanksgiving Sauce
II. Thanksgiving Desserts
III. Christmas Sweets
IV. Christmas Candy
APPENDIX
Suggestions for Teaching
Books for Reference
INDEX
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
A corner in Washington's kitchen at Mt. Vernon [_Frontispiece_]
1. Skewer and knitting needle for testing foods
2. A sink arranged for efficiency in dish-washing
3. Utensils for dish-washing
4. Dish-drainer
5. Dish-drainer
6. Dish-rack
7. Dish-rack
8. A rack for drying dishes
9. Utensils for measuring and weighing foods
10. Coal range, showing course of direct draft
11. Coal range, showing course of indirect draft
12. Gas burner, showing mixer
13. Gas burners
14. Gas range, showing direction of draft
15. Cross-section of wickless kerosene stove
16. Electric range
17. Pressure cooker
18. Steam cooker, containing various foods
19. Scene on a tea plantation
20. Tea-ball teapot
21. Coffee berries
22. Coffee percolator
23. Grains of starch
24. A cupful of rice before and after boiling
25. Insulated wall of a refrigerator
26. Fireless cooker, having excelsior packing
27. Fireless cooker, with stone disks
28. Electric fireless cooker
29. Gas range, having fireless cooker attachment, insulated oven and hoods
30. Method of folding filter paper
31. Utensil for steaming,--a "steamer"
32. "Steam" without pressure, and "steam" which has been under pressure
33. Table laid for an informal luncheon
34. Wheel tray
35. How to hold the knife and fork
36. Keeping the fork in the left hand to carry food to the mouth
37. The teaspoon should rest on the saucer
38. How to hold the soup spoon
39. Apparatus to determine the temperature at which eggs coagulate
40. Method of holding pan to turn an omelet on to a platter
41. Cocoa pods
42. Dried bread crumbs
43. Structure of meat
44. Club or Delmonico steak
45. Porterhouse
46. Sirloin,--hip steak
47. Sirloin,--flat bone
48. Sirloin,--round bone
49. First cut prime rib roast
50. Second cut prime rib roast
51. Blade rib roast
52. Chuck rib roast
53. Colonial fireplace, showing a "roasting kitchen"
54. Round
55. Chuck
56. Cuts of beef
57. Rump
58. Cross rib, Boston cut, or English cut
59. Skirt steak; flank steak
60. Fish kettle, showing rack
61. A suggestion for the division of each dollar spent for food
62. The composition of roots and succulent vegetables
63. The composition of butter and other fat-yielding foods
64. The composition of milk and milk products
65. Cuts of veal
66. Cuts of lamb or mutton
67. Lamb chops
68. The composition of fresh and cured meats
69. Cuts of pork
70. The composition of fresh and dried fruits
71. Removing tendons from the leg of a fowl
72. Fowl trussed for roasting,--breast view
73. Fowl trussed for roasting,--back view
74. Composition of fish, fish products, and oysters
75. The composition of eggs and cheese
76. The composition of legumes and corn
77. The composition of bread and other cereal foods
78. Foods containing calcium
79. Foods containing phosphorus
80. Foods containing iron
81. Oven heat regulator
82. Illustrating the amount of heat represented by one Calorie
83. Comparative weights of 100-Calorie portions of food
84. 100-Calorie portions of food
85. Longitudinal section of wheat grain, showing bran, floury part, and
germ
86. Growing yeast plants
87. Graduated measure and dipper for measuring the ingredients of modified
milk
88. Some species of molds
89. The four types of bacteria
90. Canning foods
91. Rack for holding jars
92. The composition of fruits and fruit products
93. Drier for vegetables or fruits
94. The composition of sugar and similar foods
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
1. Measurement equivalents.
2. Use of the wooden spoon.
3. Lack of draft.
4. Presence of draft.
5. The regulation and purpose of a gas mixer.
6. The dissolving power of water.
7. Presence of gases in water. 8. Simmering and boiling of water.
9. Tannin in tea.
10. The solubility of granulated sugar in cold water.
11. The solubility of granulated sugar in hot water.
12. The solubility of powdered sugar.
13. The solubility of caramel.
14. The starch test.
15. The effect of cold water on starch.
16. The effect of heat on starch.
17. Stiffening of cooked starch.
18. The structure of starch.
19. Separation of cellulose and starch.
20. The difference in the nutritive value of boiled rice and rice cooked
over boiling water.
21. Retention of heat.
22. Starch grains and boiling water.
23. Separation of starch grains with cold water.
24. Separation of starch grains with sugar.
25. Separation of starch grains with fat.
26. The change of starch into dextrin.
27. The solubility of dextrin.
28. Starch in cracker.
29. Action of saliva upon starch.
30. The effect of soaking starchy vegetables in water.
31. Temperature at which fats and oils decompose or "burn".
32. Bread fried in "cool" fat.
33. The temperature of fat for frying
34. Saponification of fat
35. Action of oil and water
36. Emulsion of fat
37. The coagulation of egg-white
38. The solubility of albumin
39. Temperature at which eggs coagulate
40. Comparison of cooked and boiled eggs
41. Effect of beating a whole egg
42. Comparison of eggs beaten with a Dover egg beater and with a wire
spoon
43. Effect of beating egg yolk and white separately
44. Separation of milk into foodstuffs
45. Scalding milk
46. Comparison of the conducting power of metal and earthenware
47. Effect of rennet on milk
48. Separation of curd and whey
49. Effect of acid on milk
50. Division of muscle
51. Effect of dry heat on (_a_) connective tissue, (_b_) muscle
fiber
52. Effect of moisture and heat on (_a_) connective tissue,
(_b_) muscle fiber
53. Comparison of starch and dextrin for thickening
54. Effect of cold water on meat
55. Effect of boiling water on meat
56. Effect of salt on meat
57. Effect of cold water on gelatine
58. Effect of hot water on gelatine
59. Effect of soaking fish in water
60. Effect of boiling fish rapidly
61. Effect of acid on milk
62. Neutralization of acid by means of soda
63. Protein in oyster liquor
64. Leavening with steam and air
65. Comparison of thick and thin quick breads
66. Preparation of flour for quick breads
67. Action of baking soda on sour milk
68. Chemical change
69. Quantity of baking soda to use with sour milk
70. Action of baking soda on molasses.
71. Quantity of baking soda to use with molasses.
72. Effect of cold water on a mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda.
73. Effect of hot water on a mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda.
74. Effect of hot water on baking powder.
75. Starch in baking powder.
76. Comparison of the time of action of different types of baking powders.
77. Conditions for growth of the yeast plant.
78. Protein in flour.
79. Mixtures for freezing.
80. Effect of air, light, and drying upon the growth of molds.
81. Effect of moisture and light upon the growth of molds.
82. Effect of moisture and darkness upon the growth of molds.
83. Effect of moisture and low temperature upon the growth of molds.
84. Growth of molds on cut fruit.
85. Growth of molds upon whole fruits.
86. Growth of molds on other foods.
87. Growth of molds upon wood.
88. Growth of molds upon cloth.
89. Contamination of fresh food by means of moldy food.
90. Growth of bacteria.
91. Effect of boiling upon the growth of bacteria.
92. Effect of preservatives on the growth of bacteria.
93. Use of sugar as a preservative.
94. Pectin in fruit juice.
95. Pectin in the inner portion of orange and lemon peel.
[Illustration: BLEST BE THE FEAST WITH SIMPLE PLENTY CROWNED]
FOREWORD
One of the slogans of the World War,--"Food will win the War,"--showed
that food was much more important than many persons had believed. It
confirmed the fact that food was not merely something that tastes good, or
relieves the sensation of hunger, but that it was a vital factor in
achieving one of the noblest ideals of all time.
The subject of food is a broad one,--one that is growing in interest. Many
present-day scientists are finding a lifework in food study. "Tell me what
you eat and I will tell you what you are," was spoken many years ago. The
most recent work in science confirms the fact that the kind of food an
individual eats has much to do with his health and his ability to work. If
you would be well, strong, happy, and full of vim choose your food
carefully.
A study of food means a knowledge of many things. Before purchasing foods
one should know what foods to _select_ at market, whence they come,
how they are prepared for market, by what means they are transported, and
how they are taken care of in the market. There is a great variety of
foods in the present-day market; some are rich in nutrients; others
contain little nourishment, yet are high in price. It has been said that
for food most persons spend the largest part of their incomes; it is a
pity if they buy sickness instead of health. Whether foods are purchased
at the lunch counter or at market, it is necessary to know what foods to
choose to meet best the needs of the body.
Meal planning is an important factor of food study. The matter of
_combining_ foods that are varied in composition or that supplement
one another in nutritious properties deserves much consideration. Not only
nutriment but flavor enters into food combination. It is most important to
combine foods that "taste well."
In learning to _prepare_ foods, the experience of those who have
cooked foods successfully is most helpful. Hence the pupil is told to
follow directions for cooking a type of food or to use a recipe. Following
a direction or recipe in a mechanical way, however, does not result in
rapid progress. Keen observation and mental alertness are needed if you
would become skilful in food preparation.
One class of food or one principle of cooking may be _related_ to
another or _associated_ with another. For example, the method of
cooking a typical breakfast cereal may be applied to cereals in general.
There may be some exceptions to the rule, but when the basic principle of
cooking is kept in mind, the variations can be readily made. If a pupil
has learned to prepare Creamed Potatoes she should be able to apply the
principle to the cooking of Potato Soup. In making chocolate beverage, the
pupil learns to blend chocolate with other ingredients. The knowledge
gained in making chocolate beverage should be applied to the flavoring of
a cake or of a dessert with chocolate. In all the thousands of recipes
appearing in cook books, only a few principles of cooking are involved.
The pupil who appreciates this fact becomes a much more resourceful worker
and acquires skill in a much shorter time.
The _results_ of every process should be observed. Careful
observations should be made when work is not successful. There is no such
thing as "good luck" in cooking. There is a cause for every failure. The
cause of the failure should be found and the remedy ascertained. The same
mistake should never be made a second time. Progress is sure to result
from such an attitude towards work. Moreover, confidence in the result of
one's work is gained. This is of incalculable value, besides being a great
satisfaction, to the home-keeper.
A dining table with carefully laid covers is always inviting. Graceful
_serving_ of food at such a table is an art. The ability to serve
food in an attractive way is an accomplishment that no girl should fail to
acquire.
Considerations regarding success in learning to cook may be summed up as
follows:
(_a_) Know what foods to select from the standpoint of economy,
nutriment, and flavor.
(_b_) Observe and think when working. Relate or associate one class
of foods with another and one principle of cooking with another.
(_c_) Note the results of your work; know why the results are
successful or why they are unsuccessful.
Food selection, food combination, and food preparation are all important
factors of good cooking. It is to be hoped that the pupil will realize
that the study of food and cooking means the ability not only to boil,
broil, and bake, but to select, combine, use, and serve food properly. All
this demands much earnest thought and effort.
SCHOOL AND HOME COOKING
DIVISION ONE
INTRODUCTION
LESSON I
BAKED APPLES--DISH-WASHING
BAKED APPLES (Stuffed with Raisins)
6 apples
Seeded raisins
6 tablespoonfuls brown sugar
6 tablespoonfuls water
Wash the apples; with an apple corer or paring knife, remove the core from
each. Place the apples in a granite, earthenware, or glass baking-dish.
Wash a few raisins and place 6 of them and I level tablespoonful of sugar
in each core. Pour the water around the apples.
Bake in a hot oven until tender. Test the apples for sufficient baking
with a fork, skewer, or knitting needle (see Figure 1). During baking,
occasionally "baste" the apples, _i.e._ take spoonfuls of the water
from around the apples and pour it on the top of them. The time for baking
apples varies with the kind of apple and the temperature of the oven. From
20 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees F. is usually required.
DISH-WASHING AND EFFICIENCY.--There is almost invariably a waste of effort
in both the washing and the drying of dishes. This may be due to:
(_a_) Poorly arranged dish-washing equipments.
(_b_) Inadequate utensils for dish-washing.
(_c_) Lack of forethought in preparing the dishes for washing and too
many motions in washing and drying them.
Since dish-washing is one of the constant duties of housekeeping,
efficiency methods, _i.e._ methods which accomplish satisfactory
results with the fewest motions and in the least time, should be applied
to it. The washing of dishes, invariably considered commonplace, may
become an interesting problem if it is made a matter of motion study.
[Illustration: FIGURE 1.--SKEWER AND KNITTING NEEDLE FOR TESTING FOODS.
Note that the knitting needle has one end thrust into a cork, which serves
as a handle.]
For thorough and rapid dish-washing, the following equipment is desirable:
A sink placed at a height that admits of an erect position while washing
dishes, [Footnote 1: In case it is necessary for one to wash dishes at a
sink which is placed too low, the dish-pan may be raised by placing it on
an inverted pan or on a sink-rack, which may be purchased for this
purpose.] and equipped with two draining boards, one on each side of the
sink, or with one draining board on the left side; dish and draining pans;
dish-drainer (see Figures 4 and 5); dish-rack (see Figures 6 and 7); dish-
mop (see Figure 3); wire dish-cloth or pot-scraper (see Figure 3); dish-
cloths (not rags); dish-towels; rack for drying cloths and towels; soap-
holder (see Figure 3) or can of powdered soap; can of scouring soap and a
large cork for scouring; tissue paper or newspapers cut in convenient size
for use; scrubbing-brush; bottle-brush (see Figure 3); rack made of slats
for drying brushes (see Figure 2).
PREPARING DISHES FOR WASHING.--If possible, as soon as _serving dishes,
i.e._ dishes used at the dining table, are soiled, scrape away bits of
food from them. The scraping may be done with: (_a_) a piece of soft
paper, (_b_) plate-scraper (see Figure 3), (_c_) a knife or
spoon. The latter is doubtless the most commonly used for dish scraping,
but it is less efficient and may scratch china. If it is impossible to
wash dishes soon after soiling, let them soak in water until they can be
washed.
[Illustration: FIGURE 2.--A SINK ARRANGED FOR EFFICIENCY IN DISH-WASHING.
Note the draining board on each side of the sink, the dish-cupboard in the
upper left corner, and the rack for drying brushes below the sink.]
_Cooking utensils_ need special care before washing, especially if
they have held greasy foods. "Oil and water do not mix!" The grease from
dish-water often collects in the drain-pipe and prevents or retards the
drainage of waste water. This often means expensive plumber's bills and
great inconvenience. Bear in mind the following cautions Before putting a
utensil which has held fat into the dish-water, always wipe it carefully
with a piece of paper. After wiping most of the grease from a pan or
kettle, the remaining fat can be entirely removed by filling the utensil
with hot water and then adding washing-soda. Boil the solution a few
minutes. Fat and washing-soda react and form soap; hence the effectiveness
of this method (See Experiment 34) (This method should not be applied to
aluminum utensils; washing-soda or any alkaline substance makes a dark
stain on aluminum)
[Illustration: FIGURE 3--UTENSILS FOR DISH WASHING
A, soap-holder, B, C bottle-brushes, D, dish-mop, E F, wire dish-cloths G
plate scraper]
Utensils used in cooking can generally be washed with greater efficiency
if they are soaked before washing. Fill each dish or pan with water, using
cold water for all utensils which have held milk, cream, eggs, flour, or
starch, and hot water for all dishes having contained sugar or sirup.
ARRANGING DISHES.--Arrange dishes and all the requisite dish-washing
utensils in convenient order for washing, placing all of one kind of
dishes together. Also place the dishes to be washed at the _right_ of
the dish-pan. Wash them and place the washed dishes at the _left_ of
the pan. A dish-washer invariably holds a dish that is being washed in her
left hand and the dish-cloth or mop in her right hand. That there may be
no unnecessary motions, the dishes should be placed to drain after washing
at the left of the dish-pan. In this way there is no crossing of the left
hand over the right arm as there would be if the washed dishes were placed
at the right of the dish-pan. A cupboard located above the draining board
at the left makes the storing of dishes an efficient process (see Figure
2).
WASHING AND SCOURING DISHES AND UTENSILS.--Fill the dish-pan about two
thirds full of hot water. "Soap" the water before placing the dishes in
the pan; use soap-powder, a soap-holder, or a bar of soap. If the latter
is used, do not allow it to remain in the water. Fill another pan about
two thirds full of hot water for rinsing the dishes. A wire basket may be
placed in the rinsing pan.
Place the dishes, a few at a time, in the dish-pan. Wash the cleanest
dishes first, usually in the following order: glasses, silverware, cups,
saucers, plates, large dishes, platters, cooking utensils, then the soap-
dish and dish-pan. In washing decorated china, use soap sparingly. Do not
wash glassware in very hot water. Use slices of potato, finely torn bits
of blotting paper, or egg shells to clean the inside of water bottles or
vinegar cruets. Wooden-handled utensils or the cogs of the Dover egg
beater should not soak in water.
If the cogs of the egg beater are soiled, wipe them with a damp cloth.
Change the dish-water occasionally, not allowing it to become cold or
greasy.
[Illustration: FIGURE 4.--DISH-DRAINER.]
Wash steel knives and forks and place them without rinsing on a tin pan to
scour. With a cork apply powdered bath brick or other scouring material to
the steel. Again wash the scoured utensils, rinse, and dry. If there are
any stains on tin, iron, or enamel ware, remove with scouring soap. Apply
the latter with a cork, or wring out the dish-cloth as dry as possible,
rub scouring soap on it, and apply to the utensils. Scrub meat, pastry or
bread boards, wooden rolling pins, and wooden table tops with cold water
and scouring soap. Then rinse and wipe the scoured wood with a cloth which
is free from grease. If it is not necessary to scrub meat, pastry, or
bread boards on both sides, they should be rinsed on the clean side to
prevent warping.
[Illustration: FIGURE 5.--DISH-DRAINER.]
RINSING AND DRAINING DISHES.--Place the washed dishes in wire baskets (see
Figures 4 and 5) or in dish-racks (see Figures 6, 7, and 8). If the former
has been placed in the rinsing pan, the basket may be lifted out of the
water to drain the dishes. In case the washed dishes are placed in dish-
racks, rinse them by pouring hot water over them and let them drain again.
[Illustration: FIGURE 6--DISH-RACK.]
DRYING DISHES AND UTENSILS.--If such dishes as plates, platters, and
saucers are placed upright to drain and are rinsed with very hot water, no
towel-drying is required. Glassware and silver should be dried with a soft
towel. Towels made from flour sacks or from glass toweling are good for
this purpose.
Coarser towels may be used to dry cooking utensils. To prevent rusting,
dry tin, iron, and steel utensils most thoroughly. After using a towel on
these wares it is well to place them on the back of the range or in the
warming oven. Woodenware should be allowed to dry thoroughly in the open
air. Stand boards on end until dry.
[Illustration: FIGURE 7.--DISH-RACK.]
CARE OF DISH-TOWELS AND CLOTHS.--Use dish-towels and cloths for no other
purpose than washing and drying dishes. It is a matter of much importance
to keep dish-towels and cloths clean. To clean the towels and cloths soak
them in cold water. Then wash in hot soapy water and rinse them well.
Wring, stretch, and hang to dry on a rack, or preferably in the sun. At
least once a week boil the towels. First soak, wash, and rinse them as
directed above. Then place them in cold water and heat the water until it
boils. Wring, stretch, and hang to dry.
[Illustration: From Home Furnishing, by Alice M Kellogg FIGURE 8.--A RACK
FOR DRYING DISHES.]
CARE OF THE SINK.--If the sink is of porcelain or enamel, it may be
cleaned with soap, but not with scouring soap or powder. The latter wears
away the smooth finish, makes it slightly rough and hence more difficult
to clean. Before applying soap to a sink, wring out the cloth used in
cleaning it as dry as possible and then with the hand push any water
standing in the sink down the drainpipe. Then apply soap to the cloth and
wash the sink. _Do not let the water run from the faucet while cleaning
the sink._ If the dirt and grease on a sink do not yield to soap, apply
a small quantity of kerosene. After cleaning, rinse the sink by opening
the hot-water faucet, letting a generous supply of water flow down the
drain-pipe so as to rinse the trap.
The drain-pipe and trap of a sink need special cleaning occasionally. This
is often done by pouring a solution of washing-soda down the drain. If
this is used, special care should be taken to rinse the drain with much
hot water. As previously explained, grease and washing-soda form soap. If
the latter is allowed to remain in the trap, it may harden and stop the
drain-pipe. Because of the formation of soap and the possible stoppage of
the drain-pipe when washing-soda is used, kerosene is advised. To use
this, first flush the drain with about half a gallon of hot water.
Immediately pour in one half cupful of kerosene. Let the kerosene remain
in the trap for at least 5 minutes. Then rinse with another half gallon of
water. Kerosene emulsifies grease and makes it easy to rinse away.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PERSONAL NEATNESS IN THE SCHOOL KITCHEN AND AT HOME.--For
both comfort and cleanliness a washable gown should be worn in the kitchen
or the gown should be well covered by an apron. It is advisable to cover
the hair with a hair net or cap. Rings are an inconvenience when worn in
the kitchen. The hands should be washed _before_ preparing or cooking
food, and _after_ touching the hair or handkerchief. It is desirable
to have a hand towel conveniently placed.
_Clean cooking_ means _clean tasting_. This can be done by
taking some of the food with the cooking spoon and then pouring it from
the cooking spoon into a teaspoon. Taste from the teaspoon.
QUESTIONS
Are apples sold by weight or by measure, _i.e._ by the pound or peck?
What is the price per pound or per peck of apples?
Why should dishes which have held milk, cream, egg, flour, or starch be
rinsed with _cold_ water?
Why should dishes having contained sugar or sirup be soaked in _hot_
water?
Why should greasy dishes and utensils be wiped with paper and then rinsed
with hot water before washing?
Why should not a bar of soap "soak" in dish-water?
Why not _fill_ the dish-pan with soiled dishes?
Why should glass be washed in warm (not hot) water?
Why should not wooden-handled utensils and the cogs of the Dover egg
beater "soak" in dish-water? Why should glass and silver be wiped with a
soft towel?
Why should tin, iron, and steel utensils be dried most thoroughly?
Why should woodenware be allowed to dry in the open air? (See Experiment
87.)
Why should dish-towels be placed in boiling water during laundering?
Why should scouring soap or powder not be used in cleaning a porcelain or
enamel sink?
What is the purpose of wringing out dry a sink-cloth and letting no water
run from the faucet while cleaning a sink?
LESSON II
MEASUREMENTS--STUFFED AND SCALLOPED TOMATOES
EXPERIMENT 1: [Footnote 2: The pupil should record each experiment in a
notebook in a methodical way, giving (_a_) the aim of the experiment,
(_b_) the process, (_c_) the result, and (_d_) the
conclusion or practical application.] MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENTS.--In
measuring solid materials with teaspoon, tablespoon, or standard measuring
cup (see Figure 9), fill the measuring utensil with the material and then
"level" it with a knife.
Use both water and flour or sugar for the following measurements:
(_a_) Find the number of teaspoonfuls in one tablespoonful
(_b_) Find the number of tablespoonfuls in one cup
(_c_) Find the number of cupfuls in one pint
Half a spoonful is obtained by dividing through the middle lengthwise
A quarter of a spoonful is obtained by dividing a half crosswise
[Illustration: FIGURE 9--UTENSILS FOR MEASURING AND WEIGHING FOODS]
An eighth of a spoonful is obtained by dividing a quarter diagonally
A third of a spoonful is obtained by dividing twice crosswise
A set of measuring spoons (see Figure 9) is most convenient for measuring
fractional teaspoonfuls
NEED OF ACCURACY--When learning to cook, it is necessary to measure all
ingredients with exactness. Experienced cooks can measure some ingredients
for certain purposes quite satisfactorily "by eye". The result is
satisfactory, however, only when the cook has established her own
standards of measurements by much practice. Even then many housewives are
not _sure_ of success. For certain foods the ingredients should
always be measured accurately, no matter how skilful the cook. As far as
possible, the exact quantity of a recipe is given in this text. When the
quantity of an ingredient is too small for practical measurement, merely
the name of the ingredient is given and no definite quantity indicated.
When large quantities of materials are to be measured, a quart measure on
which the pint and half pint quantities are indicated usually proves more
convenient than a measuring cup. Many foods, especially fats, are more
conveniently weighed than measured. Kitchen scales are a useful equipment
for cooking (see Figure 9).
The amateur should, however, train her eye to approximate measurements.
She should learn to estimate the size of saucepans and other cooking
utensils, and also of serving dishes. Measure by cupfuls the capacity of
several utensils in constant use and thus establish a few standards of
measurement.
Also it is well to be on the alert to learn the proper quantity of food to
buy at market, and the proper quantity of food to cook for a stated number
of persons. She would make a sad failure who would prepare just enough
rice to serve four persons when six were to be seated at the table. She
might be able to cook the cereal well and to tell many interesting facts
concerning its growth, composition, and preparation, yet for the lack of a
little homely knowledge the meal would be disappointing. A thrifty
housekeeper would not buy enough lettuce or spinach for ten people when
there were only six to be served. In the school kitchen always note the
quantity of the materials used, and then observe the quantity of the
finished product.
EXPERIMENT 2: USE OF THE WOODEN SPOON.--Place a tin and a wooden spoon in
a saucepan of boiling water. After the water has boiled for at least 5
minutes grasp the handles of the spoons. Which is the hotter? Which would
be the more comfortable to use when stirring hot foods? What kind of
spoon--tin or wood--should be used for acid foods? Why? (See
_Suggestions for Cooking Fruits_.)
Explain why it is that the handles of teakettles, knobs on covers for
saucepans, etc., are of wood.
STUFFED TOMATOES
6 ripe tomatoes
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Dash pepper
3/4 teaspoonful mixed herbs
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
Wash the tomatoes, remove a slice from the tops, and take out most of the
seed portion. Add the seasoning to the bread crumbs, melt the fat, then
add the seasoned bread crumbs to the fat. Fill the tomatoes with the
prepared crumbs, place them in an oiled baking-pan, and bake slowly (about
20 minutes) until the tomatoes are soft but not broken, and the crumbs
brown. Test the tomatoes with a knitting needle or skewer (see Figure 1)
rather than with a fork.
For mixed herbs use equal parts of marjoram, savory, and thyme.
_Soft bread crumbs_ are prepared from stale bread, _i.e._ bread
that has been out of the oven for at least twenty-four hours.
Vegetables, such as corn and canned peas, may be used instead of bread
crumbs to stuff tomatoes. Use salt, pepper, and butter with these
vegetables.
Use a granite, glass, or earthenware utensil for cooking tomatoes. (See
_Suggestions for Cooking Fruits_.)
SCALLOPED TOMATOES [Footnote 3: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--Recipes for both
fresh and canned vegetables are given so that a selection depending upon
the season can be made.]
1 can or 1 quart tomatoes
1 tablespoonful salt
Dash pepper
3 cupfuls bread crumbs
3 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
If fresh tomatoes are used, plunge them into boiling water, then drain and
peel and cut into pieces.
Mix the salt and pepper with the tomatoes and pour into a buttered baking-
dish. Cover with buttered crumbs (see Stuffed Tomatoes) and bake at
400 degrees F., 30 to 40 minutes. Cover during first part of baking to
prevent the crumbs from browning too rapidly. Serve hot. A scalloped
dish should be served from the dish in which it is baked.
Green tomatoes may be scalloped in the same manner as ripe tomatoes.
Soft or dried bread crumbs may be used in scalloping tomatoes. Use only 1
cupful of the dried crumbs.
TO GREASE OR OIL A PAN OR BAKING-DISH.--Heat slightly the pan or dish to
be oiled. Put a bit of fat on a small piece of clean paper. Then rub the
heated pan or dish with the paper. This is a most satisfactory method
because little fat is required and the utensils used for oiling do not
have to be cleaned. Often a spoon or cup that has contained fat may be
wiped with a piece of paper and the latter used for greasing a pan. It is
well for a housekeeper to have a boxful of pieces of paper in the kitchen
for this purpose. Some authorities consider a pastry brush a satisfactory
means of applying melted butter for oiling. Much fat, however, clings to
the bristles of the brush and the brush needs frequent and careful
cleaning.
Butter, oleomargarine, lard, vegetable fats, or oils may be used for
oiling pans or baking-dishes.
QUESTIONS
In stuffed tomatoes, note that the seasonings are added to the crumbs
before they are buttered. Why?
Why test the tomatoes with a knitting needle or skewer rather than with a
fork?
What kind of baking-pan--tin, granite, or earthenware--is best to use for
Stuffed or Scalloped Tomatoes? Why? (See _Suggestions for Cooking
Fruits_, p.65)
Are tomatoes sold by weight or by measure, _i.e._ by the pound or
peck?
What is the price of tomatoes per pound or peck?
How many slices of bread are required to make 2 cupfuls of crumbs?
How many slices in one loaf of bread?
LESSON III
FUELS AND COMBUSTION--SAUTED AND BAKED SQUASH
FUEL.--In order to cook foods, heat in some form must be applied. This
heat is obtained usually by burning some substance. Thus the first
requisite for obtaining heat is something to burn, _i.e._ a fuel. The
fuels commonly used in households are,--wood, coal, kerosene, and gas.
Although electricity is not a fuel, its use in cooking is so well
established that it should be mentioned as a source of heat.
HEAT; KINDLING TEMPERATURE.--There are fuel substances everywhere,--paper,
cloth, wood, etc. These materials do not burn unless heated; even gas does
not burn by simply turning on the stopcock. But if a piece of paper is
placed in contact with glowing iron, the paper burns. It burns because it
is heated. If the blazing paper is placed in contact with kindling wood
and coal, the kindling wood soon begins to burn because it is heated by
the burning paper. The coal burns when it is heated by the burning wood.
All fuels must be heated before they will burn.
When one thinks of the ease with which paper "catches fire" and of the
difficulty of making hard coal burn, it becomes evident that some
substances require only a small amount of heat before they will burn,
while others require much heat. Different materials, then, require
different degrees of heat to burn. The phosphorus and other substances on
the tip of a match ignite readily. The heat that is developed by rubbing
the tip over some surface is sufficient to make the phosphorus burn. The
burning phosphorus and other substances heat the match stick to the
temperature at which it begins to burn; the burning match stick applied to
paper heats the latter to the temperature at which it burns. The
temperature to which a substance must be heated in order to burn and
continue to burn is called the _kindling temperature_ of that
substance.
DRAFT; OXYGEN.--
EXPERIMENT 3: LACK OF DRAFT.--(_a_) Place a short candle on a pan.
Light the candle and put a tall slender lamp chimney over it. Does the
candle continue to burn? Why?
(_b_) Again light the candle and replace the chimney, but this time
support it on two sticks of wood or on the handles of a knife and fork so
that it will not rest directly on the pan. Place a saucer or a piece of
cardboard over the top of the chimney. Does the candle continue to burn?
Why?
EXPERIMENT 4: PRESENCE OF DRAFT.--Remove the cover from the top of the
chimney, and again light the candle. Does it continue to burn? What
substance necessary for combustion is present in the chimney? Explain why
the candle soon went out in Experiment 3, but continued to burn in this
experiment.
If a blanket is thrown upon a burning stick of wood, the wood soon ceases
to burn. The wood stops burning because the oxygen of the air is excluded
from it. _The act of burning,_ i.e. _combustion, is the union of
any substance with oxygen, with the result that heat and light are
produced._ We have learned that a fuel cannot unite with oxygen until
heated to a certain temperature. And, no matter how hot it is, the fuel
will not burn unless it unites with oxygen. Oxygen, then, is the third
requisite for combustion.
The necessity for a draft, _i.e._ a continuous supply of fresh air
which furnishes oxygen, is shown by Experiments 3 and 4.
SAUTED [Footnote 4: To saute is to brown in a small quantity of fat.]
SUMMER SQUASH [Footnote 5: See footnote 3.]
Wash summer squash. Cut it in slices 3/4 inch thick. (Do not remove the
skin or the seeds.) Dip each slice in flour. In a frying pan put some fat
and heat it. Add the squash and cook each slice on both sides until golden
brown in color. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then place a cover over the
frying pan and continue to cook the squash until it is tender. Serve at
once.
BAKED WINTER SQUASH [Footnote 6: See "Note to Teacher," Footnote 3]
Wash a squash and cut or split it into pieces of suitable size for
serving. Remove the seeds from each piece and make several gashes (at
right angles to one another) cutting through the pulp down to the shell.
Place the pieces (shell down) on the grating in the oven and bake (at
moderate temperature) until the pulp is tender. Serve hot, with butter,
salt, and pepper.
QUESTIONS
Name the three requisites for combustion.
Which has the higher kindling temperature, wood or coal? Explain your
answer.
What is the price of summer and of winter squash? How much of each kind of
squash is required to serve 6 persons?
LESSON IV
COAL RANGES [Footnote 7: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--The principles of building
a coal fire and of regulating dampers may be applied to furnaces and
heating stoves as well as to kitchen ranges. In case there are no cooking
or heating stoves or furnaces in which coal is burned in the homes of the
pupils, this lesson may be omitted]--CORN DISHES
EXAMINATION OF A COAL RANGE.--Remove the lids from the coal range. Note
the location of the fire box. What is its purpose? How is the floor of the
fire box constructed? Where is the check damper? What is its purpose?
Where is the ash pan? Where is the front damper? What is its purpose? Note
the place where the stovepipe joins the range. What is the purpose of the
stovepipe? Note the damper in the stovepipe. What is its purpose? Note the
location of the oven. By what is the oven surrounded? Find the oven
damper. Open it. In what direction do the hot gases pass out when the oven
damper is open? What part of the range is heated when the oven damper is
open?
_An open damper permits a direct draft to pass through the range_
(see Figure 10).
Close the oven damper. Trace the direction of the hot gases when the
damper is closed. What parts of the range are heated when the oven damper
is closed?
_A closed oven damper permits an indirect draft to pass through the
range_ (see Figure 11).
How should the front, oven, check, and chimney dampers be arranged when
the fire is kindled?
PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION.--What is found deposited on the inside of the
stovepipe of a coal range? To what is the upper end of the stovepipe
joined? What does one often see coming from the top of a chimney?
[Illustration: FIGURE 10.--COAL RANGE SHOWING COURSE OF DIRECT DRAFT.]
In the previous lesson it was found that when a material burned, it united
with oxygen. It is a matter of common observation that when all solid
fuels--coal, wood, paper--burn, they decrease in size, and that fuel gas
is consumed. Apparently only a few ashes remain when solid fuels have
been burned, and only a disagreeable odor remains when gas has been
burned. Yet soot is deposited in the stovepipe and smoke issues from the
chimney. Both solid and gaseous materials, such as ashes, soot, and smoke,
are formed when fuels burn. Such materials are called _products of
combustion_.
FIRE BUILDING IN A COAL RANGE.--It is necessary to have the fire box, ash
pan, and other parts of the stove clean before building a fire. After
cleaning, place a generous layer of loosely crumpled paper over the bottom
of the fire box, then about four layers of kindling wood, placed so that
there are air passages between the pieces, and on top of the wood put two
shovelfuls of coal. Regulate the dampers for a direct draft, replace the
stove-lids, and brush the surface of the stove.
[Illustration: FIGURE 11.--COAL RANGE SHOWING COURSE OF INDIRECT DRAFT.]
Before lighting the fuels, polish the range in the following manner: To
the nickel of the stove apply whiting and ammonia or any satisfactory
metal cleanser.
To the iron of the stove apply oil rather than "blacking." Light paraffin
oil may be used for this purpose. Apply the oil with cotton waste, or a
soft cloth. (Care should be taken not to apply an excess of oil.) Polish
with soft cotton or woolen cloth. One should remember, however, that oil
must be used with caution. _It should never be applied to a stove
containing burning fuels._ If the stove cloth, saturated with oil, is
not destroyed after using, it is well to keep it in a covered tin can or
stone jar. After polishing the stove, light the fuels. When the wood is
reduced to glowing embers and the coal is burning, add more coal. If this
burns well, change the dampers to make an indirect draft.
GREEN CORN In selecting corn for cooking, choose those ears that are
filled with well-developed kernels, from which milky juice flows when
pressed with the thumb. Cook as soon as possible after gathering.
_To boil green corn_ remove silk and husk from the corn, place the
ears in boiling water. Cook the corn until no juice flows from the kernels
when pressed (usually from 12 to 20 minutes). Serve whole on a platter.
The platter may be covered with a folded napkin.
_To bake green corn_ select 12 ears. Remove the corn from the cob as
follows: Cut through the center of each row of grains, slice off the tops
of the kernels, and then scrape the pulp thoroughly from the cob. Put in a
baking-dish, add:
3/4 cupful milk
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
2 teaspoonfuls salt
Pepper
Bake in a moderate oven for about 45 minutes. Serve hot.
Green corn which has been cut from the cob may also be cooked on top of
the range. To the corn cut from 12 ears, add the same ingredients, using
less milk. Cook at simmering temperature until tender.
SCALLOPED CORN
1 can corn
2/3 cupful milk
1 1/4 teaspoonfuls salt
Dash pepper
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
Mix the corn, milk, and seasonings. Mix the crumbs and fat, and place one
fourth of them in the bottom of a buttered baking-dish, add one half of
the corn mixture, then another fourth of the crumbs, the remainder of the
corn mixture, and finally the remainder of the buttered crumbs. Bake at
400 degrees F., for 45 minutes.
QUESTIONS
Explain why it is necessary to have the fire box, ash pan, and other parts
of a coal range clean before building a fire.
If both hard and soft woods are used in building a fire, which should be
placed next to the paper? Explain your answer.
What is the advantage in using oil rather than blacking in cleaning a
range?
Explain why a stove cloth, saturated with oil, should be kept in a covered
tin can or stone jar.
Compare the method of mixing the crumbs in Scalloped Tomatoes and in
Scalloped Corn. Which contains the more moisture,--corn or tomatoes? From
this explain the difference in mixing.
What is the price of 12 ears of green corn or of 1 can of corn?
LESSON V
GAS RANGES--SCALLOPED FRUIT
EXAMINATION OF A GAS BURNER.--Inspect a gas burner and find the following
parts: (_a_) Supply pipe. (_b_) Stopcock. (_c_) Burner.
(_d_) Mixer (see Figure 12).
To light a gas burner, observe the following directions, and in the order
named: (_a_) Strike the match. (_b_) Turn the stopcock.
(_c_) Apply the match to the open burner. (_d_) If necessary,
regulate the stopcock and mixer, so that the flame is blue in color.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Clark Stove Co_ FIGURE 12.--GAS BURNER
SHOWING MIXER]
EXPERIMENT 6: THE REGULATION AND PURPOSE OF A GAS MIXER.--Light a gas
burner and then completely close the mixer of the burner. If the mixer is
stationary, it may be closed by wrapping a piece of paper about it. What
is the color of the flame? Now open the mixer. What is the color of the
flame? What substance has been "mixed" with the gas by opening the burner?
What is the purpose of the mixer?
EXAMINATION OF A GAS RANGE.--Inspect a gas range and find the following
parts: (_a_) Top burners--regular, giant and simmering (see Figure
13). (_b_) Stopcocks of top burners. (_c_) Oven burners.
(_d_) Stopcocks of oven burners. (_e_) Pilot (if there is one).
(_f_) Baking oven. (_g_) Broiling oven. (_h_) Warming oven
and its burner (if there is one). (_i_) Supply pipe. (_j_)
Stovepipe.
The method of lighting oven burners varies in different ranges, and for
this reason it is impossible to give directions for lighting which will
apply to all oven burners. There is, however, one important direction that
should always be borne in mind. _Always open the oven door before
lighting the oven burners._ If such caution is not observed, the gas
may escape into the oven and cause an explosion. In case there is a pilot-
lighter, open the oven door and see that the oven burners are turned off
before lighting the pilot.
[Illustration: Courtesy of Clark Stove Co FIGURE 13--GAS BURNERS A,
giant, B, regular, C, simmering]
ADJUSTING A GAS BURNER.--The products of combustion of fuel gas that most
interest the housekeeper are carbon and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is
not a poisonous gas, but it does not support animal life. Air containing
much carbon dioxide does not contain enough oxygen for perfect
respiration, hence the need of an outlet for the products of combustion of
a gas stove; good flue construction is quite as necessary for a gas range
as for a coal range (see Figure 14).
When gas burns with a yellow flame, it deposits soot on cooking utensils
and does not give as much heat as it should. This is caused by incomplete
combustion. Moreover, _carbon monoxide_, which is present in some
gas, may escape without burning. This is an exceedingly poisonous gas and
when inhaled even in small quantities may cause serious effects. Hence it
is specially necessary for a housewife to see that the gas burner is
clean, well regulated, and properly constructed, so that sufficient air
can mix with the gas to produce a blue flame.
CONSERVING GAS.--According to authoritative information, [Footnote
8: United States Fuel Administration Bulletin, "Use and Conservation of
Natural Gas"] "the demands for natural gas are now greater than the
available supply. Food and trees can be grown. Water supplies are
constantly replenished by nature, but there is no regeneration in natural
gas." It is thought that natural gas forms so slowly that millions of
years will be required to make the present concentrated supply. As far as
we are concerned, when the present supply is used up, it is gone forever.
Since natural gas is a most efficient fuel, every housekeeper and
householder should feel obligated to waste none of it. Suggestions for
conserving gas follow:
(1) See that the mixer is properly adjusted so that the flame is light
blue in color.
(2) In selecting a gas stove, see that the burner is so located that the
cooking surface is the correct distance above the burner. The tip of the
flame should touch the bottom of the utensil. If it is necessary to have a
long flame in order to bring this about, there is considerable waste of
gas.
(3) If the flame is long, the gas pressure is greater than necessary.
Regulate the gas pressure by adjusting the valve in the supply pipe. A
short flame will save gas and produce satisfactory results, provided the
cooking surface is the proper distance above the burner.
(4) After the contents of a cooking utensil boils, turn the gas cock so
that only "gentle" boiling takes place. A food becomes no hotter in
rapidly boiling than in gently boiling water.
(5) When possible, use the simmering burner rather than the regular or
giant burner.
(6) Let the flame touch only the bottom of the cooking utensil. There is a
wastage of gas when the flame streams lip the sides of the cooking
utensil.
(7) Turn off the gas immediately when fuel is not needed. Matches are
cheaper than fuel gas.
CARE OF THE GAS RANGE.--_Daily Care_.--If any substance on the stove
cannot be removed easily, loosen it with a knife, and then wipe the stove
with a newspaper. Clean the stove with waste or a cloth having a little
light paraffin oil on it. Polish with soft cotton or flannel cloth. Remove
the tray that is beneath the top burners, and wash.
_Weekly Care_.--Wash the inside of the oven and the movable tray with
water to which washing soda solution has been added. It is well to light
the oven burner to dry the stove after washing the ovens. Polish the
nickel, if necessary. Clean the stove with oil as directed for a coal
range. (_Since oils ignite most readily, care should be taken not to
apply the oil when the stove is lighted!_) Wipe the burner with the
oil. Clean the small holes of the burners by using a knitting needle or
wire kept for this purpose; or, if the openings in the burners are slots,
use a knife to clean them.
SCALLOPED APPLES
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
3 cupfuls apples
1/2 cupful sugar
1/4 teaspoonful cinnamon
1/2 teaspoonful nutmeg
1/2 lemon,--juice and grated rind
1/4 cupful water
Mix the bread crumbs with the fat as directed for Stuffed Tomatoes.
Chop or cut the apples in small pieces, and add the remaining ingredients
to the apples. Arrange the crumbs and apple mixture in a baking dish as
directed for Scalloped Corn. Bake 40 to 60 minutes (until the apples are
tender and the crumbs brown), in a moderate oven. Cover during first 20
minutes of baking. Serve hot with sugar and cream or Hard Sauce. Care
should be taken in grating _lemon rind_. Only the thin yellow portion
should be used as flavoring.
HARD SAUCE
1 cupful butter
1 cupful powdered sugar
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Cream the butter, add the sugar gradually, then the flavoring. Chill and
serve over hot puddings.
SCALLOPED BANANAS
In the Scalloped Apple recipe substitute bananas for apples, omit the
water, and use 1/2 teaspoonful of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoonful of cloves
for the spices. Bake until the bananas are heated through and the crumbs
browned. (It will take about 15 minutes.) Serve as Scalloped Apples.
QUESTIONS
Explain fully why the oven door of a gas range should be opened while the
oven burners are being lighted.
If a gas stove has no pipe for waste products, what special caution must
be observed in ventilating the kitchen?
What are some of the advantages of a gas range over a coal range?
What disadvantage other than gas wastage is there when a flame streams up
the sides of a cooking utensil?
What causes pared apples to become discolored?
Give the order of preparation of ingredients for Scalloped Apples so that
discoloration of the apples will be avoided.
How many medium-sized apples are required to make three cupfuls of chopped
apples?
What is the purpose of covering the Scalloped Apples during the first half
of the time for baking?
What is the effect of the air on peeled bananas?
Give the order of preparation of ingredients for Scalloped Bananas.
Why should the banana mixture be baked a shorter time than the apple
mixture?
What is the effect of too long baking on bananas?
What is the most practical method of cleaning a grater? Why should not the
dish-cloth be used in cleaning it?
LESSON VI
STOVES AND HEATING DEVICES--STUFFED PEPPERS, BUTTERSCOTCH APPLES
KEROSENE STOVES. [Footnote 9: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--In case no kerosene,
gasoline, or electric stoves are used in the homes of the pupils, the
portion of the lesson regarding these stoves may be omitted.]--Where gas
is not available for cooking, kerosene may serve as a fuel. In case a
house is equipped with a coal range, a kerosene stove may also be
desirable for use in summer time.
There are two types of kerosene stoves, viz., wick and wickless stoves.
The burners of the former type are supplied with cotton wicks which become
saturated with kerosene. When a match is applied to the wick, the
kerosene on it vaporizes and the vapor burns. The burning kerosene vapor
vaporizes more kerosene and thus the burning continues.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Detroit Vapor Stove Co_ FIGURE 15.--
CROSS-SECTION OF WICKLESS KEROSENE STOVE.]
In one type of wickless stove it is necessary to heat the burner so that
the kerosene will vaporize when it comes in contact with it (see Figure
15). Such a burner may be heated by pouring a small quantity of gasoline
into it. A lighter is then applied to the burner. When the latter is
sufficiently heated, the kerosene is turned on. The kerosene then
vaporizes as it flows into the hot burner and burns.
In other types of so-called wickless stoves, the burners are equipped with
asbestos or other incombustible material. This material becomes saturated
with kerosene and carries the fuel to the tip of the burner somewhat as
does a cloth wick.
It is especially necessary to keep kerosene burners clean. Bits of carbon
collect in them and prevent perfect combustion. This results in "smoke" or
soot issuing from the burner. It is well to keep the burners and wicks
free from charred material, and to renew the latter when they become
short.
Most kerosene stoves are equipped with removable containers for the fuel.
These should be kept filled with sufficient kerosene for burning. A wick
burner should never be allowed to burn after all the kerosene in the
container is exhausted.
GASOLINE STOVES [Footnote 10: See note to the teacher, Footnote 9.]--
Since gasoline is a much more readily inflammable fuel than kerosene, it
requires a different type of burner and stove. As a usual thing gasoline
cannot be burned in kerosene stoves nor kerosene in gasoline stoves. (In
the stove shown in Figure 15, however, either fuel may be burned.)
When gasoline is used in a stove, it is necessary to vaporize the gasoline
before lighting the burner. This is accomplished in most stoves by letting
the gasoline flow into a cup situated underneath the burner, turning off
the supply of gasoline, and then applying a match to the cup. By the time
the gasoline is burned the burner is heated. Then the stopcock is turned
on, a match applied to the burner, and the gasoline vaporizes and burns.
Gasoline burners, like those in which kerosene is burned, should be kept
clean. When a mixture of gasoline vapor and air is heated, an explosion
may result. It is for this reason that _the tank or gasoline container
of a stove should never be filled while the burners of the stove are
lighted or even hot._
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing
Co_ FIGURE 16.--ELECTRIC RANGE.]
ELECTRIC STOVES. [Footnote 11: See note to the teacher, Footnote 9.]--It
was mentioned previously that electricity is not a fuel. Hence electric
stoves are not provided with burners. They have heaters which contain
coils of wires through which an electric current passes. Electricity is
the cleanest source of heat for cooking. But in order to operate an
electric stove economically, it is necessary to utilize the current
required for a heating element to its greatest extent. For example, if the
current is turned on to heat the oven as many foods as possible should be
cooked in the oven (see Figure 16).
[Illustration: FIGURE 17.--PRESSURE COOKER.]
DEVICES AND UTENSILS FOR SAVING FUEL.--The _pressure cooker_ (see
Figure 17) in which a temperature higher than that of boiling water is
maintained is a great saver of fuel. A food can be cooked in from one
third to one fourth the usual length of time in one of these devices.
Moreover, pressure cookers are especially valuable for high altitude
cooking, where water boils at a temperature lower than at sea level.
The _steam cooker_ (see Figure 18) is a fuel saver, when several
foods are cooked at one time in it. Sufficient fuel for only one burner is
required to operate it. The so-called _clover leaf pans_ or
utensils of such shape that two or three can be placed over one burner or
heater save much fuel or current (see Figures 16 and 27.).
The _fireless cookers_ described in Lesson XXII are practical fuel
and heat savers.
STUFFED PEPPERS [Footnote 12: A choice of either Stuffed Peppers or
Butterscotch Apples may be made for this lesson.]
6 green peppers
1 cupful cooked meat, chopped
1 tablespoonful scraped onion
1 teaspoonful salt
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Toledo Cooker Co_ FIGURE 18.--STEAM
COOKER CONTAINING VARIOUS FOODS.]
Cut a slice from the stem end of each pepper or cut each pepper lengthwise
in halves. Remove the seeds.
Mix the chopped meat, onion, and salt. Mix the bread crumbs and fat as
directed in Stuffed Tomatoes. Combine the ingredients and stuff the
peppers with the mixture. Place the peppers in a baking-dish or pan, and
pour enough boiling water into the dish or pan to cover the bottom of it.
Bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees F.) for 30 to 45 minutes or until the
peppers are tender. Serve hot in place of meat.
If desired, 1/4 cupful fresh or canned tomatoes may be added to the
stuffing mixture. Cooked rice may be substituted for the bread crumbs. A
mixture of cooked rice and cheese sauce (see p 87) also makes a tasty
stuffing for peppers.
If a slice is cut from the top of the pepper, it may be used as a lid to
cover the pepper after stuffing.
BUTTERSCOTCH APPLES [Footnote 13: See footnote 12.]
5 apples
2/3 cupful brown sugar
1/2 cupful water
3/4 cupful milk
1/2 tablespoonful corn-starch
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1/2 to 1 tablespoonful butter
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Wash the apples, and cut them into quarters, pare and core them. Into a
saucepan put the sugar and water, and heat. When the sirup boils, add the
apples. Cover and boil gently until the apples are tender. Remove the
apples from the sirup with a skimmer or a wire egg beater, placing the
fruit in sherbet glasses or other suitable dishes for serving.
In another pan, mix the milk and corn-starch thoroughly. Stir and cook
until the mixture reaches the boiling point, then add it to the sirup in
which the apples were cooked. Boil for a few minutes. Add the salt,
butter, and vanilla. Stir these into the mixture, then pour the sauce over
the apples. Serve Butterscotch Apples hot or cold for a dessert.
QUESTIONS
State at least two reasons why gas, kerosene, and gasoline are more
popular fuels in summer time than coal.
Mention a possible cause for smoke issuing from a kerosene burner.
Why should a wick burner never be allowed to burn after all the kerosene
in the container is exhausted?
Carefully explain why the tank of a gasoline stove should never be filled
while the stove is lighted or hot.
Why are electric stoves not provided with burners?
Why is a pressure cooker regarded as a fuel saver?
How should a steam cooker be used in order to save fuel?
Explain how it is possible to save fuel by using clover leaf pans.
Note that no ground pepper is added to the stuffing for peppers Give the
reason for this.
What is the purpose of pouring boiling water in the dish or pan in which
peppers are baked?
Did the sirup in which the apples were placed completely cover the fruit?
From this explain why it is advisable to cover the apples during the
cooking.
NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--If the course in food study is begun in the fall,
when fruits are in season, the lessons of Division Seventeen--_The
Preservation of Food_--may follow this lesson. The plan of canning
fruit in the autumn is desirable, especially if the course in foods covers
but one year. If more than one year is devoted to food study, the teacher
may find it more satisfactory to can fruits in the autumn of the second
year, or at the close of the spring semester of the first year. The pupils
at these times will have become more skilful, so that the canning of foods
can be accomplished with greater satisfaction. The high cost of fruits and
sugar make it imperative that as little spoilage as possible result from
food preservation. (Also see the note at the end of lesson XIII.)
DIVISION TWO
BODY-REGULATING FOOD: WATER
LESSON VII
WATER AND BEVERAGES (A)
EXPERIMENT 6: THE DISSOLVING POWER OF WATER.--Put 1/2 teaspoonful of salt
in a test tube, half fill it with water. Cover the mouth of the test tube
with the thumb, then shake the tube. Do the contents become clear? Set the
tube aside for a few minutes. Does the salt separate from the water?
When a solid substance, by mixing with water, disappears in the water and
does not separate on standing, the solid substance is _dissolved_.
The salt was therefore dissolved in cold water, or it may be said that
salt is _soluble_ in cold water, or that water is a _solvent_ of
salt.
SOLUTION AND DIGESTION.--The change of foods in the body from insoluble to
a soluble form is one step in digestion. Foods are dissolved in the
digestive juices of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Some foods such as
salt and certain sugars are readily dissolved. Other foods have to undergo
changes before they will dissolve. Corn-starch, for example, does not
dissolve in cold water. It must be changed into sugar (which is easily
dissolved) in the process of digestion. Dissolving then is an important
step in the process of digesting.
USE OF WATER IN THE BODY.--A person might live for a number of weeks
without eating food, but he could live only a few days without drinking
water. Water has many uses in the body.
(_a_) It is the greatest known solvent. Because of this property,
water is extremely important in the processes of digestion. (See
_Solution and Digestion_.)
(_b_) It is a great carrier. Water helps carry food materials to all
parts of the body; and it aids in carrying off the wastes of the body.
(_c_) It assists in regulating the temperature of the body. Because
water is present in blood, and blood flows from the warmer interior of the
body to the colder exterior, the water aids in distributing the heat of
the body. The evaporation of perspiration, which is largely composed of
water, also aids in regulating body temperature.
It is thus readily seen that water is needed to keep the machinery of the
body working smoothly. The uses of water may be summed up in the
statement: _Water aids in regulating body processes_.
FOREIGN MATERIALS IN WATER.--Since water is such a ready solvent, it
contains many foreign materials. In passing through the air and in flowing
through the ground, it dissolves many substances. Some of these substances
are harmless, while some contain disease bacteria and are dangerous. Well
water is frequently contaminated. It is often not safe to use for drinking
purposes unless boiled.
EXPERIMENT 7: PRESENCE OF GASES IN WATER.--Fill a beaker half full of
water, and note its temperature. Heat the water, and observe the changes
which take place. What appears on the sides and bottom of the beaker? What
does water contain which is driven off by heat?
EXPERIMENT 8: SIMMERING AND BOILING OF WATER.--Continue to heat the water
of Experiment 7 until the larger bubbles form and disappear at the surface
of the water. Note the temperature. Continue to heat the water until
bubbling occurs on the surface of the water. Note the temperature. What is
indicated by the larger bubbles?
HEATING WATER.--When bubbling occurs below the surface, water is
_simmering_. When the surface is in motion and steam is given off,
water is _boiling_.
[Illustration: FIGURE 19--SCENE ON A TEA PLANTATION.]
The loss of gases makes boiled water taste flat or insipid. This flatness
can be overcome somewhat by _aerating_ the water after boiling,
_i.e._ by pouring it from one vessel into another and thus mixing air
with it.
TEA AND ITS SELECTION.--Tea shrubs grow in India, Ceylon, China, and Japan
(see Figure 19). The buds and leaves of these shrubs are cut and dried and
sold as tea.
In buying tea the size of the dried leaves should be noted. The smallest
leaves are those which have grown nearest the tip of the twig and hence
are the youngest. These make the choicest tea. The older and larger leaves
make tea of less fine flavor. "Flowery Pekoe" and "Orange Pekoe" are
choice India teas. These brands consist of the buds and youngest leaves.
Another point to consider in buying tea is its color. Tea leaves are
either black or green. The chief difference between black and green tea is
that black tea leaves are fermented after picking, while green are not.
Tea leaves contain flavoring and stimulating materials and a substance
called _tannin_ (sometimes called tannic acid) which interferes with
digestion. The presence of tannin in both black and green tea can be shown
by the following:
EXPERIMENT 9: TANNIN IN TEA.--(_a_) Put 1/2 teaspoonful of black tea
in a cup. Add 1/2 cupful of boiling water. Let it stand for 5 minutes,
then strain the infusion.
(_b_) Repeat (_a_) substituting green tea for black.
(_c_) Into 2 test tubes put 1 teaspoonful of each kind of beverage.
To each tube, add 1/2 teaspoonful of ferrous sulphate solution and let the
tubes stand. If a black substance appears in the tubes, tannin is present.
Which kind of beverage,--black or green tea,--shows the greater quantity
of tannin?
By fermentation, tannin is changed into a _less soluble form_, so the
beverage made from black tea contains less tannin than that made from
green tea. Hence, black tea is preferable. It is, however, slightly more
stimulating than green tea. Good black tea is grayish black in color, not
dead black. "English Breakfast" is a black tea. It consists of a mixture
of several black teas. "Oolong" is black in appearance, but has the flavor
of green tea. This is because it is only semi-fermented. Teas grown in
various countries have different flavors.
Tea is sometimes adulterated by using the leaves of other plants or by
adding large leaves and stems. It is said the finest brands of tea do not
reach this country.
MAKING THE BEVERAGE.--Because tea contains tannic acid, an earthen,
enamel, china, or silver teapot should be used; a tin teapot should never
be used. (See _Suggestions for Cooking Fruits_.) The ingredient in
tea that gives it its odor and flavor is a volatile substance. Hence tea
leaves should be kept in closely covered jars or cans.
Boiling water draws out substances which give the beverage its flavor and
stimulating properties, while water below the boiling point only partially
draws out these substances. If, however, the leaves are boiled or are
allowed to remain in water for more than five minutes, much tannin is
drawn out in the water. Therefore, never boil tea, but pour boiling water
over it and in five minutes strain out the tea leaves.
TEA (proportion for one cupful)
1/4 to 1 teaspoonful black tea leaves
1 cupful freshly boiled water
Heat the teapot by pouring boiling water into it. Pour out the water and
add the tea leaves. Pour over them the freshly boiled water. Place the
teapot in a warm place to steep, and in 5 minutes strain out the tea
leaves.
Teapots provided with perforated cups or with tea-balls (see Figure 20)
for holding the tea leaves are most convenient, as the cup containing the
leaves may easily be removed or the tea-ball can be drawn above the
surface of the liquid after steeping the tea for 5 minutes. Or two teapots
may be used, the beverage being strained from one teapot into the other.
The quantity of tea to be used varies with the strength of tea desired. If
the leaves are closely rolled, less tea is required than if they are
loosely folded.
Tea may be served with cream and sugar, or with lemon and sugar. The
latter is called Russian Tea, and is often served with a preserved cherry.
In warm weather _Iced Tea_ may be served. "Left over" tea may be
utilized in this way, or hot tea may be cooled quickly by adding ice to
it. While the latter method requires more ice, the tea is considered of a
finer flavor. Iced Tea is served usually with sugar and lemon. Since sugar
does not dissolve as readily in cold solutions as in hot (see Experiments
10 and 11) a sirup may be prepared for sweetening Iced Tea.
[Illustration: Courtesy of Manning, Bowman Co FIGURE 20.--TEA-BALL
TEAPOT.]
Even though tea is carefully selected and prepared it contains some
tannin. This, as has been mentioned, is injurious. The stimulating
material in tea also distresses some persons. Children, nervous persons,
and those who suffer from constipation are advised not to drink tea.
TOASTED WAFERS AND CHEESE
Spread crackers or wafers with a small quantity of cheese. Season the
cheese with a sprinkling of salt and paprika. Brown the wafers in the
oven. When the cheese is melted, the wafers are ready to serve.
If thick crackers are used, they may be split open and the broken surface
spread with cheese.
QUESTIONS
By what means is flavor extracted from tea leaves?
How can the extraction of much tannic acid be avoided in tea?
Give the reason for using freshly boiled water for tea. (See Experiments 7
and 8.)
Which is the better kind of tea to use--black or green? Explain.
Why should tea be strained after steeping 5 minutes?
From your grocer learn the names and prices of two green and two black
teas. From what countries do they come?
How many cupfuls in one pound of tea leaves? How many teaspoonfuls in a
pound?
Determine the approximate number of wafers in a pound. Also estimate the
quantity of cheese needed for one pound of wafers.
LESSON VIII
WATER AND BEVERAGES (B)
WATER AS A BEVERAGE.--Most foods contain water. Not only moist foods such
as milk and watermelon, but solid foods such as potatoes and rice contain
water. The water present in foods, however, is not sufficient for the
needs of the body. It is necessary to use water as a beverage.
When one rises in the morning, it is well to drink one or two glassfuls of
water. From one to two quarts of water,--either as plain water or in
beverages,--should be taken each day. It used to be thought that water
drinking during a meal was harmful. Scientific investigations have shown
that this is a mistaken idea. Water may be drunk at mealtime. Indeed it
has been found that it aids in the digestive processes, provided foods are
not "rinsed down" with it and provided very cold water is not used.
WATER, A FOODSTUFF.--The body is nourished by food and there are many
different kinds of food. Moreover, most foods are made up not of one
substance, but of a number of materials. The chemical substances of which
foods are composed are called _nutrients_ or _foodstuffs_
[Footnote 14: The difference between the scientific and popular meaning of
the word foodstuffs should be noted. Foodstuffs is defined and used as a
scientific term in this text.]. (Foodstuffs were formerly called _food
principles.)_ A few foods contain but one foodstuff, some contain
several foodstuffs, many contain all the foodstuffs.
[Illustration: Figure 21--Coffee Berries.]
Water is a foodstuff. There are other foodstuffs about which we shall
study later. Each foodstuff has a certain function to perform in the body.
As explained in the previous lesson, water is a _body-regulating
foodstuff._
USE OF WATER IN CLEANING AND IN PREPARING FOODS.--Water is a cleansing
agent because most soil is soluble in water. It also plays a most
important part in the preparation of foods, since it serves as a medium
for the cooking of foods, as in the processes of steaming and boiling.
Because water dissolves many substances, it acts as a carrier of flavor as
in fruit drinks, tea, and coffee. Although there are some foods which can
be cooked without a water medium, baked potatoes and roast meat for
example, certain foods such as rice and dried beans require water during
cooking. It is readily seen that water is indispensable in cooking.
COFFEE.--Coffee is the seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree grown in
tropical countries (see Figure 21). Each fruit contains two seeds or
berries. The fruit is picked, allowed to ferment, and the seeds removed
from their pulpy covering. The seeds, which are also called coffee beans,
are then roasted and sent to market. The flavor of the coffee bean is due
to the variety of coffee tree, the maturity of the fruit when picked, and
the time subjected to the roasting process. Mocha [Footnote 15: Mocha is a
port in Arabia. Mocha coffee was so called because much of the coffee
grown in Arabia was exported from Mocha.] and Java are choice brands of
coffee. Although originally grown in Arabia and Java, their names are not
used to designate the localities in which they grow, but the variety of
coffee. Much of our coffee now comes from Brazil.
Coffee is somewhat like tea in composition. It contains tannic acid, and
therefore a tin coffeepot should never be used. The flavor can be
extracted from coffee by boiling it or by pouring boiling water through
it. Coffee should not boil longer than three minutes, as much tannic acid
is extracted by long boiling.
Because coffee contains volatile substances, it should not be purchased
ground, unless in small quantities, and it should then be kept in tightly
covered jars or cans. When freshly roasted, coffee has the best flavor. In
this condition, it is crisp and emits a strong aroma.
BOILED COFFEE (proportion for one cupful)
1 heaping tablespoonful coarsely ground coffee
2 tablespoonfuls cold water
Bit of crushed egg-shell or a little egg white
1 cup boiling water
(1 egg-shell or 1/2 egg white is sufficient for 8 heaping tablespoonfuls
of
ground coffee.)
Into a well-cleaned coffeepot, place the coffee, 1 tablespoonful of the
cold water, and egg. Mix; then add the boiling water and boil for not more
than three minutes. Remove from the fire; pour out about one half cupful
of coffee, in order to rinse the grounds from the inside and from the
spout of the coffeepot. Return the coffee to the pot; add the second
tablespoonful of cold water. If the spout is not covered, a piece of paper
may be inserted so that the aroma will be retained. Allow to stand in a
warm place for about 5 minutes for the coffee to become clear.
Cold water may be used instead of boiling water in making coffee
CARE OF COFFEEPOT.--The coffee should never be allowed to stand in the
coffeepot, but should be turned out at once after using. If any clear
coffee is left, it may be used for spice cakes, jellies, or other
desserts. The coffeepot should be washed well, and scoured if necessary.
The spout needs special care in cleaning.
FILTERED COFFEE
2/3 cupful finely ground coffee
5 cupfuls freshly boiled water
(For the following method of preparing coffee, a _drip coffeepot_ is
used. A drip coffeepot is provided with a perforated receptacle or a
muslin bag in which the finely ground coffee is held. The boiled water is
poured through the ground coffee.)
Heat the coffee by steaming it, placing a little boiling water in the
bottom of the coffeepot and the ground coffee in the coffee bag or
perforated cup. Remove the bag or cup and pour the water from the pot.
Return the bag or cup to the coffeepot and slowly pour over it the freshly
boiled water. If it is desired to make the coffee stronger, the beverage
may be poured over the ground coffee a second time. Care should be taken,
however, not to cool the coffee in so doing. Wash the coffee bag in clear
cold water and dry in the air. Renew the bag occasionally. "_Black_"
or _After Dinner Coffee_ may be prepared in a drip coffeepot. Use 1
cupful of finely ground coffee to 5 cupfuls of freshly boiled water.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Manning, Bowman Co_ FIGURE 22.--COFFEE
PERCOLATOR.]
Filtered coffee may also be prepared in a coffee percolator (see Figure
22). A percolator is so constructed that the water is heated in the pot
and kept at boiling temperature while passing through the ground coffee.
The method of preparing the beverage depends upon the construction of the
percolator. Follow the directions that come with it.
OATMEAL COOKIES
1 egg
1/2 cupful sugar
3/8 cupful fat _or_ 1/4 cupful vegetable oil
2 tablespoonfuls sour milk
1 cupful rolled oats
1 cupful flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful baking soda
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 cupful raisins
Break the egg in a mixing bowl. Beat it, then add the sugar. If solid fat
is used, melt it. Add the fat or oil to the sugar and egg mixture. Add the
sour milk and rolled oats.
Sift the flour, then measure it. Turn it into a sifter, add the salt,
baking soda, and baking powder. Sift these dry ingredients into the first
mixture. Wash the raisins, dry them on a towel, then sprinkle a little
flour over them and add to the other ingredients. Mix well and drop the
mixture by the teaspoonfuls on an oiled baking sheet. Bake in a moderate
oven (375 degrees F.) until golden brown in color.
These cookies may be served with coffee.
QUESTIONS
How long should coffee boil? Why not boil it longer?
When the coffee is poured from the coffeepot, examine the grounds and then
explain the use of the egg white and egg-shell in preparing coffee.
Why is a cupful of coffee poured out and returned to the coffeepot after
the coffee is boiled?
Why should cold water be added to coffee after boiling?
In what form,--ground or whole,--should coffee be purchased? Why?
In what kind of jars should tea and coffee be kept? Explain.
How many cupfuls in one pound of coffee? Estimate the number of heaping
tablespoonfuls in one pound of coffee.
What is the average price per pound of coffee?
RELATED WORK
LESSON IX
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 16: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--One of the most
insistent ideas of modern educators is that the pupil be taught not merely
to get him ready to live, footnote: but that he be taught to live. It is
thought that the processes of present growth will serve as the best
training for future needs. If the school girl is living in her home, she
is in immediate need of such training as will help her contribute her
share to the workings of her home. To a certain degree, success in school
activities can be measured by the way they function in the home.
Perhaps there is no more effective way of making the school work function
in the home than by the educative process called the _project_.
Stevenson defines a project _as a problematic act carried to completion
in its_ natural setting, while Kilpatrick says _a project is a whole-
hearted purposeful activity proceeding in a social environment_.
In order to aid the pupils in their home work, it is necessary to know the
needs of the home. If possible, interest and cooperation of the pupils'
mothers in this matter should be secured. It is hoped that the afternoon
tea suggested in the following lesson may afford means for the teacher to
become acquainted with the mother to find out something of the needs of
the home and to secure the mother's cooperation for her daughter's work in
the home.
In order to assign definite projects to the pupils, it will be necessary
to confer with the girl. By discussing plans for home work you can
doubtless discover what type of work interests her and what she can
contribute with profit to her home. You can thus assign a project which
will be performed in a "hearty" manner.
Definite plans should be made for carrying out the work in the home. For
successful results it is most necessary that the pupil understand that a
project is an act which involves _mental effort_, and that the
activity must be _carried_ to _completion_. The fact that the
project is to be performed in the home carries out one of the premises of
the project, viz., that the act be performed in its natural setting or in
a social environment. Reports concerning the progress and results of work
should be submitted by the pupil. Home visitation on the part of the
teacher is most desirable and in most cases necessary for satisfactory
results.
The following articles regarding Projects are most illuminating:
Teachers College Record, Volume XIX, Number 4 (Sept. 1918), "The Project
Method" by William H. Kilpatrick; The Journal of Home Economics, Volume X,
Number 3 (Mar. 1918), "The Project in Home Economics Teaching" by W. W.
Charters; School Science and Mathematics, Volume XIX (Jan. 1919), "The
Project in Science Teaching" by John Alford Stevenson.]
WORTHY HOME MEMBERSHIP.--Each member of a home has certain obligations to
fulfill. The course in foods which you are following in school offers an
unusual opportunity for you to contribute your share in performing home
duties. In a most definite way, it may help you to qualify for "worthy
home membership."
APPLYING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TO HOME WORK.--There is no more effective way
of gaining skill in cooking and housekeeping than by applying the methods
learned at school in your home. It is not enough for you to make cookies
or cook potatoes once in the school kitchen. If you would become an expert
in these processes, repeat them many times in your home. Your efforts will
be more than repaid by your own growth and by the satisfaction your
achievements will bring to the entire household.
Discuss your school work in food study with your mother. You will
doubtless find many things of mutual interest and your mother will be glad
to have your cooperation in housekeeping.
Household duties assigned by the teacher and performed in the home with a
determination to accomplish a definite aim, we will term "Home Projects."
To secure successful results, your home work must be done
_thoughtfully_, and _earnestly_, and in a _whole-hearted_
way. We shall suppose, for example, that your teacher assigns you the home
project of setting the table of the evening meal for one week. She also
instructs you to keep in mind the following aims:
(1) To make as few trips as possible from the cupboard to the dining
table.
(2) To plan the entire number of dishes, knives, forks, spoons, and other
things needed during the meal, and then place these on the dining table or
other suitable place where they may be conveniently obtained when the meal
is being served.
In order to accomplish these things, you must work with a
_determination_ to succeed at what you are doing and to keep your
mind steadfastly on the work at hand. With such an attitude toward your
work you will doubtless have accomplished several things by the end of a
week. You will have set the table in an orderly manner, and thus have
given real assistance and satisfaction to the members of your family; you
will have become more skilful in spreading the table, and you will have
made it possible to spend less time in setting the table in the future.
You could not have accomplished all this if you had not earnestly thought
as you worked.
You will find it interesting and beneficial to make each assignment of
home work as complete as possible. If, for example, you are to make cakes,
it will be most desirable if you not only mix and bake cakes, but, if
possible, select and purchase the materials for them and compute their
cost.
Suggestions for Home Projects:
Make the beverages for one or more meals each day. Wash the dishes of the
evening meal. Prepare a scalloped dish or any of the foods given in
Lessons I to V once a week.
Suggested Aims:
(1) To prepare tea or coffee so as to draw out as little tannin as
possible.
(2) To wash dishes well but to make as few movements as possible. To note
the time required to do the dishes each day and by means of efficiency
methods strive to lessen the time.
(3) To utilize left-over pieces or crumbs of bread in preparing scalloped
dishes. To prepare seasonable fruits and vegetables so well that the
members of your home will find them most palatable.
LESSON X
AFTERNOON TEA
PLANNING THE TEA.--To entertain friends is a pleasure. Meeting friends or
having them become acquainted with a pleasure. This lesson is arranged
that you may entertain your mother at afternoon tea and that she may visit
with your teacher and classmates.
In planning for any special occasion, it is necessary to decide upon the
day and hour for the party. If the occasion is at all formal, or if a
number of persons are to be present, it is also necessary to plan how to
entertain your guests,--what you will have them do to have a pleasant
time. If it is desired to serve refreshments, you must decide what to
serve, how much to prepare, and when to prepare the foods. The method of
serving them must also be considered.
The Refreshments for an afternoon tea should be dainty and served in small
portions. Tea served with thin slices of lemon or cream and sugar and
accompanied by wafers, sandwiches, or small cakes is the usual menu.
Sweets or candies are often served with these foods.
The following menu may be prepared for your first tea: Tea with Lemon (or
Cream) and Sugar Toasted Wafers with Cheese or Oatmeal Cookies Coconut
Sweetmeats
From previous work, estimate the quantity of tea, lemons (or cream),
sugar, wafers, or cakes you will need. A recipe for Coconut Sweetmeats
follows. It makes 20 sweetmeats about one inch in diameter.
COCONUT SWEETMEATS
1/4 cupful powdered sugar
l 1/4 cupfuls shredded coconut
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1 egg white
Mix the dry ingredients, then add the vanilla. Beat the egg white stiff.
Add the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Grease a baking sheet and dredge it with flour. Drop the coconut mixture
by the teaspoonfuls on the baking sheet. Bake in a moderate oven (375
degrees F.) for 20 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from the pan,
place on a cake cooler. When cold store in a tin box.
SERVING THE TEA.--For an afternoon tea, the beverage may be poured in the
kitchen and carried into the dining room or the other room where the
guests are assembled, or it may be poured in the dining room in the
presence of the guests.
When the latter plan is followed, the teapot, cups, plates, spoons, and
napkins are placed on the dining table. Seated at the table, one of the
pupils [Footnote 17: If afternoon tea is served in a home to a number of
guests, an intimate friend of the hostess or a member of the household
usually pours tea. In this way the hostess is free to greet every guest
and to see that every one is having an enjoyable time.] pours the tea, and
places a filled cup and a teaspoon on a plate. The tea (with a napkin) is
then passed to the guests; the lemon or cream and sugar, wafers or cakes
and sweets are also passed. The slices of lemon should be placed on a
small plate or other suitable dish and served with a lemon fork. Wafers,
sandwiches, or small cakes should be placed on plates or in dainty
baskets. No article of silver is provided in serving them; the guests take
them from the plates with their fingers.
Those who are serving the tea should be watchful and note when the guests
have drunk their tea and relieve them of cup and plate. They should also
replenish the teapot, and see that the one pouring the tea has all the
materials and dishes needed.
DIVISION THREE
BODY-BUILDING AND BODY-REGULATING FOODS, RICH IN ASH (MINERAL MATTER)
LESSON XI
FRESH VEGETABLES (A)
ASH.--In a previous lesson, it was mentioned that most foods do not
consist of one material, but of several substances. _Ash_ or mineral
matter is a common constituent of food. It is a _foodstuff_. The term
"ash" does not apply to one substance; it is used to indicate a group of
substances. Milk, eggs, vegetables, both fresh and dried fruits, and
cereals are valuable sources of ash. They do not all, however, contain the
same kind of ash.
The presence of ash in food is not apparent until the food is burned. The
substance that remains after burning, _i.e._ the "ashes," is mineral
matter or ash.
Although ash exists in combination with other substances in most foods, a
few materials consist almost entirely of ash. Common salt is a mineral
substance; another example is the white scaly substance which sometimes
forms on the inside of a teakettle or on any pan in which water has been
heated. Soda is still another familiar mineral substance. The condiment
salt--ordinary table salt--(see _Condiments_) must not be confused
with the term "salts"; the latter applies to many mineral substances
besides common salt.
USE OF ASH IN THE BODY.--Ash as well as water does not burn in the body.
It is therefore considered an incombustible foodstuff. Bones, teeth, and
many other parts of the body contain certain mineral materials. Ash helps
to build the body.
Ash exists in the fluids of the body. For example, there is salt in
perspiration and in all excretions of the body. The digestive juices also
contain mineral materials, and ash aids in the digestive processes of the
body. Scientists have shown that ash participates in many ways in the
regulation of body processes.
Thus ash has two main uses in the body: (_a_) _it aids in building
the body_; and (_b_) _it aids in regulating body processes_.
Ash, therefore, is an absolute necessity in diet.
FRESH VEGETABLES.--It was mentioned above that fresh vegetables are one of
the most valuable food sources of ash. The leaves, stems, pods, and roots
of certain plants, and also those fruits which are used as vegetables, may
be classed as fresh vegetables. Some of these are: cabbage, brussels
sprouts, lettuce, water cress, spinach, celery, onions, tomatoes,
cucumbers, beets, carrots, and turnips.
Fresh vegetables contain not only the foodstuff ash, but water. Indeed
most fresh vegetables contain from 75 to 90 per cent of water.
In addition to these two foodstuffs, vegetables contain _cellulose_.
The latter is a fibrous substance which forms for the most part the skins
and interior framework of vegetables and fruits. The strings of beans and
celery and the "pith" of turnips and radishes, for example, contain much
cellulose.
Foods containing both ash and cellulose have a laxative effect. Hence the
value of fresh vegetables in diet. The use of fresh vegetables cannot be
too strongly urged. Certain vegetables, especially the green leaved
vegetables, also contain substances which are necessary to make the body
grow and keep it in good health (see Division Seven).
Most persons should use fresh vegetables more freely than they do.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COOKING GREEN VEGETABLES.--If ash is such a valuable
constituent of vegetables, the latter should be cooked so as to retain all
the ash. Unfortunately vegetables are not always cooked in such a way that
the minerals are saved. Just as salt dissolves readily in water, so many
of the mineral materials found in green vegetables dissolve in the water
in which vegetables are cooked. Hence if it is necessary to drain off
water from vegetables after cooking, it is evident there may be much loss
of nutriment.
Ash is also one of the substances which gives flavor to vegetables.
Insipid flavors of certain vegetables may be due to improper cooking.
A most important point to consider in the cooking of vegetables is the
saving of the minerals. This can be accomplished in several ways:
1. Cooking in water with their skins.
2. Cooking in water and using the water which must be drained away after
cooking for sauces and soups.
3. Cooking in such a small quantity of water that none needs to be drained
away after cooking.
4. Cooking in steam.
5. Cooking in the oven by means of dry heat.
COOKING VEGETABLES IN WATER.--Water in which vegetables are cooked should
be salted. Use 1 teaspoonful of salt for each quart of water. The water
should be _boiling_ when the vegetables are added and should be kept
boiling _gently_ during the entire cooking. Rapidly boiling water
wears off the edges of vegetables and breaks them.
The water in which vegetables are cooked is called _vegetable stock_.
When vegetables are pared or scraped before cooking in water, the stock
should be utilized in making vegetable sauces.
Test vegetables for sufficient cooking with a fork or knitting needle.
BEETS
Clean beets by scrubbing them with a small brush, using it carefully so as
not to break the skin. Leave two or three inches of the stems on until the
beets are cooked. Cook them whole in boiling salted water (see _Cooking
Vegetables in Water_). Test only the largest beet for sufficient
cooking. Use a knitting needle or wire skewer for testing. Drain and cover
with cold water and rub off the skin with the hands. Cut the beets into
slices, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and add a little butter.
A small quantity of vinegar may be added, if desired. Serve hot.
Beets may also be served with a _sauce_. Prepare the sauce like White
Sauce, using for the liquid three parts of water and one part of vinegar.
Beets may be _pickled_ by slicing them or by cutting into cubes and
placing in plain or spiced vinegar. Serve cold.
SCALLOPED TOMATOES WITH ONIONS
2 cupfuls sliced onions
2 cupfuls tomatoes
1 tablespoonful fat
Salt and pepper
1 cupful bread crumbs
Parboil the onions for 15 minutes; drain. [Footnote 18: When the water is
drained from the onions, there is a loss of nutriment. In cooking onions,
however, we usually consider it advisable to lose some food value for the
sake of flavor. See "Nutriment versus Flavor".] Into a greased baking-dish
put a layer of tomatoes, then one of onions, and sprinkle with salt and
pepper. Repeat until all the vegetables are added.
Mix the bread crumbs and fat as directed for Stuffed Tomatoes. Sprinkle
these crumbs on top of the vegetables. Bake in a moderate oven (400
degrees F.) for 30 minutes or until the onions are tender. Serve hot.
BROILED TOMATOES
Wash and cut tomatoes in halves, crosswise; do not peel them. Place them
(with cut surface up) in a "frying" pan (without fat). Cook on top of the
range or in the oven at a low temperature for about 30 minutes, or until
the tomatoes are soft, but not broken. Add a bit of butter to each half of
tomato and season with salt and pepper. Serve at once.
QUESTIONS
Since sugar is manufactured from beets, the latter must contain
considerable sugar. From this fact and the results of Experiment 11,
explain why beets must not be pared or cut in pieces before cooking.
State another reason why beets should not be pared or cut into pieces
before cooking. Also give the reason for leaving a portion of the stem on
beets during cooking.
Explain why only one beet should be tested for sufficient cooking, and why
it should be tested with a knitting needle or wire skewer rather than with
a fork.
What is the price of beets per pound? How many beets in a pound?
Carefully explain how the nutriment is retained by cooking beets and
tomatoes according to the recipes of this lesson.
What is the advantage and disadvantage in draining water from onions after
parboiling them?
LESSON XII
FRESH VEGETABLES (B)
FOOD PREJUDICES.--Most persons have decided likes and dislikes for certain
foods. These opinions very often have no reasonable foundation. One taste
of a food poorly prepared or a disparaging remark heard in childhood may
be the cause for a lifetime's aversion for a food.
There is no better way to overcome food prejudices than by learning to
prepare foods well--to make them tasty and nutritious--and to appreciate
their nutritive value. Food prejudices like most others may be overcome by
a thorough knowledge of the subject.
Come to the school kitchen with an open mind. When you understand why
certain foods are valuable in diet and are able to prepare them skilfully,
you may learn to enjoy them. To discover that foods which you previously
considered commonplace and uninteresting are tasty, is really a pleasing
experience.
TIME FOR COOKING FRESH VEGETABLES IN WATER.--It is not possible to state
just how long a vegetable will be required to cook in water. The time
varies with the kind of vegetable, its size, and age. Usually the older a
vegetable, the longer the time required for cooking. Young vegetables,
especially green corn and tender cabbage, may be spoiled by too long
cooking.
For novices, a time table may be helpful not only in determining when a
food is sufficiently cooked but in deciding how long to allow for cooking
a food before it is to be served. But do not depend entirely upon a time
table. Judging by appearance and using the fork or knitting needle is the
most reliable test.
TABLE
Asparagus 15-20 minutes
Beets (young) 45-60 minutes
Beets (old) 3-4 hours
Cabbage 15-30 minutes
Carrots 30-60 minutes
Cauliflower 20-30 minutes
Celery 20-45 minutes
Green Corn 12-20 minutes
Lima beans (fresh) 45-60 minutes
Onions 30-45 minutes
Parsnips 30-45 minutes
Peas (fresh) 20-30 minutes
Potatoes 25-30 minutes
Spinach 15-30 minutes
Squash (summer) 20-30 minutes
String Beans 1-3 hours
Sweet Potatoes 15-25 minutes
Turnips 30-45 minutes
PARING VEGETABLES.--If the outside skin of a vegetable is removed, it
should be pared as thin as possible. The covering of the carrot and new
potato is so thin that it can be removed by scraping, thereby saving the
valuable nutritive substances just beneath the skin.
Turnips are an exception to the rule, a thick layer of cellular material
covers them. For this reason, a thick paring is cut from turnips. (Cut a
turnip in two and note the thickness of its skin.)
MASHED TURNIPS
6 medium turnips
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
Scrub and pare the turnips. Cut each into cubes. Place in the top part of
a steamer (see Figure 31) and cook until tender when tested with a fork or
knitting needle.
Mash the turnips with a potato masher. Add butter or substitute and enough
salt and pepper to season. Serve hot.
BUTTERED CARROTS
4 cupfuls carrots, cut into strips
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
2 teaspoonfuls salt
Dash pepper
Scrub and scrape carrots, cut them into strips. Put them in a saucepan and
add water to a depth of 1 inch. When the carrots are tender and only a
small amount of water remains, add the butter or substitute and
seasonings. Continue to cook slowly until almost all of the remaining
water has evaporated. Serve the vegetables and surrounding liquid hot.
Young string beans cut in halves lengthwise and parsnips cut in strips may
be cooked in the same way.
(Adapted from a _United States Department of Agriculture_ recipe.)
QUESTIONS
Why should the outside skin of a vegetable be pared as thin as possible?
What is the exception to this rule?
How should vegetable stock be utilized? Why?
Housekeepers usually add milk to potatoes when mashing them. Why is
moisture not added to mashed turnips?
What, advantage is there in steaming turnips rather than cooking them in
water?
Why are carrots cooked in a small quantity of water rather than a large
amount?
What are the prices of turnips and carrots per pound? How many of each of
these vegetables in a pound?
LESSON XIII
FRESH FRUITS
FRUIT, A NECESSITY.--An authority [Footnote 19: See "Feeding the Family"
(p 240), by Mary Swartz Rose, Ph.D.] on diet says that at least as much
money should be spent for fruits as for meat, eggs, and fish. Fruit should
no longer be considered a luxury but a necessity in diet.
Fruits as well as vegetables are effective in preventing constipation,--
the common disorder which may lead to serious disturbances. Most fruits,
especially those containing considerable acid, such as lemons, oranges,
and apples, are laxative. Prunes and figs are also valuable in
constipation. Blackberries are unlike other fruits in this respect,--they
are constipating.
A disease called scurvy is often due to a lack of fresh vegetables and
fruits in diet. Orange juice is especially valuable in preventing scurvy.
Fruits are valuable not only because they aid in preventing constipation
and scurvy, but because they contain ash. Fruits are rich in mineral
matter.
KINDS OF FRUITS.--In a broad sense fruits are seed vessels. This
classification includes many foods that are ordinarily considered
vegetables. So in this text seed vessels that are used as desserts are
termed fruits. Rhubarb is not properly a fruit; it is a vegetable, but
because it is used in the diet the same way as fruit, it is classed as
such.
Fruits are sometimes classified as food fruits and flavor fruits. This
distinction depends upon the quantity of sugar and water that fruits
contain,--those containing much sugar, such as ripe bananas and dried
fruits, being called food fruits and those containing much water and less
sugar, such as oranges and strawberries, being termed flavor fruits. This
classification may be somewhat misleading, however, for all fruits may be
considered food fruits. Fruits containing much water are generally rich in
ash and other valuable substances and hence have decided food value.
WHEN TO ADD THE SUGAR to cooked fruits--before or after cooking--is a
practical problem for every housewife. Fruits contain acids, and most
cooked fruits require the addition of sugar to make them palatable.
The flavor of fresh fruit is generally popular. In cooking fruit it is
desirable to retain the fresh fruit flavor. Housekeepers have found that a
less desirable flavor results--the fruit "loses" more of its "fresh
flavor"--if the sugar is cooked with the fruit. Moreover, when sugar is
cooked with fruit, a sirup is formed, which is more apt to scorch than a
mixture of fruit and water. For these reasons, it is well to add sugar to
fruit _after cooking_, unless it is desired to preserve the shape of
the fruit or unless fruit is made into jelly. Fruit is cooked in a sirup
if it is desired to preserve its shape.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COOKING FRUITS.--Fruits should be washed, cut into pieces,
and then pared or peeled, unless they are to be strained after cooking.
For some fruits it is not necessary to remove the skins before straining.
We have all seen the dark stain on a steel knife that has been used for
paring fruit or certain vegetables. _This black substance is formed by
the action of the acid of the fruit or vegetable on the metal._ It is
disagreeable in taste and may produce harmful results. For this reason all
fruits should be cooked in granite, earthenware, or glass utensils.
The characteristic odors from cooking fruits indicate loss of flavor. This
can be prevented somewhat by cooking fruits at a _low_ (simmering)
_temperature_ in a _covered_ utensil. The _casserole_ used
on top of a range or in the oven is most desirable for cooking fruits.
Slow cooking prevents some fruits from breaking into pieces.
FRUIT SAUCES
Cook fruit in enough water to keep from scorching. When the fruit is
tender, remove it from the fire, stir or beat until smooth, or press
through a colander or strainer. Add the sugar at once and stir until the
sugar is dissolved. Use 1/8 to 1/4 cupful of sugar for each cupful of
cooked fruit.
If fruit is somewhat lacking in flavor, it is often improved by adding
spices or other flavoring. Some apples are made more palatable by adding
cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon juice.
STEWED FRUITS
Make a sirup of sugar and water, using one cupful of water and 1/2 to 1
cupful of sugar. When the sirup is boiling, add the fruit and cook
_gently_ until tender. If the sirup is not thick enough when the
fruit is tender, remove the fruit from the sirup, cook the sirup until of
proper consistency, and then pour over the fruit.
Very firm fruit, such as quinces and sweet apples, as well as some unripe
fruits, should be cooked in clear water until tender and then sweetened.
COMPARISON OF FRUIT SAUCE AND STEWED FRUIT.--Use the same kind of fruit
and the same quantity of sugar, and make a Fruit Sauce and a dish of
Stewed Fruit. Compare the fruit cooked by the two methods as to flavor and
appearance. Which is more like fresh fruit in flavor?
At what time during its preparation should sugar be added to cooked fruit?
Explain your answer clearly. Give two exceptions to this rule. Should
sugar be added to cooked fruit while the fruit is hot or after it is cool?
Why? (See Experiments 10 and 11.)
What is gained by not paring or peeling fruit that is to be strained after
cooking? When fruit is cooking, what indicates a loss of flavor? What two
precautions can be taken to preserve the flavor of fruits? What means,
other than cooking in sirup, can be employed to retain the shape of cooked
fruit?
RHUBARB SAUCE
Cut rhubarb (without peeling) into one-inch pieces. Place these in the top
of a _double boiler_. Cook in a double boiler until soft, stirring
occasionally. When cooked, add 1/3 to 1/2 cupful of sugar for each cupful
of cooked rhubarb.
The _casserole_ may be used for cooking rhubarb. Place the rhubarb in
a casserole. Add one tablespoonful of water for each cupful of rhubarb.
Cover and simmer on top of a range, or bake in a slow oven until soft. Add
sugar as directed above.
QUESTIONS
How many pounds in one peck of apples? How many medium sized apples in a
pound?
What is the price per pound of fresh peaches?
For what substances is fruit especially valuable in diet? Give suggestions
for retaining these nutritious materials when cooking fruit. Make a list
of fresh fruits, stating when each is in season.
NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--If desired, the lessons of Division Seventeen,
_The Preservation of Food_, may follow this lesson. Also see the note
at the end of Lesson VI.
RELATED WORK
LESSON XIV
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU [Footnote 20: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--The "menu" of a "meal" lesson is
to be assigned during the lesson previous to the "meal" lesson, so that
its preparation can be planned before class time. Since only review foods
are assigned, no instruction other than criticism of the finished product
is to be given during the lesson. By cooking the group of foods in
individual quantity, it is possible for pupils to complete the "meal"
lesson in a 90-minute class period. It is more desirable, however, to cook
enough of each food to serve five or six persons, provided the laboratory
period is sufficiently long and the foods can be utilized in the lunch
room.]
Scalloped Corn
Baked Apple
Tea
Outside Preparation of Lesson.
(_a_) Examine the recipes for these foods given in the text.
(_b_) Determine the number of servings each recipe will make.
(_c_) Study the methods of preparation so that no written directions
regarding the process of cooking will be needed in class.
(_d_) Note the kind of utensils to be used for each food.
(_e_) Plan the order of preparing these foods so as to cook them in
the least time. (_f_) Plan the preparation so that all foods may be
ready to serve in the proper condition--hot or cold--_at one time_.
Preparation of Lesson in Class.
(_a_) Having your plans well in mind, begin to work at once. Work
independently.
(_b_) Cook a sufficient quantity of each food to serve one or more
persons as the time permits.
(_c_) Soil the least number of dishes possible.
(_d_) Keep the table and utensils neat while working.
(_e_) Have the serving dishes ready,--warmed, if necessary.
(_f_) Taste the food before serving to see if properly seasoned.
(_g_) Just before serving food, clear the table so that it may be
ready for serving.
(_h_) Serve all the foods _at once_, as a hostess cooking and
serving without a maid.
(_i_) If your work is a failure in any way, determine the cause of
the failure and its remedy.
LESSON XV
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 21: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Prepare vegetables for at least one meal
daily.
Cook fruit at least once a week.
Suggested Aims:
(1) To cook vegetables in such a way that no nutriment is lost.
(2) To retain as much of the nutriment and fresh flavor of the fruits as
possible.
DIVISION FOUR
ENERGY-GIVING OR FUEL FOODS,--RICH IN CARBOHYDRATES
LESSON XVI
SUGAR: DIGESTION OF SUGAR
ENERGY; FUEL.--An automobile is a machine. The use of gasoline in this
machine gives it energy or the power to move.
The human body is also a machine. Certain foods are taken into the human
machine. The utilization of these foods gives the body energy or the power
to move (_i.e._ to do work). The body is capable of both voluntary
and involuntary work. Walking and running are examples of the former kind
of work, while the beating of the heart and the circulating of the blood
are examples of the latter kind.
At the same time that the body works, heat is generated. Hence foods not
only give the body the power to do work, but incidentally they heat the
body. Foods which enable the body to work are termed energy-giving or fuel
foods.
There are a number of energy-giving or fuel foods: _sugar_ is the
first one to be considered.
EXPERIMENT 10: THE SOLUBILITY OF GRANULATED SUGAR IN COLD WATER--Place
half a teaspoonful of granulated sugar in a test tube, add a little cold
water, shake. Is the mixture clear? Set it aside for a few minutes. Does
the sugar separate from the water?
EXPERIMENT 11: THE SOLUBILITY OF GRANULATED SUGAR IN HOT WATER.--Dissolve
half a teaspoonful of granulated sugar in hot water. Compare with
Experiment 10. Which dissolves sugar more readily,--cold or hot water? If
you desired to dissolve some sugar quickly, at what temperature would you
have the water?
EXPERIMENT 12: THE SOLUBILITY OF POWDERED SUGAR.--Dissolve half a
teaspoonful of powdered sugar in the same quantity of hot water used in
Experiment 11. Does it dissolve more readily than granulated sugar?
Explain this difference. If you desired to dissolve some lumpy sugar
quickly, how would you prepare it?
THE DIGESTION OF SUGAR.--Since sugar is so readily dissolved, and since
dissolving is an important step in the process of digestion (see
_Solution and Digestion_), it would seem that the digestion of sugar
would be easy. Some sugars, such as glucose, need no digestion in a
chemical sense, and are wholesome provided their solution is not too
concentrated. The digestion of other sugar, such as granulated sugar, is
slightly more complex.
Because the digesting of some sugar is simple, one should not conclude
that this food should be used in large quantities or in preference to
other fuel foods. If sugar is eaten in large quantities there is so much
dissolved sugar for the organs of digestion to take care of that the
stomach and small intestines become irritated. This is especially true
when candy is eaten between meals,--at a time when the stomach is empty.
Then, too, it may ferment in the stomach or intestines and produce
digestive disturbances. All sweets should be eaten only in moderation and
either during a meal or at its close. When sugar is mixed with other
foods, it is diluted, and is not so apt to cause distress.
SUGARS AND SIRUPS.--In various plants and in milk, the chemist finds a
number of different kinds of sugar. These may be classified into two
groups:--(1) single sugars and (2) double sugars. _Dextrose_ or
_glucose_ is one of the single sugars, while _sucrose_ or
_cane sugar_ is an example of a double sugar.
The solid sugars and sirups found at market and having different trade
names consist of one or more of the different kinds of sugars. A
discussion of these follows:
(_a_) _Granulated sugar_ is made either from the sugar cane or
sugar beet. The juice is pressed or soaked out of these plants, then
purified, refined, and crystallized. _Powdered sugar_ is prepared by
crushing granulated sugar. _Confectioners' sugar_ is a very finely
ground form of cane or beet sugar. Granulated sugar is 100 per cent sugar.
Crushed sugars sometimes contain flour or other materials.
_Brown sugar_ is made from the cane or beet, but is not refined as
much as is granulated sugar. It contains some ash and moisture.
(_b_) _Corn sirup_ is made by boiling corn-starch with an acid
and then refining the product. This sirup contains no cane sugar. Its
sweet flavor and sirupy consistency are due to the presence of 38.5 per
cent glucose and 42 per cent dextrin. Glucose is not as sweet as
granulated sugar. Hence, in depending upon corn sirup alone, the tendency
is to use more sugar than is advisable so as to satisfy our taste for
sweets. At least 1 1/2 times as much corn sirup as granulated sugar is
needed to produce the sweetness of the solid sugar. A mixture of corn
sirup and granulated sugar is often used for sweetening foods.
(_c_) _Molasses and Sorghum_.--Molasses is a by-product of cane
sugar. In addition to sugar, it contains certain mineral materials such as
lime. Since it is especially necessary that foods given children contain
lime, the use of molasses in place of sugar may be recommended for
children.
One should remember, however, that much sugar of any kind is not good for
children. Molasses contains some acid. Because of modern methods of sugar
refining, however, molasses is less acid than the sirup of former days. It
also differs in flavor.
Sorghum is a sirup prepared from the sorghum plant. It contains ash and
has a characteristic flavor. If the flavor of molasses or sorghum is too
strong to be pleasant, a mixture of equal parts of corn sirup and molasses
or sorghum may be found desirable. Mixtures of different sirups sold under
various trade names may be purchased.
(_d_) _Honey_ is sugar extracted from flowers. Its limited
supply and cost prevent its general use. It is not so rich in mineral
matter as is molasses.
(_e_) _Maple Sirup and Sugar_.--Maple sirup and sugar are
prepared from sap extracted from the maple tree. They both have a
distinctive flavor in addition to their sweet taste. Maple sugar contains
approximately 83 per cent of sugar, while maple sirup contains about 71
per cent.
PEANUT CANDY
2 cupfuls granulated sugar _or_
1 cupful granulated sugar _and_
1 cupful corn sirup (dark)
3/4 cupful chopped peanuts
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Mix the peanuts and salt and place in the warming oven to heat. If sugar
is used alone, put it in an iron pan. Place the pan over a low flame and
stir constantly until the sugar is changed to a _light brown_ sirup.
If a combination of sugar and sirup is used, put them in a pan, stir, and
cook until the mixture is very brittle when tried in cold water.
Add the chopped peanuts and salt to either kind of sirup, stirring them in
as quickly as possible. Pour immediately into a hot, _unbuttered_
pan. When slightly cool divide into squares with a chopping knife.
_Puffed cereals_ or _shredded coconut_ may be used instead of
peanuts. Commercial salted peanuts may be used also. When the latter are
used, the salt in the recipe above should be omitted.
CARAMELIZED SUGAR.--It should be noted that when heat is applied to
granulated sugar, the latter liquefies and becomes brown in color. This
brown liquid is called _caramel_ The process of making it is called
_caramelization_.
When sugar is caramelizing, it reaches a high temperature. The melting
point of tin is near the temperature of caramelized sugar. The enamel of
granite ware is apt to chip off if subjected to great changes of
temperature. Iron is not affected by the highest cooking temperature,
hence it is desirable to use an iron utensil for caramelizing sugar.
NOTE.--When cane or granulated sugar is caramelized, a small quantity of
an injurious substance called _furfural_ is formed. (See Journal of
Home Economics, Vol. IX (April, 1917), p. 167.) The more sugar is heated,
the more of the injurious substance is produced. Also, cane sugar yields
more furfural than glucose,--the kind of sugar that is present in corn
sirup. When caramelized sugar is boiled with water, however, the furfural
is expelled.
In making Peanut Candy, the caramelized sugar cannot be boiled with water,
hence it is desirable to use a combination of granulated sugar and corn
sirup and heat the mixture until it is only light brown in color.
EXPERIMENT 13: THE SOLUBILITY OF CARAMEL.--Immediately after removing the
candy from the iron pan, pour hot water into the pan. Allow it to stand
for several minutes, then examine. Is caramel soluble in water? Does it
dissolve more or less readily than granulated sugar? What practical
application can be drawn from this experiment with regard to washing a pan
in which sugar has been caramelized?
QUESTIONS
Weigh one pound of granulated sugar. How many cupfuls does it measure?
Weigh one pound of powdered sugar. How many cupfuls does it measure?
What is the price per pound of granulated and of powdered sugar?
What is the price of corn sirup per can? How much does a can measure?
Calculate the cost of peanut candy made entirely with granulated sugar and
that made with granulated sugar and sirup.
Note the proportion of unshelled to shelled peanuts. How many unshelled
peanuts are required for one cupful of shelled peanuts?
Why is an iron rather than a granite pan used for making peanut candy?
What is the advantage of heating the pan?
Why is it necessary to pour the mixture into the pan immediately after
adding the peanuts?
Why is a mixture of granulated sugar and corn sirup used in the making of
peanut candy rather than corn sirup? (See _Corn Sirup_.)
From your work in physiology, explain the relation of the digestion,
absorption, and assimilation of foods.
LESSON XVII
SUGAR-RICH FRUITS: DRIED FRUITS (A)
DRIED FRUITS.--The wrinkled skins of dried fruits indicate that there has
been a loss of some material. The water of fresh fruits evaporates as they
are dried. Hence dried fruits contain very much less water than fresh
fruits. But weight for weight they contain a greater quantity of sugar and
ash.
Like all fruits, dried fruits are especially valuable for their ash. They
are also valuable for their sugar. Three fourths of the weight of most
dried fruit is sugar.
Dried fruits such as raisins, dates, figs, and prunes are valuable sweets
for boys and girls. It is much better to eat one of these fruits than
candy. This is because the sugar is mixed with other materials and as
explained previously does not irritate the digestive organs as does the
concentrated sugar existing in most candies. (See the _Digestion of
Sugar_.) The fact that mineral materials exist along with sugar is
another point in favor of the sweet fruits. All the above-mentioned fruits
contain iron. Very young children are fed prune juice because of its
laxative effect.
The unpopularity of prunes is unfortunate. This may be because prunes were
formerly one of the cheapest fruits or because they are cooked and served
in the same way too often. A pleasing variation may be made by combining
them with other food materials. Many kinds of very tasty desserts
containing prunes may be made. Many varieties of prunes may be cooked
without the addition of any sugar. Desirable results can often be secured
by combining prunes and other dried fruits with tart fruits such as
apricots, apples, and rhubarb.
Raisins are a favorite food of mountain climbers and those tramping long
distances. They serve as a satisfying diet on such trips because of their
high sugar content (sugar has been mentioned previously as energy-giver).
Since they are a dried fruit, a small quantity furnishes much food. This
is an advantageous factor in carrying them.
GENERAL RULES FOR COOKING DRIED FRUITS.--Wash the fruit carefully. Place
it in the saucepan in which it is to be cooked and pour enough cold water
over the fruit to cover it. Cover the saucepan and allow the fruit to soak
for several hours or overnight. Then cook the fruit at simmering
temperature in the water in which it was soaked. When the fruit is tender,
remove the saucepan from the fire, add sugar if desired, and stir
carefully until the sugar is dissolved. Serve cold.
PRUNES
Prepare according to the general rule. For each 2 cupfuls of prunes add
about 1/4 cupful of sugar and one tablespoonful of lemon juice. The sugar
may be omitted and only the lemon juice added.
APRICOTS
Prepare according to the general rule. For 1/2 pound of apricots add 1/2
cupful of sugar.
TO PREPARE RAISINS FOR COOKING.--Raisins that are sold in packages need
only slight washing. Before using, they should be separated and examined
for any bits of stem that have not been removed before packing. It is
desirable to cut each raisin in halves when used for cakes and breads.
Raisins that are sold by "bulk" need careful washing. Place seeded raisins
in a strainer and pour cold water over them; drain well. If the raisins
are to be used at once or in a cake, dry them on a towel.
If raisins are to be seeded, cover them with boiling water. When they are
soft, drain and press out the seeds.
TO PREPARE CURRANTS FOR COOKING.--"Package" currants need but little
washing, but they should be examined carefully for bits of stem before
using. To clean "bulk" currants place them in a colander or strainer,
shake flour over them, and rub the floured currants between the hands.
Pour water through the strainer until the water comes through clear. If
the currants are to be used in a cake, dry them in the sun, on a towel, or
in a "cool" oven.
MIXED FRUIT SAUCE
1/2 pound dried apricots
1 pint water
1 cupful raisins
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1 lemon,--juice
1 orange,--juice and grated rind
5/8 cupful sugar
Soak the apricots for several hours or overnight in the water. Add the
other fruits and cook the mixture at simmering temperature until the
apricots and raisins are tender. Add the sugar and salt. Stir until
dissolved. Serve the sauce cold as a dessert.
QUESTIONS
Weigh 1 cupful of dried fruit and record weight.
Weigh and measure soaked fruit (1 cupful before soaking) and record weight
and measure. To what is the increase in measure of the soaked fruit due?
What use should be made of the water in which dried fruit is soaked? What
does this water contain? (See Experiment 10.)
What is the purpose of soaking dried fruit before cooking?
What is the purpose of covering the fruit while soaking?
Using the data regarding fresh fruit obtained in Lesson I, and that
obtained by weighing dried fruit before and after soaking, estimate the
difference in the cost of one pound of fresh and of soaked dried fruit.
State two reasons for combining raisins with apples and apricots in Baked
Apples and Mixed Fruit Sauce.
LESSON XVIII
SUGAR-RICH FRUITS: DRIED FRUITS (B)
DESSERTS AND FOOD VALUE.--Very often dried fruits and nuts are used as
accessories after a meal. Under these conditions they are digested often
with difficulty, because the meal itself has taxed the digestive organs.
These foods should be considered as a part of the meal and should not be
added after enough other foods have been eaten. Not only dried fruits and
nuts but other desserts often prove distressing, not because they are
unwholesome, but because too much food has been eaten.
PRUNE PUDDING
1 cupful cooked prunes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cupful sugar
1 cupful chopped nuts
1/2 cupful milk or prune water
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1 tablespoonful butter _or_ substitute, melted
3 crackers (rolled fine) _or_ 1/2 cupful dried bread crumbs
1 teaspoonful baking powder
Salt
Mix all the ingredients. Pour into a buttered baking-dish. Place the
baking-dish in a pan of hot water. Bake in a moderate oven for 20 minutes,
or until the mixture is firm. Serve hot or cold with plain or whipped
cream.
DATE PUDDING
1/2 cupful sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoonfuls milk
1/3 cupful flour
1 teaspoonful baking powder
Salt
1 cupful dates, seeded, and cut in pieces
1 cupful California walnuts, chopped
Mix the sugar, milk, and egg. Mix the remaining ingredients; then add to
the first mixture. Mix, and turn into an oiled baking-dish or pan. Bake in
a moderate oven from 30 to 40 minutes or until it is firm. Serve hot or
cold with plain or whipped cream.
QUESTIONS
How many dry, uncooked prunes are required to make 1 cupful of cooked
prunes? (See _Questions_, Lesson XVII.)
What are the prices per pound of figs and dates?
How many will the above recipes serve?
What ingredients in these puddings scorch readily? Why is Prune Pudding
surrounded with hot water during baking?
LESSON XIX
CEREALS: STARCH AND CELLULOSE
STARCH is a very important FUEL food; like sugar, it gives energy to the
body. Starch is closely related to sugar; it has much the same composition
and the same use in the body. In certain respects, however, starch differs
from sugar.
EXPERIMENT 14: THE STARCH TEST.--Put a drop of tincture of iodine on,--
corn-starch, flour, rice, cream of wheat, wheatena, oatmeal, tapioca,
potato, meat, and egg. What is the result?
If a substance contains starch, it changes to a blue color when tincture
of iodine is added to it.
From these experiments determine in which class--animal or vegetable--the
starchy foods belong.
EXPERIMENT 15: THE EFFECT OF COLD WATER ON STARCH.--Mix half a teaspoonful
of corn-starch or flour with cold water in a test tube or glass cup. What
happens to a solid substance when it is dissolved? (See Experiment 6.) Set
the mixture aside for a few minutes, then note its appearance. Is starch
soluble in cold water? What important difference between starch and sugar
does this experiment show?
EXPERIMENT 16: THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON STARCH.--Hold to the light the starch
and water mixture from Experiment 15. Is it opaque or transparent? Turn
the mixture into a saucepan, heat, and stir it; return the mixture to the
test tube or cup and again hold it to the light. What change was caused by
heating it? Set the mixture aside for a few minutes. Have the starch and
water separated as in the uncooked starch? Can you say it is insoluble,
like uncooked starch? Can you say it is soluble, like sugar? What term
indicating a half-dissolved condition can you apply to the cooked starch?
EXPERIMENT 17: STIFFENING OF COOKED STARCH.--Place the test tube
containing cooked starch from Experiment 16 in cold water. After ten
minutes examine it. Can you pour it out of the tube? How does cooked
starch change when cooled?
EXPERIMENT 18: THE STRUCTURE OF STARCH.--Examine starch under the
microscope. While you are still looking through the microscope, make a
drawing of several grains of starch. Insert this drawing in your notebook.
CELLULOSE.--Cellulose is a tough substance found in the fiber of wood. As
previously mentioned the outside covering of vegetables and fruits and
their interior framework contain much cellulose. The fibrous material
found in rolled oats consists almost entirely of cellulose.
EXPERIMENT 19: SEPARATION OF CELLULOSE AND STARCH.--Place a heaping
teaspoonful of rolled oats in a cup and add just enough water to cover it.
Allow it to stand for at least 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into a cheese-
cloth and press out the moisture and much of the starch, catching it in a
saucepan. Rinse the starch out of the cloth as thoroughly as possible by
holding it under running water. Examine the substance remaining in the
cloth. Tear it into pieces. Is it tough? Does it suggest any common
material? What is it? Heat the contents of the saucepan. What is this
substance?
The tiny grains of starch shown under the microscope (see Figure 23)
contain both starch and cellulose. The latter forms the outer covering of
the microscopic grains. Starchy vegetables contain much cellulose:
(_a_) in the outside covering; (_b_) in the interior framework;
(_c_) in the covering of the starch grains.
[Illustration: From _Household Chemistry_, by J. M. Blanchard. Figure
23.--Grains of Starch. _a_, potato starch; _b_, corn-starch.
(Much magnified.)]
Some plants rich in cellulose can be eaten in the raw state. But certain
fibrous foods, especially cereals or grains, are irritating if eaten in
the uncooked condition. It is necessary to soften them if used as food.
Now cellulose itself is not soluble in cold or hot water nor is it
softened by boiling in water. But other materials existing with cellulose
are softened or changed by cooking. Hence changes in these substances in
contact with the cellulose brought about by boiling water soften the food
and separate cellulose fibers.
Heat and moisture applied to starchy foods serve three important purposes:
(_a_) They soften the food; (_b_) they change the starch to a
paste or make it semisoluble; (_c_) they improve the flavor.
Cellulose is not a fuel material; it does not serve in the body as an
energy-giver. Its value in diet is due to the fact that it is bulky and
furnishes ballast for the alimentary canal. It stimulates the flow of the
digestive juices as it brushes against the walls of the digestive tract,
and thus aids in the digestion of foods and in the elimination of waste
material.
CARBOHYDRATE, A FOODSTUFF.--Because sugar, starch, and cellulose have
somewhat the same composition and some properties in common, they are
grouped into one class, viz. _carbohydrate_. Sugar, starch, and
cellulose are all included in the term carbohydrate. _Carbohydrate is
one of the foodstuffs_. Sugar is a food containing only the
carbohydrate foodstuff. Cereals contain not only carbohydrates but other
foodstuffs. They contain, however, a larger quantity of carbohydrate than
any of the other foodstuffs, for which reason they are classed as
carbohydrate-rich foods.
CEREALS.--Cereals are cultivated grasses, the seeds of which are used for
food. The most important are wheat, Indian corn or maize, rice, oats, rye,
and barley. From these many different kinds of flours, meals, and
breakfast foods are prepared.
Cereals rank high in nutritive value. Many of them contain about 75 per
cent of starch. They also contain ash and a substance which builds the
body. Because they are widely distributed in various climates, they have
an important place in man's diet.
At market one finds two classes of cereals sold as breakfast foods--(1)
the ready to eat and (2) the uncooked or partially cooked grains. The
ready-to-eat cereals cost much more per pound than the cereals that
require cooking. The difference in the price per pound, however, is not an
accurate difference in the cost of the two, for the cost of the fuel in
cooking grains at home must be taken into consideration.
Of the cereals that require cooking, those that are partially cooked are
doubtless the more popular. Many of these such as rolled oats or wheat are
steamed and rolled. Hence they take much less time to prepare in the home
kitchen than the uncooked grains.
All breakfast cereals require long cooking to make them most palatable,
the time of cooking depending upon the character of the cellulose and the
method of preparing the cereal for market.
Most partially cooked grains are improved by a longer cooking than is
usually given them. It is interesting to measure equal quantities of a
rolled cereal and cook one quantity for 20 minutes and the other for 1 1/2
hours and taste each. The superior flavor and texture of the well-cooked
cereal is well worth the additional length of time of cocking. Grains are
also found on sale in bulk and in package. The latter cost more but insure
greater cleanliness. Since, however, cereals sold in bulk are those that
require cooking, they will be thoroughly sterilized before serving and
need occasion no concern regarding their cleanliness.
GENERAL RULES FOR COOKING CEREALS.--Pour the cereal slowly into boiling
salted water. Cook directly over the flame for about 10 minutes. Then
place over boiling water and cook from 1/2 to 8 hours. Usually _one
teaspoonful of salt_ is used for _each cupful of cereal_. The
quantity of water depends upon the kind of cereal. The double boiler is
particularly good for cooking cereals. The _fireless cooker_ also is
a most satisfactory device for cooking these foods easily and
economically.
Starchy foods are most easily digested when well masticated. Dry foods
require more mastication than moist foods. It is well then to have the
water used in cooking the cereal entirely absorbed. If, when nearly done,
the cereal is too moist, uncover the vessel and cook until the excess of
water is evaporated.
Care should be taken, however, not to allow a tough skin to form on the
top of the cereal. This digests with difficulty. Its formation can be
prevented by keeping the cereal covered or by stirring occasionally.
Heat ready-to-eat cereals in the oven until they are crisp.
ROLLED OATS OR WHEAT
3 cupfuls boiling water
1 cupful cereal
1 teaspoonful salt
Prepare according to the general directions, cooking in the double boiler
at least 1 1/2 hours.
CREAM OF WHEAT OR WHEATENA
3 cupfuls boiling water
1/2 cupful cereal
1 teaspoonful salt
Prepare according to the general rule, cooking in the double boiler at
least 1/2 hour.
A few minutes before taking from the fire, 1/2 pound of dates, cleaned,
stoned, and cut into pieces, may be added. Raisins or figs may also be
used with Cream of Wheat and other cereals.
QUESTIONS
How would the temperature of boiling water be affected if a cupful of
cereal were poured into it all at once? From this explain why cereals
should be added _slowly_ to the boiling water.
Compare the cooked and uncooked cereal. How does it change in appearance
and quantity?
Why are cereals not cooked entirely over the naked flame?
What is the price, weight, and measure of a package of Rolled Oats or
Wheat? Of a package of Cream of Wheat or Wheatena?
What is the cost of the quantity of cereal indicated in the recipes above?
Calculate the difference in the cost per pound of ready-to-eat and
uncooked cereals.
LESSON XX
CEREALS: RICE (A)
POLISHED AND UNPOLISHED RICE.--At market one finds two kinds of rice,--one
white and pearly in appearance called _polished_ rice, and the other,
gray or brown and lusterless called _unpolished_ rice. In preparing
rice for market, the outer husks of the grain are removed and the rice is
cleaned. It may then be sold as unpolished rice or it may be further
treated by rubbing or polishing to make it ready for market. Rice is
subjected to this latter process merely to satisfy the demand of
purchasers. The food value of polished rice is inferior to that of the
unpolished grain. Much valuable ash and other material are lost. Indeed, a
certain disease, [Footnote 22: Beri-beri, a disease common among those
inhabitants of Oriental countries whose diet consists almost entirely of
polished rice and fish.] due to improper nourishment, has been cured by
giving the sufferer rice polishings. The flavor of rice is also impaired
by polishing it. Unpolished rice is much the more valuable food. It
requires, however, longer cooking than polished rice. Soaking in water
before cooking shortens the length of time required for cooking.
TO CLEAN RICE.--To wash rice, put it in a strainer and allow the water
from a faucet to run through the strainer. Rub the rice between the hands.
RICE (cooked over boiling water)
3 cupfuls boiling water
1 teaspoonful salt
1 cupful rice
Follow the General Rules for Cooking Cereals; when the rice is added to
the boiling water, stir it to prevent adhering to the pan. Cook over hot
water, _i.e._ in a double boiler, until the grains are soft (usually
about 45 minutes).
The above ingredients may be placed in a steamer (see Figure 31) and
cooked in steam until the rice grains are tender. It is then called
_Steamed Rice_.
Rice is most palatable combined with various fruits.
ENERGY-GIVING OR FUEL FOODS
[Illustration: FIGURE 24--A CUPFUL OF RICE BEFORE AND AFTER BOILING The
large utensil was required to boil it, the water drained from it is in the
jar]
BOILED RICE [Footnote 23: Reserve some of the cooked rice of this lesson
for the following lesson.]
3 quarts boiling water
1 cupful rice
2 teaspoonfuls salt
Add the salt to the boiling water. When the water boils rapidly, add the
rice slowly, so that the water does not stop boiling. Boil _rapidly_
for 20 minutes or until the grains are soft. Turn into a colander or
strainer to drain. Rinse with hot water, drain well, then sprinkle with
salt.
Save the water from the Boiled Rice for the experiment below and for
preparing Cheese Sauce for class work.
When the rice is boiling, decide whether or not it should be covered
tightly.
EXPERIMENT 20 THE DIFFERENCE IN NUTRITIVE VALUE OF BOILED RICE AND RICE
COOKED OVER BOILING WATER--Pour a little of the water from the boiled rice
into a test tube. Cool the rice water and test it with iodine for starch.
Is any of the starch from rice cooked over boiling water wasted? Which
method of cooking rice leaves more nutriment in the cooked product?
CHEESE SAUCE (made with rice water)
1 pint rice water
1 tablespoonful corn-starch
1 teaspoonful salt
1/4 teaspoonful mustard
1/6 teaspoonful paprika
1/2 cupful cheese grated or cut into pieces
Mix the corn-starch with about 2 tablespoonfuls of cold rice water. Heat
the remainder of the liquid. Add the corn-starch mixture to the hot rice
water. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add the seasonings and
cheese. Continue stirring and cooking until the cheese is blended with the
other ingredients. Serve hot over cooked rice.
One cupful of tomatoes or a small quantity of pimentos (cut into pieces)
may be added along with the cheese to the sauce. If pimentos are used, the
paprika should be omitted.
QUESTIONS
How is rice tested for sufficient cooking?
Why does rice take a shorter time to cook than most of the wheat and oat
foods? (See _Cereals_.)
Note the difference in the quantity of water used for boiled rice and for
rice cooked over boiling water. Note that the saucepan is used for cooking
one and the double boiler for cooking the other. From this explain the
reason for the difference in the quantity of water used.
Which method of cooking rice takes longer? Explain the difference in the
length of time of cooking.
Measure the rice after cooking. How much has it increased in bulk? If one
desired 2 cupfuls of cooked rice, how much uncooked rice should be used?
Compare the individual grains of rice cooked in boiling water and rice
cooked over boiling water,--are the grains separated or pasted together?
Explain the difference in appearance.
What ingredients do cereals contain that make it possible to mold them
(see Experiment 17)? Which is the better for molding,--boiled rice or
rice cooked over boiling water? Why?
What is the advantage in using rice water rather than plain water to
prepare Cheese Sauce?
What other use could be made of rice water?
LESSON XXI
CEREALS: RICE (B)
RICE PUDDING
Steamed rice may be prepared for a simple dessert by using both milk and
water. Follow the recipe for Rice Cooked over Boiling Water, using 1 1/2
cupfuls of water and l 1/2 cupfuls of milk. Cook the water and rice until
the water is absorbed, add the milk, and continue cooking over water.
Serve with cream and sugar, or with a suitable sauce.
RICE PUDDING (made with cooked rice) [Footnote 24: A portion of the rice
cooked in the previous lesson may be utilized in making this pudding.]
2 cupfuls cooked rice
3/4 - 1 cupful milk
1/2 cupful raisins
1/3 cupful sugar
Grated rind 1/2 lemon
These ingredients may be cooked in several different ways. By changing the
flavoring, method of serving, and sauce, rice desserts of pleasing variety
may be made from the materials above.
The pudding may be _baked_ in the following manner: Mix the
ingredients, place in a buttered baking-dish, and bake in a slow oven
until the rice has absorbed the milk and is brown. Vanilla or nutmeg, or
both, may be substituted for the lemon rind.
This dessert may be _cooked over water_ by mixing the ingredients in
the top of a double boiler and cooking until the milk is absorbed. Then
butter hot custard cups or tea cups and press some rice into each. Turn
out at once and serve with Caramel, Chocolate, or other sauce.
Lemon Sauce, in which dates, cut into pieces, have been cooked, makes a
tasty sauce for this pudding. When Lemon Sauce and dates are used, the
raisins should be omitted and the pudding flavored with nutmeg.
CARAMEL SAUCE
1/3 cupful sugar
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
1 cupful milk
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Salt
Mix the sugar, flour, and butter in a frying pan; then heat the mixture to
caramelize the sugar, stirring constantly. Scald the milk in a double
boiler. When the sugar is caramelized, add it to the hot milk and heat the
mixture until the caramelized sugar is dissolved. Add the salt and
vanilla. [Footnote 25: If the sauce is to be served cold, it is well to
allow the cooked mixture to cool before adding the vanilla (see
_Flavoring Extracts_).] Serve hot or cold over puddings.
QUESTIONS
Why is it advisable to use a double boiler for cooking rice? (See Lesson
XX)
If rice is cooked in a double boiler and milk is to be added, why should
not the milk be added until the rice mixture is placed over hot water?
(See statement regarding the scorching of milk in _Questions_, Lesson
XXIV)
Which method of cooking the Rice Pudding--baking or cooking over water--
requires more milk? Explain your answer. Also explain why a definite
quantity of milk cannot be stated in the recipe.
See "Note," Lesson XVI. Is any of the injurious substance formed in
caramelizing sugar present in Caramel Sauce?
LESSON XXII
CEREALS AND THE FIRELESS COOKER
THE FIRELESS COOKER.--The fact that fuels are expensive and that the
supply of some fuels is diminishing, makes it advisable to conserve heat.
This can be done in no more satisfactory way than by means of a fireless
cooker.
It has been said that future historians in summing up the great
achievements of the first quarter of the twentieth century will probably
name as the most important, wireless telegraphy, aviation, and fireless
cookery. The fireless cooker cannot be used with all methods of cooking,
but its possibilities are many.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _McCray Refrigerator Co_ FIGURE 25.
--INSULATED WALL OF A REFRIGERATOR.]
THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRELESS COOKERY.--In Experiment 2 it was found that wood
did not transmit heat rapidly, while tin did. Another familiar
illustration will show the difference between wood and metal in
transmitting heat. A metal door knob feels very cold on a winter day,
because the metal conducts the heat away from the hand rapidly, while a
wooden knob is comfortable to touch. Wood is termed a poor conductor of
heat. Metals are good conductors of heat.
Paper, hay, excelsior, sawdust, cork, wool, feathers, and many other
materials are poor conductors of heat. If any hot substance is surrounded
by any of these poor conducting materials, the heat of that substance is
retained for some time. Also, if any cold substance is surrounded by a
poor conductor, the substance remains cold. In throwing a piece of carpet
or newspaper over an ice cream freezer, to prevent the ice from melting,
one makes use of the latter principle.
[Illustration: FIGURE 26.--FIRELESS COOKER HAVING EXCELSIOR PACKING.]
The walls of a well-built refrigerator consist of a number of layers of
non-conducting materials (see Figure 25).
To understand the principle involved in "cooking without fire," try the
following:
EXPERIMENT 12: RETENTION OF HEAT.--Fill 2 tin measuring cups half full of
boiling water. Immediately inclose one cup of water in a paper bag or wrap
paper about it so there will be considerable air space between the cup and
paper. After 15 minutes, insert a thermometer into the water in each of
the cups. Which is hotter? What has "kept in" the heat of the hotter
water?
The fireless cooker is a device containing cooking kettles which are
surrounded by some poor conductor. When food is heated thoroughly, the
heat can be retained for a number of hours by placing the hot food in the
fireless cooker.
[Illustration: FIGURE 27--FIRELESS COOKER WITH STONE DISKS Note the
kettles of various shapes]
In the ordinary fireless cooker it is possible to cook all foods that can
be cooked in water at a temperature below the boiling point of water,
_i. e._ simmering temperature. Another type of fireless cooker has a
metallic or an enamel lining and is provided with movable stone disks.
Both the stones and food are heated on a range and then introduced into
the cooker in such a way that the stones are under and over the kettle of
food. By this arrangement, foods can be cooked at a higher temperature
than in the ordinary fireless cooker (see Figures 26 and 27).
There are also electric fireless cookers (see Figure 28). Such cookers are
equipped with a heating element which is placed in the bottom of the
insulated box. With these it is not necessary to heat the food before
placing it in the cooker. The uncooked food is put into the cooker and the
current turned on. By means of a clock arrangement the current may be cut
off when the desired length of time of heating has passed.
[Illustration: Courtesy of the _Standard Electric Stove Co_ FIGURE
28.--ELECTRIC FIRELESS COOKER. Has a heating element in the bottom of the
cooker.]
The principle of the fireless cooker is used on some of the modern gas and
electric ranges. The walls of the ovens of these ranges are surrounded by
insulating materials. When an oven is heated and has reached the desired
temperature, the gas or electricity is cut off, but the baking temperature
is retained for some time. The top burners of some gas ranges have a
fireless cooker attachment in the form of an insulated hood. The food is
first heated over the burner, then the hood is lowered over the food, and
the gas is cut off. The food continues to cook, however, by the retained
heat (see Figure 29).
SUGGESTIONS FOR USING A FIRELESS COOKER.--One should keep the following in
mind in using the ordinary fireless cooker:
[Illustration: Courtesy of the _Chambers Manufacturing Co._ FIGURE
29.--GAS RANGE HAVING FIRELESS COOKER ATTACHMENT, INSULATED OVEN AND
HOODS.]
1. Have the food heated thoroughly before placing in the fireless cooker.
(This direction does not apply to an electrical fireless cooker such as
shown in Figure 28.) If the foods are small, as cereals, 5 minutes'
boiling is usually sufficient cooking on the range; if large in size, as a
piece of beef, 30 minutes is required to heat it through.
2. After heating, place the _covered_ kettle containing the food into
the cooker immediately. It is well to have the cooker near the range so as
to waste but little heat while getting the food into the cooker.
3. The kettle should be well filled. A small quantity of food should not
be placed in a large kettle. It is possible, however, to fill the large
kettle almost full of boiling water, then rest a wire rack on the rim of
the kettle and place a small pan containing the food in the wire rack (see
Figure 26). Or place the food in a pan with sloping sides and broad rim,
such as a "pudding pan," which may be set in the large kettle so as to
rest on the rim.
4. Do not open the cooker to "see how the food is getting along." If the
box is opened, the food must be removed at once. The food may, however, be
reheated and returned to the cooker. It is sometimes necessary to follow
this plan, where food requires very long cooking.
5. The length of time a food must be left in the fireless cooker varies
with the kind of food and style of cooker. In many of the homemade boxes,
the water does not remain hot enough for cooking after 12 hours; in some,
for not more than 8 hours. If foods require longer cooking than this, they
should be removed and reheated as mentioned above. _Food should never be
allowed to become cool in a fireless cooker_.
6. After using any type of fireless cooker, let the lid remain wide open
for 2 or 3 hours. Except when in use do not close it tightly.
Every thrifty housekeeper should possess and use a fireless cooker. As has
been mentioned, it saves fuel, prevents the strong odor of food permeating
all parts of the house, lessens work and care in cooking, prevents burning
and scorching, and provides workers and picnickers with warm lunches. A
fireless cooker can be made satisfactorily at home with little expenditure
of effort and money. It has been found that paper crumpled so as to afford
considerable air space is a satisfactory non-conducting material for a
fireless cooker. Detailed directions for making a fireless cooker are
given in United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 771,
"Homemade Fireless Cookers and Their Use" and in several popular books.
CORN-MEAL MUSH
4 cupfuls boiling water
1 cupful corn-meal
1 teaspoonful salt
Mix the ingredients in the small pan of the fireless cooker and cook
directly over the flame of a range, boiling for 5 minutes, and stirring
occasionally. Cover and place in the large kettle of the fireless cooker
which contains boiling water. Place in a fireless cooker for 5 to 10
hours.
NOTE.--If corn-meal mush is to be cooked over a flame in a double boiler,
prepare according to the general rule for cereals and cook over boiling
water for at least 3 hours.
CORN-MEAL MUSH FOR "FRYING"
2 cupfuls corn-meal
2 tablespoonfuls flour
2 teaspoonfuls salt
2 cupfuls cold water
1 quart boiling water
Mix the dry ingredients, add the cold water, and mix thoroughly. Place the
boiling water in the small pan of the fireless cooker. Stir the corn-meal
mixture into the boiling water and cook 10 minutes directly over the
flame, stirring constantly. Cover and place in the large kettle of boiling
water. Place in the fireless cooker 5 to 10 hours. Remove the pan of mush
from the water and allow the mush to cool.
NOTE.--Corn-meal Mush for frying may be cooked over a flame in a double
boiler according to the recipe given above. Cook it for several hours.
RICE AND TOMATOES
1/2 cupful rice
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
1/2 teaspoonful celery salt
l-1/4 cupfuls boiling water
1 cupful tomatoes
1 slice onion
1 teaspoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
In the small pan of the fireless cooker cook (over a flame) the rice,
onion, and fat, stirring constantly until they are slightly brown. Add
boiling water and cook until the water is almost absorbed. Add the
tomatoes and seasoning and heat the mixture until it boils. Cover and
place in the large kettle of boiling water belonging to the fireless
cooker. Place in the fireless cooker for 3/4 hour. This food may be served
as a border around meat.
QUESTIONS
In your own way, explain the principle of "cooking without fire."
What ingredient does Corn-meal Mush for "Frying" contain that plain Corn-
meal Mush does not? What is the use of this ingredient in Corn-meal Mush
for "Frying"? (See _Wheat Flour and Corn-meal_.)
How does the method of preparing Corn-meal Mush for "Frying" differ from
the usual method of cooking cereals?
How many cupfuls of corn-meal in one pound? Of rice in one pound? What is
the price per pound of corn-meal and rice?
LESSON XXIII
CEREALS FOR FRYING OR BAKING
"FRIED" OR BAKED MUSH
Cut Corn-meal Mush for "Frying" into slices 1/3 inch thick. Dip each slice
in flour and brown in a little hot fat (butter or substitute, or a slice
of salt pork fat may be used).
The slices of mush may be spread with softened fat, or dipped in melted
fat, and browned in the oven or broiling oven.
Instead of spreading the mush with fat, the slices may be dipped in
cracker or fine dried bread crumbs, then dipped into egg mixture--1 egg
beaten and diluted with 1 tablespoonful of water--and again dipped into
cracker or bread crumbs. Place the "breaded slices" in a dripping pan, put
fat in bits over the top and bake for about half a hour or until the
crumbs are brown.
Hot mush may be served plain or with sirup.
In the same way, left-over wheatena, cream of wheat, farina, and other
breakfast cereals may be molded, cooled, and then "fried" or baked.
FRENCH TOAST
1 or 2 eggs
1 cupful milk
1/4 teaspoonful salt
6 or 8 slices of stale bread
Beat the eggs slightly, add the salt and milk, and dip the bread in the
mixture. Heat a griddle or "frying" pan and place a little butter or
substitute, or a combination of butter and some other fat, in the pan.
Brown the bread on one side in the hot fat. Place a bit of fat on the top
of each slice, turn, and brown the other side. Serve hot. A mixture of
powdered sugar and cinnamon, or sirup is sometimes used in serving French
Toast.
SIRUP
1/2 cupful corn sirup (dark)
1/4 cupful boiling water
2 tablespoonfuls brown sugar
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix the corn sirup, sugar, water, and salt. Heat until the boiling point
is reached. Cool and then add the vanilla. If it is desired to serve the
sirup hot, its flavor is improved by the addition of 1 teaspoonful of
butter.
QUESTIONS
In preparing French Toast, what care must be taken in dipping the stale
bread in the milk and egg mixture?
Since it is desirable to serve the slices of toast whole, which are the
better for French Toast,--large or small pieces of bread?
What is the advantage of placing a bit of fat on each slice of bread just
before turning it?
Why is it advisable to add butter to the sirup only when the latter is to
be served hot?
What is the purpose of adding sugar to corn sirup? (See _Corn
Sirup_.)
LESSON XXIV
POWDERED CEREALS USED FOR THICKENING
EXPERIMENT 22: STARCH GRAINS AND BOILING WATER.--Pour 2 tablespoonfuls of
boiling water over 1 teaspoonful of flour. Stir and heat over the flame.
Is the mixture smooth? Examine the center of a "Jump." How does it compare
with uncooked starch? Are all the starch grains swelled and semisoluble?
EXPERIMENT 23: SEPARATION OF STARCH GRAINS WITH COLD WATER.--Mix 1
teaspoonful of flour with 1 teaspoonful of water. Add 2 tablespoonfuls of
boiling water, stir, and heat. Is the mixture smooth? Explain clearly the
use of cold water in this mixture.
EXPERIMENT 24: SEPARATION OF STARCH GRAINS WITH SUGAR.--Mix 1 teaspoonful
of flour with 1 teaspoonful of sugar. Add 2 table-spoonfuls of boiling
water, stir, and heat. Is the mixture smooth? Carefully explain the use of
sugar in the mixture.
EXPERIMENT 25: SEPARATION OF STARCH GRAINS WITH FAT.--Mix 1 teaspoonful of
flour with 1 teaspoonful of fat. Add 2 tablespoonfuls of boiling water,
stir, and heat. Is the mixture smooth? Explain the use of fat in this
mixture.
To cook starch successfully, it is necessary to swell every grain of
starch contained in the starchy food. To accomplish this each grain must
be surrounded by heat and moisture. In vegetables and cereals, the
cellular framework separates the starch grains so that they are uniformly
cooked. Since there is nothing to separate the grains in a powdered
starchy substance, as shown in the foregoing experiments, it becomes
necessary to mix it with certain materials so that the heat and moisture
can penetrate every grain at the same time.
BLANC MANGE
2 cupfuls milk
1/4 cupful corn-starch
1/2 cupful sugar
2 teaspoonfuls vanilla
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoonful salt
Scald the milk in a double boiler. Mix the sugar and corn-starch. Add the
hot milk slowly to the sugar and corn-starch mixture, stirring rapidly.
Return to the double boiler and cook 30 minutes, stir rapidly until the
mixture thickens. Add the salt and flavoring and pour into a mold which
has been moistened with cold water. Cool, turn from the mold, and serve
with sugar and cream.
If a softer and more creamy dessert is desired, the corn-starch may be
reduced to 3 tablespoonfuls. If this quantity of thickening is used, the
cooked dessert should be poured into sherbet glasses or other suitable
dishes for serving; it will not become stiff enough to mold.
NOTE.--While cooking Blanc Mange, note the number of minutes that is
required to thicken the mixture and the length of time of cooking given in
the recipe. Why is it necessary to cook the mixture for so long a time
after it thickens? (See _Cereals_.)
CHOCOLATE CORN-STARCH PUDDING
Proceed as for Blanc Mange, using 3/8 cupful of sugar instead of 1/4
cupful. Cut into pieces 1 square (_i.e._ 1 ounce) of Baker's
chocolate. Add to it 1/4 cupful of boiling water. Stir and heat until
smooth and thoroughly blended. Add this to the corn-starch mixture just
before taking from the fire. Add 1/2 teaspoonful of vanilla. Mold and
serve as Blanc Mange.
Note that the quantity of sugar is increased when chocolate is added to
the corn-starch mixture. Chocolate mixtures require considerable sugar to
make them tasty.
3 tablespoonfuls of cocoa may be substituted for the chocolate. When this
is done, mix the cocoa with the corn-starch and sugar and add no water to
it. Proceed as in making plain Blanc Mange.
QUESTIONS
Name three substances that can be used to prevent the lumping of powdered
cereals used for thickening.
Give the reason for mixing the sugar, corn-starch, and hot milk of Blanc
Mange as directed.
For how long a time after placing in the double boiler is it necessary to
stir the corn-starch, sugar, and hot milk mixture?
Milk, especially a milk and starchy mixture, scorches readily (see
_Scalding Milk_). From this explain why Blanc Mange is cooked
entirely over boiling water, and not over the flame and then in a double
boiler, as cereals.
Why is the flavoring not added while the mixture is cooking (see
_Flavoring Extracts_)?
What is the price per package of corn-starch?
How much does a package of corn-starch weigh and measure?
Which material--flour or corn-starch--is the cheaper to use for
thickening?
How many persons does the quantity of Blanc Mange above serve?
LESSON XXV
TOAST: DIGESTION OF STARCH
EXPERIMENT 26: CHANGE OF STARCH INTO DEXTRIN.--Place a teaspoonful of
flour in a frying pan and heat slowly until it becomes _very dark
brown_ and _uniform_ in color. Put a little of the browned flour
into a test tube, add water, then shake. Add a few drops of iodine. What
indicates the presence of starch? Is starch present?
The starch has been changed to dextrin. Dextrin gives a purple (reddish
blue) color when treated with iodine.
EXPERIMENT 27: THE SOLUBILITY OF DEXTRIN.--Pour the remainder of the
browned flour from Experiment 26 into a test tube. Add water and shake.
Pour through filter paper [Footnote 26: Liquids pass through filter paper,
but solids do not. Hence if a mixture of solid and liquid is poured upon
filter paper, the liquid passes through, but the solid remains on the
paper.] into another test tube (see Figure 30). Notice the color of the
liquid that has been filtered. Add a few drops of iodine to the filtered
liquid. Is dextrin present? Is dextrin soluble in water? [Illustration:
Figure 30.--Method of Folding Filter Paper.]
From these experiments, we find that dry heat has changed insoluble starch
into a soluble substance called _dextrin_. Dextrin is found in small
amounts in the crust of bread and in toast.
DIGESTION OF STARCH.--It was found in a previous lesson (Lesson XVI) that
sugar is entirely soluble in water, and since digestion and solution are
closely related, the digestion of some sugar is simple. Starch was found
to be insoluble in cold water and only semi-soluble in hot water. In the
process of digestion it would seem that some change must take place in the
starch to make it soluble. Such a change _does_ take place; starch is
changed into a soluble carbohydrate or a sugar before it is digested.
Substances called _enzymes_ which are in the saliva of the mouth
[Footnote 27: Ptyalin and amylopsin are the ferments found in the mouth
and intestines, respectively.] and in the digestive juices of the
intestines [Footnote 28: Ptyalin and amylopsin are the ferments found in
the mouth and intestines, respectively.] cause this change. To show that
this change takes place to some extent in the mouth, try the following
experiments:
EXPERIMENT 28: STARCH IN CRACKER.--Test a bit of cracker with iodine for
starch. What indicates the presence of starch? Does the cracker contain
starch?
EXPERIMENT 29: ACTION OF SALIVA UPON STARCH.--Thoroughly chew a bit of
cracker. As you chew the cracker, note that it becomes sweeter in flavor.
Remove from the mouth, and place upon a piece of paper. Test it with
iodine. A purple (reddish blue) color indicates a soluble carbohydrate
(see Experiment 27). What substance does the masticated cracker contain?
Explain the change that has taken place in the cracker by mastication.
TOAST.--Bread is properly toasted when it is dried out thoroughly and then
browned on the outside. Both the crumb and the crust of the toast are thus
made crisp. Crisp toast crumbles during mastication.
Fresh bread contains much moisture. When it is toasted quickly, the
moisture is inclosed in the interior of the slice and the resulting toast
is very soft. This kind of toast is almost as difficult to digest as fresh
bread. Instead of toast breaking into bits during digestion, it remains in
a solid mass and is digested with difficulty.
Give at least two practical methods of toasting bread to produce the
desired kind of toast.
CREAM TOAST
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls flour
2 cupfuls milk or cream
6 to 8 slices of toast
Heat the fat; when it bubbles, add the flour and salt, mixing thoroughly.
Add a small portion of the milk. Heat and stir continually until it
thickens. Add another portion of the milk and proceed as before. Continue
until all the milk has been added. The sauce is sufficiently cooked when
it reaches the boiling point after the last quantity of milk has been
added. Pour this sauce over dry or moist toast.
_Moist toast_ is prepared by dipping dry toast quickly into hot,
salted water or hot milk. If the crust has not been cut from bread for
toasting, only the outer edges of the toast may be moistened.
The flavor of butter in Cream Toast is pleasing. To secure some butter
flavor and at the same time economize, a combination of butter and a mild
flavored fat or oil may be used.
QUESTIONS
Give the reason for mixing flour and fat as directed in White Sauce (see
Experiment 25).
What is the proportion of fat and flour? What is the proportion of flour
and liquid? Using this proportion, how much flour should be used for one
cupful of liquid?
What is the use of flour in White Sauce?
Note the consistency of the sauce, and keep it in mind as a standard of
comparison for the thickness of other sauces.
What should be the condition of the crumb of toast to be most quickly
digested? Give reasons for your answer.
LESSON XXVI
ROOT VEGETABLES (A)
Plant Roots.--Plants used for food have their stored-up food largely in
the form of starch and to some extent in the form of sugar. The parts of
the plant underneath the ground as well as the seeds serve as a storehouse
for the plant. All roots and tubers contain carbohydrates, although not in
so large a proportion as cereals. Those most commonly used as foods are
potatoes, tapioca, parsnips, carrots, beets, and turnips. Potatoes and
tapioca contain the most starch in this group. Parsnips, carrots, and
beets contain a little starch and much sugar. Turnips contain much
cellulose. Carrots, parsnips, and beets are also rich in cellulose.
All root vegetables as well as leaf and stem vegetables contain ash.
Comparison of Vegetables Cooked with or without the Skins, and in Water or
in Steam [Footnote 29: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--This lesson can be conducted
most expeditiously by dividing the class into groups of six and having
each group clean, prepare, and cook in water and in steam, potatoes and
carrots as directed above.]--Clean, prepare, and cook in water pared and
unpared potatoes, scraped and unscraped carrots, and cook in steam pared
potatoes and scraped carrots.
Clean the vegetables by scrubbing with a brush; cook them in _gently
boiling_ water. Use the same quantity of water in each case (when
cooked in water) and add one teaspoonful of salt to each quart of water.
When the vegetables are tender (test with a fork or knitting needle),
drain each thoroughly, catching the water in a bowl. Dry each vegetable by
shaking the saucepan containing it over a flame.
Pour into a test tube a little of the water from each water-cooked
vegetable; cool, and then test with iodine for starch.
Also pour some of the water from each water-cooked vegetable in an
evaporating dish. Boil the water until the moisture is entirely
evaporated. Then continue to heat the contents of the dish until charred
material appears and then disappears. Is any solid material left? If so,
it is mineral matter.
Which vegetables,--those cooked (in water) with or without the skins,--
lose the more starch and ash?
Which vegetables without the skins,--those cooked in water or those cooked
in steam,--lose the more starch and ash?
As far as saving nutriment is concerned, which method of preparation is
better for vegetables cooked in water? Which method of cooking is better
for vegetables without the skins?
Peel the vegetables that were cooked with the skins. Cut all into dice.
Prepare about half as much _White Sauce_ as you have of the
vegetable, using the ingredients for the sauce in the following
proportion:
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
1 cupful liquid
For the _liquid_ of the sauce for those vegetables cooked in water
without the skins, use half milk and half vegetable stock. Use only milk
for the sauce for the vegetables cooked in water with the skins and for
steamed vegetables. (For method of making White Sauce, see _Cream
Toast_) Add the vegetables to the sauce, reheat, and serve. Divide the
vegetables among the pupils of each group so that each tastes the six
vegetables.
Which vegetables,--those cooked with or without the skins,--have the more
pleasing color?
Which vegetables,--those cooked with or without the skins,--have the more
pleasing flavor?
As far as appearance and flavor are concerned, which method of preparation
is better for potatoes? Which method for carrots?
As far as both nutriment and flavor are concerned, which method of cooking
is better for both vegetables?
Suggestions for Cooking Root Vegetables.--All vegetables growing beneath
the ground should be cleaned by scrubbing with a small brush. Unless a
vegetable is dried or wilted, it should not be soaked in water for any
length of time before cooking.
The comparison just made shows that the outside skins of vegetables should
not be removed before cooking in water if we wish to retain all the
nutriment. There are some who contend, however, that a more delicate and
pleasing flavor results when old and strong-flavored vegetables have their
skins removed before cooking, and that the flavor is more to be desired
than a saving of all nutrients. Often vegetables are more pleasing in
color when cooked without their skins.
The nutrients lost by paring root vegetables and cooking them in water
consist not only of carbohydrates, but of ash and other valuable
materials. [Footnote 30: _Vitamines_, see Division Seven]
Satisfactory results may be obtained by _baking_ or _steaming_
vegetables. By using the latter method, vegetables can be pared and cut
into pieces and then cooked with little loss of nutrients. It has been
pointed out, [Footnote 31: See Journal of Home Economics, Vol. XI (May,
1919), "Changes in the Food Value of Vegetables," by Minna C. Denton.]
however, that there may be considerable loss of nutrients in steamed
vegetables. The extent of the loss depends in part upon the type of
steamer and the method of using it. If the bottom of the upper pan of a
steamer is perforated and the vegetables are placed in contact with the
perforated portion, the condensed steam "washes" the mineral matter from
the vegetable. This "vegetable broth" then drops into the lower pan of the
steamer.
An evidence of this can be secured by steaming spinach or squash in the
manner described above and observing the coloring which appears in the
water beneath the steaming vegetable. Loss of nutrients in such a steamer
can be avoided by placing the vegetable in a pan or plate and inserting
the latter in the upper portion of the steamer. The pan or plate should,
of course, be of smaller diameter than the top of the steamer. By using
the type of steamer which has perforations at the top of the upper pan
(see Figure 31), no loss of nutrients occurs, provided the accumulated
vegetable broth is used.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Geo H Bowman Co_ FIGURE 31.--UTENSIL FOR
STEAMING--A "STEAMER"]
Care should also be taken not to steam vegetables for long periods at a
very high temperature as is sometimes done in using the pressure cooker.
This results in both loss of nutrients and flavor.
If starchy vegetables are cooked in water, when tender immediately drain
away the water and dry them. Serve at once or let them remain uncovered in
a warm place. The steam is thus allowed to escape. Condensed steam makes
starchy vegetables soggy.
BOILED POTATOES
If potatoes are to be cooked without their skins, pare them as thin as
possible, or in the case of new potatoes, scrape them. Cut away any green
portion [Footnote 32: Green spots on potatoes are caused by the tubers
growing too near the surface of the ground. This colored portion contains
an injurious substance called solanin.] which appears on the potato. If
the potatoes are sprouted, [Footnote 33: Sprouted potatoes also contain
some solanin. Potatoes should not be allowed to sprout since nutritious
material is used up by the growing sprouts and, as mentioned above, an
injurious material is formed. Potatoes can be prevented from sprouting by
storing them in a dry, dark, cool place.] also cut away the portion around
the sprouts.
In cooking potatoes in water, follow the directions given on page 59,
Cooking Vegetables in Water. When they are tender, drain off the water
immediately; shake gently and dry on the back of the range with the
saucepan uncovered or with a cloth folded over the top to absorb the
moisture. Sprinkle generously with salt. Boiled potatoes may be put
through a ricer before serving.
CREAMED AND SCALLOPED VEGETABLES.--Cooked vegetables may be creamed by
cutting them into cubes, adding White Sauce, and then reheating. If the
cut vegetables are cold, they can be heated by adding them to the sauce
with the last portion of liquid. By the time the sauce reaches the boiling
point, the vegetables will be heated. Care should be taken not to break
the vegetables while heating them in the sauce. Care should also be taken
to prevent the sauce from scorching. An asbestos mat over a gas burner is
desirable for this purpose. Use one part of White Sauce with 2 or 3 parts
of diced vegetables.
Vegetables may be scalloped by placing Creamed Vegetables in an oiled
baking-dish, covering with buttered crumbs, and browning in the oven.
WHITE SAUCE FOR VEGETABLES
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
_or_
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1/2 teaspoonful salt
White pepper
1/2 cupful milk
1/2 cupful vegetable stock
Cook as directed for Cream Sauce (see _Cream Toast_). The thickness
of White Sauce for vegetables depends upon the kind of vegetable. The
thinner sauce is generally more satisfactory with starchy vegetables.
CRUMBS FOR SCALLOPED DISHES
1 cupful soft bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoonful salt
White pepper or cayenne
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
Mix seasonings and crumbs together, then add to the melted fat, or place
the fat in bits over the seasoned crumbs.
QUESTIONS
How should the water boil in cooking vegetables? Why?
Why should not potatoes be covered with a tin lid or plate after cooking?
Are potatoes sold by the pound or bushel? What is the price per pound or
bushel?
Mention at least three ways of cooking root vegetables so as to retain
their nutriment.
LESSON XXVII
ROOT VEGETABLES (B)
EXPERIMENT 30: THE EFFECT OF SOAKING STARCHY VEGETABLES IN WATER,--Over
several pieces of potato pour enough water to cover. Allow the vegetable
to stand at least 15 minutes. Pour the water from the vegetable into a
test tube and heat it. Cool, then test the water with iodine. What does
the water contain? What conclusion can you draw concerning the soaking of
vegetables in water before cooking?
SWEET POTATOES
Cook sweet potatoes with or without the skins (see _Cooking Vegetables
in Water_). Peel (if cooked with the skins), mash, add a little hot
milk, salt, and butter, beat thoroughly and serve.
Cooked sweet potatoes may also be cut into halves lengthwise, spread with
butter or substitute, sprinkled with a very little sugar, and browned in
the oven.
SWEET POTATOES (Southern style)
3 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
6 sweet potatoes
Salt and pepper
Boiling water
Scrub and pare the sweet potatoes, cut them into halves lengthwise. Put
the butter and sugar in a frying pan and when hot, add the sweet potatoes.
Brown the potatoes, add the salt and pepper and enough boiling water to
cover the bottom of the frying pan. Cover and cook slowly until the
potatoes are tender. Nearly all the water should be evaporated when the
potatoes are cooked. That which remains should be poured over the potatoes
as a sauce for serving.
Sweet potatoes may also be cooked in a casserole in the oven. Uncover the
casserole when the potatoes are almost tender, in order to brown them.
MOCK OYSTERS (parsnips with nuts and rice)
4 parsnips
2 eggs
1 cupful nuts, chopped
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
1 cupful cooked rice [Footnote 34: If the rice is cooked by boiling, use
the rice water instead of plain water in making Tomato Sauce.]
4 tablespoonfuls flour
1 teaspoonful salt
Boil or steam the parsnips until tender. Press them through a coarse sieve
or colander. Add the beaten eggs. Then add the remainder of the
ingredients. If the mixture is too thick to drop from the spoon, add a
little milk. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to an oiled baking-sheet. Bake
until slightly brown. Serve hot with Tomato Sauce. Tomato Catsup or Celery
Sauce may also be used in serving Mock Oysters. (Adapted from _Ninety
Tested Recipes_, Teachers College.)
TOMATO SAUCE
1/2 can tomatoes
1 cupful water
2 cloves
3 allspice berries
3 peppercorns
2 sprays of parsley
3 tablespoonfuls fat
2 slices onion
1/4 cupful flour
1 teaspoonful salt
Allow tomatoes, water, spices, and herbs to simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Brown
the onion in the fat, add flour and salt, then the tomato mixture. Follow
the method of making White Sauce (see _Cream Toast_). Strain and
serve.
QUESTIONS
From the results of Experiment 30 explain why vegetables should be placed
in boiling rather than in cold water for cooking.
Why should the water be drained from boiled vegetables immediately after
cooking?
From your grocer, find out in what quantities sweet potatoes are usually
purchased. What is the price of them? How do they compare in price with
white potatoes?
What is the price per pound of parsnips?
In preparing Tomato Sauce, what is the purpose of cooking the tomatoes and
spices together for 15 or 20 minutes?
Why are the tomatoes strained after thickening rather than before?
LESSON XXVIII
ROOT VEGETABLES (C)
Tapioca is a food material prepared from the roots of the cassava plant
grown in South America. Like many other foods prepared from the roots of
plants, it consists of a large percent of starch. In its preparation,
tapioca is heated so that the starch is partially cooked. Tapioca is
prepared for the market in two forms,--pearl tapioca, and minute or
granulated tapioca. The latter requires a much shorter time to cook. If
granulated tapioca is substituted for pearl tapioca, but one half the
quantity is required.
APPLE TAPIOCA
3/4 cupful pearl tapioca or
3/4 cupful granulated tapioca
2 1/2 cupfuls boiling water
1/2 teaspoonful salt
6 apples
1/2 cupful sugar
If pearl tapioca is used, cover it generously with cold water and allow it
to stand one hour or overnight. While soaking keep the tapioca covered. If
any water is unabsorbed, do not discard it,--use less than the given
quantity of boiling water.
If granulated tapioca is used, no cold water is needed. For either
granulated or pearl tapioca, add the boiling water and salt to the tapioca
and cook over the naked flame and then over hot water as in the case of
breakfast cereal (see _General Rules for Cooking Cereals_). Cook in
the double boiler until transparent. Wash, core, and pare the apples;
place them in a buttered baking-dish; fill the cavities with sugar, pour
tapioca over them, and bake in a moderate oven until the apples are soft.
Serve with sugar and cream, or with Lemon Sauce.
Other fruits may be substituted for apples. If canned fruits are used,
substitute the fruit sirup for part of the water in which the tapioca is
cooked.
RHUBARB TAPIOCA
Use the same ingredients for the rhubarb dessert as for Apple Tapioca,
substituting for the apples 3 cupfuls of rhubarb, cut into pieces, and
using twice the quantity of sugar. Bake until the rhubarb is soft.
LEMON SAUCE
3/4 cupful sugar
2 tablespoonfuls flour
2 cupfuls boiling water
1 lemon,--juice and rind
1 tablespoonful butter
Mix sugar and flour thoroughly; then slowly add the boiling water. Cook 10
minutes. Add the lemon juice and rind, then the butter. Stir until the
butter is melted, when the sauce will be ready to serve.
For economy, the butter may be omitted. It adds to the flavor, however.
SWEET SAUCES.--Sweet Sauces usually contain sugar and butter and are
thickened with a powdered cereal. It is interesting to consider which of
the two materials--sugar or butter--should be used to separate the grains
of the flour or corn-starch.
The quantity of fat used with the flour of White Sauces (see below) is a
little less than that of the flour. It is difficult to separate starch
grains when the quantity of fat equals only one half the quantity of
flour. On the other hand, when starch grains are separated by means of
sugar, the quantity of the sugar should equal at least the quantity of the
starchy material (see _Blanc Mange_). In the recipe for Lemon Sauce
above, it will be noted that the quantity of fat is one half that of the
flour; the quantity of sugar greatly exceeds that of the flour. Hence the
sugar affords a more satisfactory means of separating the starch grains in
Lemon Sauce.
PROPORTIONS OF INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCES
Flour Fat Liquid
Thin White Sauce 1 tablespoonful, 3/4 tablespoonful, 1 cup (Toast,
sweet sauce, certain cream soups, etc.)
Medium White Sauce 2 tablespoonfuls, 1 1/2 tablespoonfuls, 1 cup
(Vegetables (see page 109), gravy, tomato sauce, etc.)
Thick White Sauce 3 tablespoonfuls, 2 tablespoonfuls, 1 cup
(Gravy, tomato sauce, etc.)
Very Thick White Sauce 4 tablespoonfuls, 3 tablespoonfuls, 1 cup
(Croquettes, etc.)
(If richer sauces are desired, equal quantities of fat and flour should be
used.)
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of soaking pearl tapioca in water before cooking? Give
the reason for covering pearl tapioca while it is soaking. Why is it
necessary to cook it in a double boiler?
What is the use of flour in Lemon Sauce? Why is the flour mixed with the
sugar before adding the boiling water (see Experiment 24)? How long does
it take the flour to thicken? How long a time does the recipe give for
cooking the flour mixture? What is the purpose of cooking it for so long a
time?
What precautions can be taken to prevent the sauce from scorching?
If, after cooking the required length of time, the sauce is not thick
enough, what is the simplest method of thickening it?
For a sauce recipe in which very little fat and no sugar are given, devise
a method of preparing _smooth_ sauce.
LESSON XXIX
STARCHY FOODS COOKED AT HIGH TEMPERATURE
STEAM UNDER PRESSURE.--Which is hotter,--the "steam" (_i.e._ water
vapor) coming from boiling water in an uncovered saucepan or teakettle or
the "steam" which has been held underneath the lid of a covered saucepan
or teakettle (see Figure 32)? Steam confined in a small space or held
under pressure may reach a temperature higher than that of boiling water.
EFFECT OF HIGH TEMPERATURE UPON POP CORN AND POTATOES.--Pop corn contains
water. When heated, the water changes to steam. The covering of cellulose
holds the steam in the kernel. When the steam expands and reaches a
temperature far above the boiling point of water, it finally bursts the
covering and the starch swells at once.
[Illustration: FIGURE 32.--"STEAM" WITHOUT PRESSURE AND "STEAM" WHICH HAS
BEEN UNDER PRESSURE.]
In baking potatoes, the water contained in them vaporizes. The vaporized
water or steam is held under pressure by the skin of the vegetable. The
steam thus becomes hotter than boiling water, hence a baked potato is
cooked at a higher temperature than a boiled potato, and no nutrients are
lost.
POP CORN
Moisten pop corn with cold water. Almost cover the bottom of a popper with
the kernels. Hold the popper first at some distance from the heat and then
gradually bring it closer, shaking it well all the time to keep the corn
from burning. The corn should not begin to pop before three and one half
minutes. When popping commences, most of the kernels should open. If there
is some time between the popping of the first and last kernels, the corn
will become tough.
BUTTERED POP CORN NO. I
4 quarts freshly popped corn
1/4 cupful butter
Salt
Melt the butter and pour it over the corn, stirring with a spoon. Sprinkle
at once with salt from a salt shaker, continue stirring.
BUTTERED POP CORN NO. II
1 tablespoonful butter and 1 tablespoonful oil _or_
2 tablespoonfuls oil
1/2 cupful shelled pop corn
Salt
Put the fat in a large frying pan; when melted, add the salted corn. Stir
until the corn is evenly coated with fat. Cover closely and heat
gradually, shaking the pan vigorously all the time.
BAKED POTATOES Scrub potatoes and place them on the grate of a _hot_
oven (500 degrees F.). (Potatoes should be baked in a _hot_ oven, to
prevent them from becoming waxy or soggy.) Bake until soft when tested
with a fork or knitting needle, usually 50 to 60 minutes. Break the skin
at once to allow the steam to escape, or make two gashes in the top of
each potato, one at right angles to the other. Gently press the potato so
that the steam may escape. Serve in an uncovered dish. Place the steaming
potatoes on a folded napkin for serving.
STUFFED POTATOES
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1 teaspoonful salt
3 tablespoonfuls milk
Pepper
6 baked potatoes
Cut the baked potatoes in halves lengthwise. Remove the inside, taking
care not to break the skin; mash the potatoes, add the milk, butter, and
seasoning, and beat them as ordinary mashed potatoes. Return the mixture
to the potato shells, place the stuffed potatoes in a pan, and bake in a
_hot_ oven (500 degrees F.) until brown.
Before browning the stuffed potatoes, grated cheese may be sprinkled over
them.
QUESTIONS
Explain why pop corn can be cooked thoroughly in about 5 minutes while
rolled oats or wheat requires 1 1/2 hours for sufficient cooking.
Analyze the difference in taste of a baked and a boiled potato. To what is
the sweet taste of a baked potato due (see Experiment 26)? Explain fully
why baked potatoes are more easily digested than boiled potatoes (see
Experiment 26 and _Solution and Digestion_).
Which contains more nutriment,--baked potatoes or boiled potatoes? Explain
(see _Comparison of Vegetables Cooked with and without the Skins, and in
Water or in Steam_).
What is the purpose of breaking the skins of potatoes _at once_ after
baking? Why are baked potatoes served in an uncovered dish? What could be
used to cover them?
RELATED WORK
LESSON XXX
DINING ROOM SERVICE [Footnote 35: NOTE.--See Suggestions for Teaching,
Appendix.]
BASIC PRINCIPLES.--Practically all rules for laying the table and all
methods of serving have been formulated to bring about neatness,
convenience, and order. The standard of living, [Footnote 36: NOTE.--See
Suggestions for Teaching, Appendix.] the occasion, the size of the dining
room, the number of guests, and the attendants, all have to be taken into
consideration in dining room service. Therefore the method of serving must
be governed by conditions. It is possible here to give only general
suggestions.
THE TABLE
TABLE LINEN.--Table padding, or a silence cloth, should first be placed on
the table, then the table-cloth should be laid straight and smooth.
[Illustration: FIGURE 33.--TABLE LAID FOR AN INFORMAL LUNCHEON Note the
position of the silver, napkins, bread-and-butter plates, and tumblers.
Also note that a _low_ bowl of flowers is used as a centerpiece.]
Napkins should be folded simply and laid at the left of the plate. A
dinner napkin is folded four times, a luncheon napkin is folded twice to
form a square, or three times to form either a triangle or an oblong.
If desired, the table-cloth may be omitted for breakfast or luncheon.
Doilies with pads underneath them, lunch or breakfast cloths, or table
runners (see Figure 33) may be used instead of the table-cloth. The two
latter coverings are especially practical, since they are more quickly
laundered than table-cloths. Their initial cost is also usually less than
that of a table-cloth.
Doilies may be placed on the serving tray. They are also often used on
plates containing crackers, bread, and cakes. Baked potatoes, corn, and
hot breads may be served in a folded napkin.
CHINA AND GLASSWARE.--The term "cover" means the space, with its china,
silver, and glassware, allowed for each guest. At least twenty-two inches
of space should be allowed for a cover (see Figure 33).
The quantity of china on the table depends upon the occasion and the style
of serving. In any form of service, the first course, if cold, may be
placed on the table before the guests are seated. If the first course is a
hot food, it is always placed on the table after the guests are seated.
For informal occasions, and sometimes for formal occasions, the bread-and-
butter plate is used. It is placed beyond the tines of the fork. Glasses
are placed beyond the tip of the knife. A sugar bowl and cream pitcher,
salts, peppers, etc., may also be placed on the table. A salt and a pepper
shaker should be placed so as to be accessible to each two covers. Dishes
containing olives or nuts are sometimes placed on the table before the
guests are seated.
For breakfast, the coffeepot, hot-water pitcher, milk and cream pitchers,
spoon tray, and cups and saucers may be placed so as to form a semicircle
about the hostess's place. The coffeepot should be placed at the right,
and the cups and saucers at the left. If tiles or stands for the coffeepot
and hot-water pitcher are used, they should also be a part of the table
service. A large tray may be used to hold all of the coffee service.
If the serving is to be done without a maid, it is advisable to place all
the china, glass, and silver to be used for the meal either on the table
or on the serving table.
SILVER.--Convenience and order have determined the customary way of
placing the silver at each cover. At the right of the plates place the
knives, the spoons, and the forks that are to be used without knives (as
for oysters, fish, or salad). At the left, place all the forks that are to
be used with knives. Many prefer, however, to place all the forks, except
the oyster fork, at the left of the plate. Enough silver for all courses,
except the dessert course, is usually placed on the table; it is
permissible, however, to place the silver for all courses. If the silver
for any course is not placed on the table before the meal is announced, it
may be brought in on a tray and placed at each cover just before serving
the course; or it may be laid on each serving dish of the course.
While a general rule for laying silver is to place each piece at each
cover in the order of its use, _the knives are usually all grouped
together at the right of the plate and the spoons laid together at the
right of the knives._ It is advisable, however, to place the spoons and
knives in the order of their use, _i.e._ place the spoon that is to
be used first farthest to the right and the knife that is to be used
first, farthest to the right of the group of knives. Since only forks are
placed at the left of the plate, they should be laid in the order of their
use, that first to be used being placed farthest to the left (see Figure
33).
All silver should be placed from one half to one inch from the edge of the
table; the sharp edges of the blades of the knives should be turned
towards the plates; the spoons and forks should be placed with their bowls
and tines turned up. The butter spreaders may be laid across the bread-
and-butter plates. Generally when soup and raw oysters are served, the
oyster fork is laid across the soup spoon. If the silver that is to be
used in serving a dish of food is placed on the table, it should be laid
_beside_ not _in_ the dish of food.
TABLE ACCESSORIES.--A low bowl of flowers or fruit, tastefully arranged,
makes a pleasing centerpiece. A centerpiece, however, should be a real
source of pleasure; it should not obstruct the view of guests opposite
(see Figure 33).
Place cards afford a graceful means of seating guests. When used, they
should be placed on the napkin. Menu cards, sometimes used for occasional
dinners, are also placed on the napkin.
STYLES OF SERVING
There are several styles of serving:
ENGLISH (ordinary family service).--The foods are served at the table, the
host serving fish, meat, and vegetables; the hostess serving soup, salad,
and dessert; and other members of the family serving fruit and the
vegetables that are served in individual dishes. The served dishes may be
passed to each guest by the maid, or when no maid serves, they may be
passed from one person to another. This method is used for family and
informal service, and also when serving is done without a maid.
RUSSIAN (serving from the side).--This may be observed in one of two ways:
(_a_) Foods are separated into portions on individual plates and
placed before the guests.
(_b_) Foods are separated into portions on the serving dishes and
passed to the left of each guest so that he may help himself, or the
portions may be served by the maid. The necessary serving spoon or fork
should be provided with the serving dishes. The Russian style of serving
is the most formal and requires the service of at least one maid.
COMPROMISE.--Sometimes it is desirable to use one style of serving for one
course and another style for another course, as the Russian style for the
soup course, and the English style for the meat course. Or the foods of
one course may be in such form that it is convenient to follow both styles
of serving, as meat served in English style and "side dishes" served in
Russian style. Such style of serving is termed the compromise.
METHODS OF SERVING WITH A MAID
ESTABLISHED RULES FOR SERVING.--While each hostess follows her own
inclination in the details of serving, there are certain rules that are
always observed:
Cold foods are served on cold dishes; hot foods on hot dishes.
Dishes offered to a guest are _passed_ to the left of the guest;
other dishes are _placed_ to the right of a guest, except when a
plate is placed at the same time a soiled or served plate is removed,--it
is then placed at the left. Plates are removed from the right when
possible.
When the Russian style of serving is observed, the following plan of
removing and placing plates at the close of a course is followed:
The maid carries the clean or served plate of the following course in her
right hand and goes to the left of the guest. She removes the soiled plate
of the course just concluded with her left hand and then places the empty
or served plate before the guest with her right hand. She then goes to the
kitchen or pantry with the soiled plate, returns with a clean or served
plate, and proceeds as before.
In following the English style in serving plates, the maid first places
the dish to be served (the platter of meat, for example) in front of the
host. Then an empty plate is placed before the host. The maid then gets
another clean plate, returns to the left of the host, takes up the served
plate in her left hand, and places the empty plate before him. She then
places the served plate before one of the guests from the right side.
Again she goes to the left of the host, places a plate before him, and
proceeds as before.
At the end of a course, remove the dishes of each cover, then such dishes
as the platters and tureens, and finally the crumbs. All dishes belonging
to a particular course should be removed at the end of that course. Soiled
dishes are always unsightly; hence care should be taken to remove them in
the neatest way. Plates should not be piled on top of one another. When
the dinner plate, the bread-and-butter plate, and the side dishes are to
be removed, the smaller dishes (bread-and-butter plates and side dishes)
should be removed on the serving tray. The larger plates may be removed
one at a time, and an empty or service plate may be put in the place of
each. If no empty or service plate is to be placed for the next course,
two soiled plates may be removed at the same time, one in each hand.
USE OF THE BUFFET AND SERVING TABLE.--Many dining rooms have both a buffet
and serving table. When such is the case the serving table is used for
holding the dishes and foods that are used in serving the meal, such as
dessert plates, creamer and sugar, plate of bread, etc.; the buffet is
used for holding dishes that are used occasionally, such as the coffee
service, chafing dish, etc.
Accidents at the table may be quickly remedied, if extra silver and a soft
(_i.e._ unfolded) napkin are placed on the serving table before the
meal is announced.
USE OF THE SERVING TRAY.--The serving tray should be used for carrying all
silver. It should also be used for small dishes, such as preserves,
olives, sauces, and for the creamer and sugar, and the cups and saucers.
In passing large dishes, such as plates, platters, and tureens, use a
folded napkin underneath the dishes instead of a tray.
REMOVING THE CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE.--For a table with a cloth, the crumb
tray and scraper, or better, a plate and folded napkin are used to remove
the crumbs. A brush is not desirable for "crumbing" the table. For a table
without a cloth, the folded napkin and plate are used. The table may be
crumbed before and after the salad course or before the dessert course.
USE OF FINGER BOWLS.--Finger bowls are used after the fruit course of
breakfast, and at the end of a luncheon or dinner. They should be placed
on plates, with a doily between the plate and finger bowl.
For breakfast, the finger bowls and plates may be brought in first. The
finger bowl and doily should be removed to the left so that the same
plates may be used for the fruit course.
For formal luncheon or dinner, finger bowls on doilies and plates are
brought in, one at a time, when removing the main dish of the dessert. The
finger bowls and doilies are then set aside and the plate used for bonbons
and nuts, which are passed on a tray. Or, if desired, the finger bowls may
be brought after the bonbons. In this case the finger bowl and plate are
exchanged for the plate of the dessert course. An informal way is to pass
finger bowls on plates and doilies before the dessert course. Then the
finger bowl and doily are set aside as at breakfast and the dessert served
on the same plate.
ORDER OF SEATING AND SERVING GUESTS.--The host and hostess usually sit
opposite each other, _i.e._ at the head and foot of the table. If
there is a waitress to do the serving, the head of the table should be
farthest from the entrance of the dining room. If there is no maid, the
hostess's chair should be nearest the kitchen door or pantry. A woman
guest of honor sits at the right of the host; a gentleman guest, at the
right of the hostess.
The order of serving guests varies in different homes and for different
occasions. Sometimes the women at the table are served before the men.
This is usually done, however, for home service or when only a few persons
are at the table. At a large dinner table or a banquet, guests are usually
served in the order in which they sit. In many homes, the guests are
served first, while in others the hostess is always the first to be
served. At a family meal, when no guests are present, the hostess should
always be served first.
METHOD OF SERVING WITHOUT A MAID
When there is no maid, a woman has a threefold duty to perform when
serving a meal. She must act as cook, as waitress, and as hostess. Much
skill, ingenuity, and practice are required to do this successfully. The
underlying principle of its accomplishment is forethought. A hostess must
plan, even to the minutest detail, the performance of each duty.
PREPARATION BEFORE ANNOUNCING THE MEAL.--In planning the menu, a wise
selection should be made. Simple foods should be selected and but few
courses should be served. A young hostess should remember that a simple
meal easily served is more enjoyable and more fitting than an elaborate
dinner where the hostess must frequently leave the table. Foods should be
selected that can be prepared before the meal is served, and that will not
be harmed by standing. A souffle which must be served immediately when
taken from the oven is not a wise choice for such a meal.
For almost all meals some of the dishes and foods must be left in the
warming oven or in the refrigerator, but as many dishes and foods as
possible should be taken to the dining room before the meal is announced.
The suggestion has been made that dishes be kept warm by placing them in a
pan of hot water on the serving table. This would mean, however, that a
tea towel be at hand to dry the dishes before using. Special hot-water
dishes for the purpose can now be obtained in city shops.
A serving table or a wheel tray (see Figure 34) is of great service to a
woman acting as hostess and waitress. It should be placed near the hostess
so that she can reach it without rising from her chair. In the absence of
a wheel tray, a large serving tray is a great convenience in setting and
clearing the table; it saves many steps.
[Illustration: FIGURE 34--WHEEL TRAY.]
SERVING AT THE TABLE.--The English style of serving should be followed.
The hostess may thus have the aid of the host and the other members of the
family in serving. Moreover, serving in this manner gives an air of
hospitality.
As hostess, a woman must not leave her place at the table many times or
for many minutes. If the details of the meal have not been well planned,
she will have to make many trips to the kitchen. This is one of the
indications that the presence of guests is a burden to the hostess. She
should never leave or enter the dining room empty-handed, for a saving of
energy is more sensible than faithful adherence to form. The soiled
dishes, as they are removed from the table, may be placed upon the serving
table. By the use of the latter, the dining table can be kept free from an
overcrowded appearance and the hostess saved many steps. The lower shelf
of the serving table is the most desirable place for the soiled dishes.
For a family meal, the table may be crumbed as follows: Let the hostess
use the crumb tray while seated at her place, and then let her pass it on
so that each member of the family may in turn remove the crumbs from his
own cover. It is perfectly proper to omit crumbing when guests are present
and where there is no maid.
The host and the other members of the family can do much to add to the
pleasure of a meal by introducing an interesting topic of conversation
that will occupy the attention of the guests during the absence of the
hostess. If the hostess is sole entertainer, she would do well to start an
absorbing subject of conversation just before leaving the dining room.
QUESTIONS
Why is it desirable to use doilies on plates containing crackers, bread,
and cakes?
Why should baked potatoes, corn, and hot breads be served on a folded
napkin?
Why should the coffeepot be placed at the right of the hostess's cover and
the cups and saucers at the left of her cover?
In laying the table, why should the knives, spoons, and the forks that are
to be used without knives be placed at the right of the plates? Why should
the forks that are to be used with knives be placed at the left of the
plates?
In serving, why should dishes which admit of choice be passed to the left
of a guest? Why should dishes which do not admit of choice be placed at
the right?
Why should this order of clearing the table at the end of a course be
followed: first, the soiled dishes, then the food, then the clean dishes,
and finally the crumbs?
Why should all dishes belonging to a particular course be removed at the
end of the course?
Why is a brush not desirable for crumbing the table?
Why are finger bowls used after the fruit course of breakfast and at the
end of luncheon or dinner?
Make a list of the linen, silver, glass, and china needed for the dining
and serving tables, when serving the menu given below. Give method of
serving each course, using the English style.
Cream of Tomato Soup--Soup Sticks
Veal Cutlets
Rice
Rolls--Butter
Cucumber Salad
Wafers
Snow Pudding, Custard Sauce
Cakes--Coffee
LESSON XXXI
COOKING AND SERVING BREAKFAST
Cook and serve a breakfast.
If the lesson period is limited to 90 minutes, it is advisable to plan
only a simple meal. The following menu is suggested:
Seasonable Fruit,--fresh or cooked
French Toast with Sirup
Milk
Determine the number of persons each recipe for the foods above will
serve. It may be necessary to prepare only a portion of a given recipe or
more food than the quantity stated in the recipe. The pupil should become
accustomed to dividing or multiplying the quantities given in recipes.
Commence your work at such a time that the food will be in proper
condition--hot or cold--at the time set for serving the breakfast.
Follow the English or family style of serving.
Serve the breakfast with or without a maid (see previous lesson).
LESSON XXXII
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Seasonable Fruit Sauce
Breakfast Cereal
Coffee
See Review, for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON XXXIII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 37: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--If cooked cereals are desired for breakfast at
your home, prepare breakfast cereals in the evening for the following
morning.
Make a dessert for the evening meal at least three times a week.
SUGGESTED AIMS:
(1) To cook the cereal a sufficient length of time to produce a sweet
flavor and make it tender, to evaporate the moisture sufficiently so that
mastication will be necessary, to allow no scum to form on top.
(2) To select a variety of desserts so that a different one may be served
each time.
DIVISION FIVE
ENERGY-GIVING OR FUEL FOODS,--RICH IN FATS AND OILS
LESSON XXXIV
FAT AS A FRYING MEDIUM
COMPARISON OF FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES.--_Fat is a foodstuff._ Fat and
oil [Footnote 38: Fat and oil are very similar, oil being fat that is
liquid at ordinary temperature.] form another great class of energy-giving
or fuel foods. In the body, these foods, like carbohydrates, give energy;
in fact weight for weight they furnish more than twice as much energy as
carbohydrates. There is, for example, about as much fat by weight in one
pound of butter as there are carbohydrates in one pound of tapioca. By
measurement it has been found that one pound of butter gives to the body
almost two and one fourth times as much energy as does one pound of
tapioca.
Fats and oils are not only used as food (butter for example) and as
constituents of foods (fat in pastry), but as a medium for cooking. The
use of fat as a cooking medium follows:
EXPERIMENT 31: TEMPERATURE AT WHICH FATS AND OILS DECOMPOSE OR "BURN."--
Into each of 6 test tubes put 2 teaspoonfuls of butter, cottonseed oil,
corn oil, beef drippings, lard, and Crisco. Gently heat each one of the
fats or oils until fumes first arise from them. Then insert a thermometer
[Footnote 39: Care should be taken in using a thermometer in hot fat. It
should be allowed to cool before washing.] in each tube and note the
temperatures. These are the temperatures at which the various fats
decompose. Record these temperatures in your notebook.
How do the decomposing temperatures of fat compare with that of boiling
water? Which would be the hotter medium for cooking--hot fat or boiling
water?
Which fat reaches the highest temperature before it begins to decompose?
If fat is used as a medium of cooking, which of these fats, as far as
temperature is concerned, would be the most desirable? Give a reason for
your answer.
What is the price per pound or pint of each of these fats or oils?
Which of these are vegetable and which are animal fats or oils?
FATS FOR DEEP-FAT FRYING.--As shown by the above experiment, fat reaches a
high temperature when heated. For this reason fat may be used as a cooking
medium. The process of cooking food in deep fat is called _frying_.
From the standpoint of temperature the best fat for frying is that which
can be heated to a very high temperature without burning.
Other factors such as flavor and cost, however, have to be taken into
consideration. Fat not only heats foods, but it imparts flavor since some
of the fat in which a food is cooked, clings to the food. The costs of the
various fats differ greatly. This must be regarded in selecting fats for
cooking. Taking these factors into consideration, many prefer the cheaper
vegetable fats for frying, while others find a mixture of beef drippings
and lard satisfactory.
EXPERIMENT 32: BREAD FRIED IN "COOL" FAT (CLASS EXPERIMENT).--Put some
suitable fat for frying in an iron pan and heat. Note carefully the change
that takes place in fat as it heats. When the fat "foams" or bubbles, or
reaches a temperature of about 300 degrees F., drop into it a piece of
bread. After one minute remove the bread from the fat; examine the bread
by breaking it apart to see if the fat has soaked into the bread. Is it
desirable to have the fat soak into fried foods? What conclusion can you
draw as to frying foods in "cool" fats?
EXPERIMENT 33: THE TEMPERATURE OF FAT FOR FRYING (CLASS EXPERIMENT).--
Continue to heat the fat of Experiment 32. When fumes begin to rise from
the fat, or the fat reaches a temperature of 365 degrees F., again drop a
bit of bread into it. After one minute remove the bread and examine it as
above. Has as much fat soaked into it as in the first bit of bread? What
conclusion can you draw from this in regard to the proper temperature for
frying foods?
Cooked foods and foods needing but little cooking require a higher
temperature than batters or other uncooked foods. If a bit of bread is
browned in 40 seconds, the fat is of proper temperature for cooked foods
and for oysters. If bread is browned in 60 seconds, the fat is of proper
temperature for uncooked foods.
GENERAL RULES FOR FRYING.--Since fat, when heated, reaches such a high
temperature, the kettle in which it is heated should be of iron.
If there is any moisture on foods, it must be evaporated before the foods
brown. Excessive moisture also cools the fat considerably, hence, _foods
that are to be fried should be as dry as possible._
Place the foods to be cooked in a bath of fat deep enough to float them.
The kettle should not be too full, however, as fat is apt to bubble over
especially when moist foods are placed in it.
Foods may be placed in a frying basket, or they may be lowered into the
fat and taken from it with a wire spoon. All fried foods should be drained
on paper.
When one quantity of food has been removed, the fat should be reheated and
its temperature tested before adding the second quantity of food.
Fat used for frying should be cooled and clarified with potato as directed
on the following page.
If a coal range is used for heating the fat, sand or ashes and a shovel
should be near at hand in case the fat takes fire.
If hot fat must be carried or lifted, wrap a towel about the hand before
grasping the handle of the kettle.
TO TRY OUT FAT.--The fat of meat consists of fat held by a network of
connective tissue. To make meat fat suitable for frying it is necessary to
separate the fat from the tissue. This is done as follows:
Remove the tough outside skin and lean parts from meat fat and cut it into
small pieces. Put the fat into an iron kettle, and cover it with cold
water. Place it uncovered on the stove and heat. When the water has nearly
all evaporated, set the kettle back, or lessen the heat, or place in a
"cool" oven, and let the fat slowly try out.
As the fat separates from the pieces of tissue, it is well to strain or
drain it into a bowl. If this is done, the fat is less apt to scorch. The
heating of the connective tissue should continue, until it is shriveled in
appearance and no fat can be pressed out from it with a fork. The strained
fat should be set aside to become firm and then stored in a cool place.
TO CLARIFY FAT.--Add a few slices of raw potato to fat and heat slowly
until it ceases to bubble. Cool, strain through a cloth, and let stand
until solid.
FRIED OYSTERS [Footnote 40: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--If the price of oysters
is too high, some seasonable small fresh fish such as pike may be used in
place of oysters. These may be prepared for frying in the same manner as
oysters. If desired, corn-meal may be substituted for dried bread crumbs.]
Large oysters
Dried bread crumbs
Salt and pepper
Eggs
1 tablespoonful water or oyster juice for each egg
Remove pieces of shell from the oyster by running each oyster through the
fingers. Wash the oysters, drain immediately, and dry them on a soft cloth
or towel (see _Cleaning Oysters_). Season with salt and pepper. Beat
the eggs slightly and dilute by adding one tablespoonful of water or
strained oyster juice to each egg. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the dried
bread crumbs. Dip the oysters into the prepared crumbs, then into the egg
mixture, and finally into the crumbs. Fry one minute, drain, place on
paper, and serve.
Lemons cut into eighths are desirable to serve with fried oysters. Parsley
makes a pleasing garnish.
To Clean Utensils that have Contained Fat.--An alkaline substance such as
washing soda is effective in cleaning utensils that have held fat. To show
the action of washing soda on fats try the following:
EXPERIMENT 34: SAPONIFICATION OF FAT.--Into a test tube put 1/2
teaspoonful of washing soda and 1 teaspoonful water, then heat until the
washing soda is entirely dissolved. Melt 1 teaspoonful of solid fat and
add it to the soda solution. Boil the contents of the tube for a few
minutes and then examine it. What substance does the foaming suggest? What
has been formed by the union of fat and soda? What application can be
drawn from this with regard to the use of soda in cleaning utensils that
have contained fat?
Wipe out with soft paper the utensil that has held fat. Fill it full of
water, add some washing soda, and heat. Empty the water and wash. Do not
use washing soda in aluminum utensils (see _Preparing Dishes for
Washing_).
QUESTIONS
What is taking place when hot fat emits an odor?
Name two advantages in dipping foods that are to be fried in egg.
Why are dried rather than soft bread crumbs used for covering foods that
are to be fried?
LESSON XXXV
FAT AS A FRYING MEDIUM--FOOD FATS
FOOD FATS.--Fats and oils are extracted from various materials and refined
so as to make them suitable for food. Food fats are of both animal and
vegetable origin. Fats separated from milk (butter), meat fats (suet,
lard) are animal fats while those separated from seeds (cottonseed and
peanut), cereal (corn), fruit (olive), nuts (coconuts) are vegetable fats.
A discussion of various food fats follows:
(_a_) _Butter_ is made by churning ripened cream so as to
separate the fat from the other ingredients contained in milk. It is
salted and usually colored before putting it on the market.
The popularity of butter is dependent upon its flavor, for its fuel value
is not greater than any other fat. Indeed butter does not contain as much
fat as do the vegetable oils and fats, and certain other animal fats.
Butter contains 85 per cent of fat while many vegetable oils and fats and
lard contain 100 per cent of fat. Butter contains, however, certain
growth-producing substances called _vitamines_ (see Division Seven).
All fats do not contain vitamines. The latter are found in butter, but are
not present in vegetable oils and fats and in pork fat.
Butter is one of the most expensive foods of a household. Its use,
therefore, must be carefully considered. Because of its pleasing flavor,
for some purposes no fat is as desirable as butter. If, however, fat is to
be combined with foods of _pronounced flavor, i.e._ foods whose
flavor is strong enough to cover up other food flavors, other fats may be
substituted with satisfactory results.
(_b_) _Oleomargarin_ is a combination of several different fats.
It is usually made by churning soft beef fat (called oleo oil) and neutral
(_i.e._ carefully rendered) lard with milk or cream. Sometimes butter
and cottonseed and peanut oils are added. Because colored oleomargarin is
highly taxed, this fat is usually not colored in its preparation for the
market.
The term oleomargarin is used not only as the trade name for fat of the
composition stated above, but as the legal name of any food fat prepared
as a butter substitute. To comply with the law, solid fats found at market
and containing no oleo oil are labeled oleomargarin.
(_c_) _Nut Margarin_ is also a mixture of various fats. It
usually consists of coconut oil combined with cottonseed or peanut oil.
(_d_) _Meat Fats_.--The fat of pork is commonly "tried out" or
"rendered" to free it from connective tissue. That obtained from trying
out the fat from around the kidneys is called _leaf lard_; ordinary
lard is obtained from the fats of other parts of the animal. The former is
considered of superior quality.
Beef suet or the fat from around the kidneys and loin of beef is also
tried out and used for cooking. All scraps of fat--cooked or uncooked--as
well as any drippings from beef, veal, pork, and chicken, should be saved
and used in cooking. The fat from mutton has a peculiar flavor and so
cannot be used in food, unless cooked with certain flavoring materials
(see _Mutton_). It may be saved for soap-making. Fat from soup and
drippings need only be clarified before using for cooking; suet and other
uncooked fat of meat must be first tried out.
(_e_) _Vegetable Oils_.--The oil from cottonseed, corn, and
peanut is prepared for table use and sold under various trade names. Oil
is also extracted from the olive. This is an extremely expensive oil. Its
food value is no greater than that of other vegetable oils; only "olive
flavor" is secured for the greater price. Refined cottonseed and corn oils
are bland in flavor. Peanut has a characteristic flavor pleasing to most
persons. When these vegetable oils become rancid, however, their flavor is
disagreeable.
FAT COMBINATIONS.--Every thrifty housekeeper should have several kinds of
fats in her larder, and should use all with discretion. Fats may be
combined for certain purposes. Many times in making pastry or in sauteing
and frying, it is desirable to use a firm and a soft fat together, such as
butter and lard, suet and oil, or suet and chicken fat.
FISH BALLS
1 cupful salt codfish
4 small potatoes
1 egg
1/2 tablespoonful butter or substitute
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Wash the fish in water and tear into small pieces; wash and pare the
potatoes. Cook the fish and the _whole_ potatoes together in gently
boiling water, containing no salt, until the potatoes are soft. Drain and
shake over the fire until dry; mash, add the beaten egg, fat, pepper, and
salt (if needed), and beat until light. Take up the mixture by spoonfuls,
mold slightly, and place in hot deep fat. Do not fry more than six balls
at one time. Fry until brown, drain, garnish, and serve at once. White or
Cheese Sauce may be served over Fish Balls.
The potatoes used in fish balls may be steamed. The codfish, however, must
be soaked or cooked in water.
QUESTIONS
Why is it not necessary to soak codfish for Fish Balls in water before
cooking?
Why is salt not added to the water in which codfish and potatoes are
cooked?
If a food that is to be fried contains much water, what happens to the
water when placed in the hot fat? Explain why it is better to leave the
potatoes whole rather than cut them into pieces for cooking. Why is it
especially necessary to dry the fish and potato mixture before frying?
What ingredient do Fish Balls contain that hardens immediately on being
heated? Of what advantage is this ingredient in mixtures that are to be
fried?
What is the price per package of codfish? What is the weight and measure
of a package?
LESSON XXXVI
FAT AS A FRYING MEDIUM--DIGESTION OF FAT
EXPERIMENT 36: ACTION OF OIL AND WATER.--Pour a little corn or cottonseed
oil into a test tube, add the same quantity of water, and shake the tube.
Set the tube aside for a minute and examine. Which material rises to the
top? Is oil soluble in water? What application can be made from this
concerning the effectiveness of cleaning the fat of meats with water?
EXPERIMENT 36: EMULSION OF FAT.--In a test tube put a bit of soap and 2
tablespoonfuls of water. Heat until the soap is melted. Add 1/2
teaspoonful of vegetable oil. Shake the mixture and then examine. What
familiar food does the mixture look like? Set the tube aside for a minute.
Does the oil rise to the top as in Experiment 35? The fat is in an
emulsified condition.
BREAKING UP OF FATS.--Fats and oils are not soluble in any substance found
in the digestive juices, but they are acted upon by an enzyme [Footnote
41: Steapsin or lipase is the enzyme found in the pancreatic juice which
acts upon fat.] and by an alkaline substance found in the pancreatic
juice. The enzyme breaks up some of the fat into a fatty acid [Footnote
42: Fatty acids are substances related to fats; they have certain acid
properties.] and glycerin.
During digestion, fat is emulsified, i.e. divided into tiny globules which
do not coalesce.
When a fat is emulsified, it often looks like milk. (Milk contains fat in
an emulsified form; the fat separates, however, by standing and rises to
the top to form cream.) Fats can be emulsified by several different
substances. A soap solution is one of the substances that will emulsify
fats. (The action of soap solution in emulsifying fat was shown in
Experiment 36.)
If fats are emulsified by means of soap, one might ask where the soap
comes from in the process of digestion. The soap is thought to be formed
by the action of the alkali of the pancreatic juice upon some of the fatty
acids formed by the splitting up of the fat. By means of the soap thus
formed, fat is emulsified during digestion. During digestion, fat is
broken up into fatty acids and glycerin.
FRYING AND DIGESTION.--Fat is a slowly digesting foodstuff. Not only fats,
but foods coated with fat are digested slowly. Because of the longer time
in the digestive tract, foods may cause digestive disturbances.
When fats are heated to a high temperature, they are decomposed and
irritating substances (free fatty acids) are formed. These substances are
absorbed by foods which are browned in fats.
It is well, then, to have the least possible quantity of fat soak into
foods cooked in fats. It has been found that foods soak up much more fat
when sauted (_i.e._ browning in a small quantity of fat) than when
fried. The greatest care should be taken in frying, however, to have the
fat and the food to be fried in such condition that as little fat as
possible will be absorbed. The fat should be sufficiently hot (see
Experiments 32 and 33), the food as dry as possible, and the browned food
drained on paper.
Care should be taken not only in frying foods, but in avoiding the use of
an excessive amount of fat such as butter, cream, and vegetable oils in
sauces, dressings, and pastry.
CROQUETTES.--Croquettes are cooked vegetable, cereal, meat, or fish
mixtures dipped in dried crumbs and eggs and browned in deep fat. These
food mixtures are shaped in various ways. Rice and potato croquettes are
usually cylindrical in shape, while chicken croquettes are formed into
cones.
Croquettes may be dipped in melted butter or substitute or they may be
"dotted" with bits of fat and browned in the oven or broiling oven instead
of frying in deep fat.
Starch occurs in considerable quantity in the vegetables and cereals
commonly used for croquettes. Meat and fish are usually mixed with a thick
White Sauce when used for croquettes, hence croquettes invariably contain
a starchy substance. If croquette ingredients are heated while mixing, it
is necessary to cool them thoroughly before shaping, in order that the
starch may be as stiff as possible.
POTATO CROQUETTES
1 pint mashed potatoes
Celery salt
2 tablespoonfuls butter
Onion juice
Cayenne
1 teaspoonful chopped parsley
1 teaspoonful salt
1 egg-yolk or 1/2 egg
Mix ingredients together, shape into smooth round balls and then into
cylinders. Roll in dried bread crumbs, eggs, and crumbs again (see
_Fried Oysters_). Fry in deep fat until brown.
QUESTIONS
How does the temperature of fat hot enough for frying compare with that of
boiling water? Why is an iron kettle preferable to one of tin or granite
for heating fat (see _Caramelized Sugar_)?
What happens to foods that are cooked in fat too cool for frying (see
Experiment 32)?
What is the purpose of covering with egg, mixtures that are to be fried?
How should the egg be prepared for "dipping"?
How can the remaining white or half an egg be utilized in preparing Potato
Croquettes?
If "left over" mashed potatoes are used for making croquettes, what
ingredient in the recipe above should be omitted?
LESSON XXXVII
FAT SAVING
BAKING _VS._ FRYING.--Foods fried under the most ideal conditions and
in the most skilful manner absorb much fat. Many foods well fried,
especially doughnuts, are about 1/3 fat.
Fish Balls and croquettes, as mentioned previously, can be baked instead
of fried. Baked croquettes seem somewhat more dry, however, than the fried
food. If this is objectionable a sauce may be poured over them before
serving.
Tomato, cheese, and brown sauces are tasty with most croquettes.
Doubtless many housekeepers who dislike the odor of hot fat and the
cleaning of utensils used in frying foods, will consider the process of
baking croquettes very much more satisfactory than that of frying.
RICE CUTLETS WITH CHEESE SAUCE
3/4 cupful rice
3 cupfuls boiling water
1 teaspoonful salt
Wash the rice, add the water. (If unpolished rice is used, let it soak for
several hours.) Then add the salt and heat the mixture until it boils.
Proceed as directed on page 85, Rice (cooked over boiling water).
(Unpolished rice requires about 2 hours of cooking.) Make a White Sauce of
the following ingredients:
4 tablespoonfuls flour
1 teaspoonful salt
Dash pepper
3 tablespoonfuls fat
1 cupful milk
To 2/3 of the White Sauce add:
Cooked rice
1 or 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 tablespoonful parsley, chopped
(Reserve the remainder of the White Sauce for the preparation of Cheese
Sauce.) Shape the mixture into cutlets.
Dip in dried bread crumbs (or corn-meal) and egg as directed for Fried
Oysters.
Place the cutlets on greased dripping pan. Place bits of fat on top of the
cutlets, then bake in a hot oven until they are browned. Serve hot with
the following sauce:
Remainder of the White Sauce
3/4 cupful milk
1/4 to 1/2 cupful cheese, cut in small pieces
1 pimento chopped
Dilute the White Sauce with the milk. Add the cheese and pimento. Heat and
stir until the cheese is melted. If necessary, add seasoning. Serve hot
over the cutlets.
FAT SAVING AND SOAP-MAKING.--The housekeeper who endeavors to waste no
food may find that she has saved some fat which is not suitable for food.
Such fat can be utilized in soap-making. By using "modern lye" soap-making
is not the laborious task as was the preparation of soft soap in colonial
days.
The fat for soap-making need not necessarily be decolorized. It should,
however, be tried out (if it is meat fat) and clarified before using in
the preparation of soap. (These processes are given above.)
Soap made at home differs somewhat from that made at a factory. When fat
and lye are combined chemically, soap and glycerin are formed. A
commercial soap-maker extracts the glycerin from soap, the housekeeper
does not.
Homemade soap, however, usually proves very satisfactory. When the time
consumed in making it is not needed for other duties or obligations, it is
a saving to make soap at home.
SOAP
1 can Babbit's lye
1 quart cold water
6 pounds clarified fat
2 tablespoonfuls ammonia
Turn the lye into a granite kettle, slowly add the cold water, stirring
with a stick or a wooden spoon. Work most carefully to avoid getting the
lye or the lye solution on the hands. When the water is added to the lye,
the mixture becomes very hot. Let it stand until it is cool.
Put the fat into a large kettle or dish pan. Heat it until it melts. Then
remove it from the fire. Let it cool sufficiently to bear the hands in it.
Slowly add the lye solution, stirring constantly. Add the ammonia and
continue stirring until the mixture becomes about the consistency of thick
cream. Then turn the soap into a wooden box lined with paper or into a
granite dripping pan. When the soap becomes firm, cut into pieces of
suitable size.
The materials above will make about 8 1/2 pounds of soap.
NOTE.--If desired one small cake of soap may be prepared by each pupil in
the classroom. The following recipe may be used:
1 teaspoonful lye
4 teaspoonfuls cold water
2 tablespoonfuls fat
1/8 teaspoonful ammonia
Proceed as directed for the large quantity. Pour the mixture into one cup
of a granite muffin pan or into a small pasteboard box.
QUESTIONS
How does unpolished rice differ from polished rice? Explain why the former
takes a longer time to cook than the latter (see _Polished and
Unpolished Rice_).
Explain why baked croquettes require a sauce to make them most tasty for
serving, while fried croquettes do not.
State at least 3 advantages of baking croquettes rather than frying them.
Under what conditions do you think it would be desirable to make soap at
home?
RELATED WORK
LESSON XXXVIII
DINING ROOM COURTESY
THE VALUE OF GOOD TABLE MANNERS
No matter how cultivated in mind and spirit one may be, if there is an
absence of refinement of manners, the higher qualities are likely to be
overlooked. No one can afford to slight the study of good manners. The
basis of all good manners is tact, _i.e._ a kindly consideration of
others. This consideration may be shown at the dining table quite as well
as at a social gathering. Graceful and easy table manners and a knowledge
of how to serve and be served add to the comfort as well as to the
pleasure of one's associates in the dining room.
Most of the rules of table conduct have been adopted because they lend
ease and grace or because they are sensible; others have been established
by custom and long usage.
SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING TABLE MANNERS
THE CHAIR.--If the chair is placed so that the front edge of the seat just
touches the table-cloth, there is no necessity for moving the chair when
taking one's seat or when rising. One should stand back of the chair until
the hostess moves to seat herself and then move to the left of the chair
to assume the seat assigned. One should also rise at the left of the
chair.
THE KNIFE AND FORK.--There is but one "right" way to hold the knife or
fork. When the knife and fork are used together, grasp the handle of the
knife or fork with the first finger and the thumb so that the end of the
handle touches the center of the palm of the hand. The hands should almost
cover the handle, but the first finger should not extend down on the blade
of the knife or on the prongs of the fork (see Figure 35). The knife is
held in the right hand only, and is used for cutting foods and spreading
butter on bread. For the latter, a small knife, called a butter spreader,
is sometimes provided. After the knife has been used for cutting, it
should be so laid on the plate, that it rests wholly on it, never partly
on the plate and partly on the table. It is not pleasing to see a guest at
the table holding his knife upright or waving it in the air while he is
talking.
[Illustration: FIGURE 35--HOW TO HOLD THE KNIFE AND FORK.]
The fork is held sometimes in the left hand and sometimes in the right. It
should be in the left, when holding foods that are being cut with the
knife. It may be held in either hand when conveying food to the mouth. It
used to be considered "good form" to use only the right hand in lifting
food to the mouth, though this necessitated changing the fork to the right
hand after the knife had been laid aside. The common-sense method of
keeping the fork in the left hand to carry food to the mouth is now
accepted (see Figure 36). When the fork is held in the right hand and used
for conveying such food as mashed potato to the mouth, its handle should
be grasped by the thumb and first finger in somewhat the manner as a pen
is held.
When a second serving is desired, the knife and fork should be placed
together on one side of the plate, in order to make room for the food. At
the end of a course the knife and fork should be placed side by side in
the center of the plate.
[Illustration: Figure 36--Keeping the Fork in the Left Hand to Carry Food
to the Mouth]
THE FORK AND SPOON--Since both the fork and the spoon are used to convey
food, there may be some indecision as to the best use of each. The fork
should be used whenever it is possible and sensible to do so. Soft foods,
such as soft-cooked eggs, custards, certain fruits, and desserts served
with cream or sauce, should be eaten with a spoon. The fork should be used
for brick ice-cream or stiffly frozen desserts. All vegetables, salads,
and pastry are eaten with a fork. In the case of salads and pastry, it is
sometimes necessary to cut them with a fork. It is unconventional to cut
lettuce with a knife at the table; it may be shredded or torn into pieces
before it is served.
For beverages, the spoon is used for stirring and tasting, but not for
sipping. After the spoon has been used it should be placed in the saucer
(see Figure 37). When tasting with a spoon, the side--not the tip--of the
spoon should be used. When using a spoon for serving, or for sipping soup,
there is less danger of spilling the food if the spoon is moved away from,
rather than toward, oneself (see Figure 38).
[Illustration: FIGURE 37--THE TEASPOON SHOULD REST ON THE SAUCER]
THE FINGERS.--Almost all foods are served with a fork, or a spoon. The
serving-dish for all such foods should of course be provided with a fork
or a spoon. There are a few foods, however, such as bread, cake, and
wafers, which should be taken with the fingers. A slice of bread should
not be cut in pieces at the table. It is better to break off a piece of
bread and then butter it than to spread the entire slice at one time. If
cake is soft, it should be eaten with a fork. Celery, hard cheese (if cut
into pieces), radishes, confections, and most uncooked fruits are taken
with the fingers, and eaten from them. Olives and salted nuts may be taken
from the serving-dish with the fingers, but usually spoons are provided
for the purpose. Pieces of chicken or chops should be handled only with
the knife and fork. Special utensils are sometimes provided for holding
corn served on the cob.
[Illustration: FIGURE 38.--HOW TO HOLD THE SOUPSPOON.]
Fruits served whole are sometimes difficult to manage. When possible the
hostess should prepare them before they are served. Oranges and grapefruit
may be cut into halves or peeled and sliced; bananas may be peeled,
scraped, and sliced. If fruits, such as apples, pears, and peaches, are
served whole, they should first be cut into quarters, and each quarter
should be pared separately and eaten. Peaches may be cut into halves and
eaten with a spoon.
THE NAPKIN.--When the napkin is placed on the lap, it need not be spread
entirely out, but may be left with one fold in it. A guest who is to be
present at consecutive meals should fold his napkin after eating; if,
however, he is dining in a hotel or restaurant, or if he is in a home for
but one meal, the napkin should be laid on the table without folding.
QUIET EATING.--Quiet mastication without hurry and without noise is an
obligation that we owe ourselves and our companions. It is well to refrain
from talking during mastication. One cannot eat quietly unless the lips
are kept closed while chewing.
LESSON XXXIX
COOKING AND SERVING BREAKFAST
Cook and serve a breakfast.
The following is a suggestive menu:
Breakfast Cereal with Dried Fruit
Baked Fish Balls with White Sauce
Toast--Butter
Coffee
Follow the English or family style of serving. Serve the breakfast with or
without a maid (see Lesson XXX).
LESSON XL
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cooked Fruit,--fresh or dried
Creamed Toast
Coffee
See Review (Lesson XIV) for suggestions regarding the preparation of the
lesson.
LESSON XLI
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 43: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Save all scraps of fat or bits of meat fats
which are unfit for food. Try out the latter kind of fat. When you have 3
or more pounds of fat, make soap. When the soap is firm and ready for use,
weigh it.
Prepare Fish Balls (either fried or baked), Rice Cutlets with Cheese
Sauce, or some other fish or cheese dish which could be used as a
substitute for meat.
SUGGESTED AIMS:
(1) To calculate the cost of the soap made at home. To calculate the cost
of an equal weight of factory-made soap. To determine how much you have
saved by making soap at your home.
(2) To determine the difference in cost between meat and meat-substitute
sufficient to serve the family.
DIVISION SIX
ENERGY-GIVING AND BODY-BUILDING FOODS,--RICH IN PROTEIN
LESSON XLII
EGGS [Footnote 44: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--If the egg lessons came in the
mid-winter months, they may be omitted until the price of eggs is
reasonable; or the "theory" concerning eggs and the experiment concerning
the temperature of cooking protein-rich foods may be given, and the
cooking of eggs take place later in the year.]
PROTEIN, A BODY-BUILDER AND REPAIRER.--An automobile requires not only
fuels for its use but occasional repair. The body also needs not only fuel
but building and repairing materials. The function of the fuel foods
considered thus far is to give energy to the body. But there is another
great class of foods, or foodstuffs--those included under the term
_protein_--that not only give energy to the body but also build up or
promote growth and repair it or support life. The process of building and
repairing takes place in the body cells. Hence the body differs from an
automobile in that it possesses the property of self-building and
repairing.
The child must have protein food so that it can grow and live when growth
is completed, the adult must have protein food so that it can live and
maintain health. The slightest using of the body causes the wearing away
of some of the tissues, hence the importance of food containing the
foodstuff, protein.
Protein is a very broad term, including many different materials, having
different properties. Some proteins will promote the growth of the body
and support life, while others are growth promoting but not life
supporting, while still others are only life supporting.
The first type of protein is sometimes called _complete_ protein,
while the two latter types are called _incomplete_ protein. In food
study and meal planning, it is not sufficient to know that a food contains
protein; one should know whether the protein is complete or incomplete.
The incomplete proteins need to be supplemented with other foods
containing the lacking type of protein. Milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and fish
contain complete proteins, while beans, peas, gelatine, and certain
cereals contain incomplete proteins.
A consideration of eggs, a food rich in complete protein, follows:
EXPERIMENT 37: THE COAGULATION OF EGG WHITE.--Put the white of an egg in a
dish and break the membranes by cutting with a pair of scissors. Then
place a small quantity of the white of egg in a test tube. Apply heat.
Into what form is the liquid egg white changed by heat?
When eggs are cooked, the protein in the white called _albumin_
stiffens or _coagulates_. The yolk also contains a kind of protein
which coagulates when heated.
EXPERIMENT 38: THE SOLUBILITY OF ALBUMIN.--Put a small portion of the
broken egg white in a test tube. Half fill the tube with cold water. Then
turn the contents of the tube on to a folded filter paper, and catch the
filtrate in another test tube. Are the contents of the tube clear?
Apply heat to the filtrate. What happens? Does this prove that egg albumin
was dissolved in the water before applying heat to the contents of the
tube? Explain.
EXPERIMENT 39: TEMPERATURE AT WHICH EGGS COAGULATE.--Place a teaspoonful
of white of egg in a test tube. Insert a thermometer in the test tube and
place the test tube in a beaker of water (see Figure 39). Heat the water
_gradually_. Note and record: (_a_) Temperature at which
coagulation first appears. (_b_) Temperature at which the egg
white is entirely coagulated. Has the water reached the boiling point when
the egg white has entirely coagulated? What application can you draw from
this as to the temperature of the water in which eggs may be cooked?
EXPERIMENT 40: COMPARISON OF COOKED AND BOILED EGGS.--Remove _at
once_ about half of the coagulated egg from the test tube of Experiment
39. Examine it and press it between the fingers.
Continue to heat the remainder of the egg in the test tube, allowing the
water to boil a few minutes. Then remove the egg, examine it, and press it
between the fingers. Compare it with the egg cooked below the boiling
point of water. Which is more tender? Which breaks more easily? Which do
you consider more palatable? What conclusion can you draw concerning the
temperature at which eggs should be cooked to make them most tender and
palatable?
DIGESTIBILITY AND PALATABILITY OF EGGS.--The experiments of this lesson
show that eggs cooked at simmering temperature are more tender than those
cooked at boiling temperature. The question may arise, is the tender egg
more wholesome than the tough egg? It is true that eggs cooked below the
boiling temperature will digest in a little less time than those cooked in
boiling water. Since, however, the tougher egg is as completely digested
as the more tender, the difference in the time of digestion is a matter of
little importance.
[Illustration: FIGURE 39.--APPARATUS TO DETERMINE THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH
EGGS COAGULATE.]
But even though the difference in digestion is not considered, the
difference in _palatability_ is worth some attention. If soft-cooked
and soft-boiled eggs are compared, the soft-cooked will be found to be
much more uniformly cooked. The white of a soft-boiled egg may be firm,
while its yolk is very soft or the white may be soft while its yolk is
raw.
STRUCTURE OF EGGS.--A hen's egg consists of shell, membrane, white, yolk,
and the little mass in the yolk called the embryo, from which the young
chicken grows. The yolk is kept in place by two twisted cords of white
membrane. This membrane is the first part to disappear when the egg begins
to spoil.
CARE AND USE OF EGGS.--(_a_) Wash eggs just before using. [Footnote
45: Washing removes a coating on egg-shells. This coating prevents the
entrance of microorganisms. Hence eggs should not be washed until they are
to be used.] The shells may be used for clearing coffee.
(_b_) Keep eggs in a cool place.
(_c_) The unbroken yolk of an egg may be kept from hardening by
covering with cold water.
(_d_) All protein-rich foods contain substances which spoil or
decompose readily. The egg loses water by evaporation through the pores in
the shell; air enters to take the place of this and since the air contains
microorganisms, the egg spoils. Eggs may be kept fresh by keeping air out
of them. They may be preserved by packing them, small end down, in bran,
sawdust, or sand; by immersing them in water-glass.
(_e_) When using several eggs, if not sure of their freshness, break
each separately into a saucer and examine before adding to the rest.
(_f_) When using a number of eggs, it is well to scrape out the bit
of white clinging to the inside of the shell.
TESTS FOR FRESHNESS.--(_a_) A fresh egg has a rough shell. (_b_)
Drop an egg into cold water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it floats, it is
stale.
SOFT-COOKED EGGS
Place eggs in enough boiling water to cover. Remove from the fire, cover,
and allow to stand from 5 to 8 minutes.
The time of soft-cooking an egg varies with the different conditions. The
time depends upon:
(_a_) Temperature of the eggs.
(_b_) Number of eggs cooked.
(_c_) Quantity of water used.
(_d_) Place on the stove.
One must determine by experience the length of time of cooking to produce
the desired results.
By following the method above, eggs may be cooked at the dining table.
HARD-COOKED EGGS. [Footnote 46: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--The Hard-cooked Eggs
prepared in this lesson may be used in the preparation of Goldenrod Eggs
of the following lesson.]--Place eggs in cold water and heat the water
gradually until it reaches the boiling point. Remove from the fire at
once; cover and place on the back of range, or in a warm place, for 20
minutes. Plunge into cold water, so that the shells may be removed easily.
Eggs may be hard-cooked by using the same method as for soft-cooked,
allowing the eggs to remain in the hot water for 40 minutes or longer.
Eggs may also be hard-cooked in the _double boiler_. Put boiling
water in the top and bottom of the double boiler. Place the eggs in the
top part and cook 40 minutes.
If hard-cooked eggs are not well masticated, they are apt to cause
distress during digestion. To insure thorough mastication, it is well to
chop them fine and mix them with some other food (see _Goldenrod
Eggs_). Hard-cooked eggs used in this way cause no digestive
disturbances to the normal person.
QUESTIONS
Is it possible to cook eggs hard in water that is below the boiling point?
Explain your answer.
Why should eggs be called hard- or soft-_cooked_ rather than hard- or
soft-_boiled_?
LESSON XLIII
EGGS: DIGESTION OF PROTEIN
THE DIGESTION OF PROTEIN.--It was mentioned previously that proteins are
made up of many different substances. The materials composing proteins are
called _amino acids_. There are 18 common amino acids. All proteins
are not made up of the same amino acids. Amino acids in the various
proteins differ not only in kind, but in quantity.
When proteins are digested, they undergo certain changes and are finally
separated into their amino acids. As amino acids proteins are finally
absorbed and carried to all parts of the body.
The digestion of protein begins in the stomach and continues in the
intestines. The digestive juices [Footnote 47: The pepsin and hydrochloric
acid of the stomach, the trypsin of the pancreatic juice, and the erepsin
of the intestinal juice digest proteins.] of these organs change protein
into soluble forms.
POACHED EGG
Fill a shallow pan about two thirds full of boiling water. Add 1/2
teaspoonful of salt to each pint of water; place buttered muffin rings in
the pan. Break separately each egg into a saucer and carefully slip it
into a buttered muffin ring. Cover the pan and place it where the water
will keep hot _but not boil_. Pour a spoonful of the hot water on
each yolk occasionally.
Let stand (about 5 minutes) until the white is coagulated and a film
covers the yolk. Take up with a skimmer, drain, place on slices of toast,
and serve at once.
An egg poacher may be used in place of the muffin rings, or the water in
the pan may be stirred in a circular motion and the eggs dropped at once
into the "whirlpool." This tends to keep the white of egg from separating
into pieces.
Eggs are thought by some to be much more tasty when poached in milk rather
than in water.
GOLDENROD EGGS
3 or 4 hard-cooked eggs
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
3/4 teaspoonful salt
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1 1/2 cupfuls milk
6 pieces of toast
Parsley
Separate the yolk and white of the cooked eggs and chop the whites. Make a
White Sauce of flour, seasoning, fat, and milk. Add the chopped egg whites
to the sauce and pour it over the toast. Press the yolks through a
strainer or crush them with a fork and sprinkle them over the top of the
toast. Garnish with parsley and serve at once.
If the crusts are not cut from bread in making toast, it is well to dip
the edges of each slice of toast for an instant in hot, salted water
before adding the sauce (see _Cream Toast_).
QUESTIONS
Why is it advisable to pour occasionally a spoonful of hot water over the
yolks of eggs that are being poached?
Explain why the chopped hard-cooked eggs in Goldenrod Eggs should be more
easily digested than plain hard-cooked eggs (see Experiment 12, and
_Solution and Digestion_).
LESSON XLIV
EGGS: OMELETS (A)
TO BREAK AND SEPARATE THE WHITE AND YOLK.--An egg is sometimes broken by
cracking the shell with the blade of a knife or by striking the egg on the
edge of a bowl or pan. The following method has also been found
satisfactory, especially when it is desired to separate the white and
yolk.
Strike the egg one blow upon the surface of the table. Put the thumbs
together at the crack in the shell, then hold the egg upright, and gently
break the shell into two parts. Then slip the yolk several times from one
part of the shell to the other until all the white has run over the edge
into a bowl or plate. Scrape out the shell of the egg.
Two kinds of egg beaters are used for eggs,--the Dover egg beater and the
wire spoon. If the former utensil is used, the egg is generally dropped
into a bowl; if the latter, the egg is placed on a plate.
TO BEAT AN EGG.--When the wire spoon is used to beat an egg, draw the
spoon straight and swiftly through the egg, tilting the dish and lifting
the egg beater so that the material will be turned over at each stroke.
Egg whites are beaten _stiff_ when the impression made by the beater
is retained; and they are beaten _dry_, when the gloss has
disappeared and flaky bits fly off as the egg is beaten. Egg yolks are
beaten thoroughly when they are thicker and much lighter in color than
before beating.
TO CUT AND FOLD BEATEN EGG WHITES AND OTHER MATERIALS.--Pour the beaten
egg whites into the material with which they are to be mixed; then with a
tablespoon edgewise, cut the ingredients, lift them, and turn them over
the whites. Repeat quickly until the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
EXPERIMENT 41: EFFECT OF BEATING A WHOLE EGG.--Break an egg into a bowl.
What is its approximate measure? With a Dover egg beater or wire spoon
beat it thoroughly. What is the approximate increase in quantity? What has
been beaten into the egg? What other difference is there between a beaten
and an unbeaten egg?
(Use this egg for making Scrambled Eggs. See below.)
EXPERIMENT 42: COMPARISON OF EGGS BEATEN WITH A DOVER EGG BEATER AND WITH
A WIRE SPOON.--Half the pupils of the class beat eggs with Dover egg
beaters and the other half with wire spoons. Compare results. What is the
difference in the size of the air cells made by using the different
utensils? Is there any difference in the quantity of the beaten eggs?
Which contains the more air?
EXPERIMENT 43: EFFECT OF BEATING EGG YOLK AND WHITE SEPARATELY.--Separate
an egg and beat thoroughly the white and then the yolk with a Dover egg
beater or wire spoon. What is the approximate increase in quantity? Which
becomes lighter when beaten,--a whole or a separated egg? From this
explain why every bit of yolk should be removed from the egg white before
beating, if it is desired to beat the egg white as stiff as possible.
(Use this egg for making Foamy Omelet. See below.)
SCRAMBLED EGGS
4 eggs
1 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
1/2 cupful milk
1 teaspoonful butter
Scald the milk in a double boiler and add the butter. Beat the eggs and
add the seasoning. Pour the hot milk over the egg mixture; return the
whole to the double boiler, and cook, stirring constantly. When the
mixture is thick and "lumpy" but still tender, remove from the double
boiler and serve at once.
For economy, the butter may be omitted.
FOAMY OMELET
4 eggs
4 tablespoonfuls milk or water
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
2 teaspoonfuls butter or substitute
Separate the yolks and whites of the eggs. Beat the yolks of the eggs
until creamy; add seasonings and milk or water. Then beat the whites until
stiff and cut and fold them into the yolk mixture. Place the fat in an
omelet pan, heat, and turn the omelet into it. Cook _slowly_,
occasionally turning the pan so that the omelet may brown evenly When the
omelet is set and delicately browned underneath, place it in a hot oven
for a few minutes to dry the top. Fold and serve immediately.
[Illustration: FIGURE 40--METHOD OF HOLDING PAN TO TURN AN OMELET ON TO A
PLATTER]
TO FOLD AN OMELET--Run a spatula underneath the omelet to loosen it. Make
a slight incision with a knife through the middle of the omelet at right
angles to the handle of the pan, and fold the omelet over upon itself away
from the handle of the pan. Grasp the handle of the pan in the right hand,
placing the back of the hand underneath with the thumb pointing away from
you. Then turn the omelet upon a platter (see Figure 40).
QUESTIONS
How are Scrambled Eggs usually cooked? From your work concerning the
effect of intense heat upon eggs, explain the advantages of the method
given above for Scrambled Eggs.
What is the proportion of liquid and salt for each egg of a Foamy Omelet?
Explain why it is especially important to cook a Foamy Omelet slowly.
What causes a Foamy Omelet to "fall"?
What is the test for the sufficient oven-drying of a Foamy Omelet?
How many persons may be served by using these recipes for Scrambled Eggs
and Foamy Omelet?
LESSON XLV
EGGS: OMELETS (B)
WHITE SAUCE OMELET
3 tablespoonfuls flour
2 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1 teaspoonful salt
1 cupful milk
Pepper
4 eggs
2 teaspoonfuls butter or substitute
Make a White Sauce of the milk, fat, flour, and seasoning. Separate the
whites and yolks of the eggs, and beat them until light. When the White
Sauce is cool, stir in the yolks and fold in the whites. Cook and serve as
Foamy Omelet.
BAKED OMELET
Prepare a White Sauce Omelet. Instead of turning it into a frying pan,
pour it into an oiled baking-dish. Bake in a hot oven (375 degrees F.)
for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is "puffed" in appearance and golden
brown in color. Serve at once from the dish in which it was baked.
MODIFICATION OF FOAMY AND WHITE SAUCE OMELETS.--Mix and cook a Foamy or
White Sauce Omelet. As soon as the omelet begins to set, spread it while
cooking with finely chopped cooked ham, veal, or chicken. Continue to cook
and then dry, fold, and serve as with the usual omelet.
Cooked peas, asparagus, cauliflower, or flaked fish may be added to the
sauce of White Sauce Omelet. Cheese may be used in place of meat with
either omelet.
Foamy Omelet may be varied by using tomato juice instead of milk. Tomato
sauce may be served with either of these omelets.
Sweet Omelet may be made as follows: Add 4 tablespoonfuls of powdered
sugar to the Foamy Omelet mixture; after cooking, spread with softened
jelly; after folding, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Use 1/2 cupful of
jelly for the Foamy Omelet recipe.
QUESTIONS
Why is the White Sauce cooled before adding the egg yolks in White Sauce
Omelet?
Point out the most important differences between a Foamy and a White Sauce
Omelet.
What is the purpose of cutting and folding in the whites of eggs in
omelets?
What is the purpose of beating eggs?
What are the tests that show when egg white is beaten stiff and when dry?
What are the tests for thoroughly beaten egg yolk?
LESSON XLVI
MILK
MILK, AN INVALUABLE FOOD.--It has been said that there is no one food
_except milk_ which cannot be eliminated from the diet. Milk is the
only food for which there are no easily found substitutes. The housekeeper
or one who plans the food for the family should purchase daily, if
possible, a pint of milk for each adult and a quart for each child under
ten years. She should see to it that this amount of milk is entirely used
either as a beverage or in cooked foods. If one must economize in foods,
_less should be spent for meat, and more for milk_.
Although more than 4/5 of milk is water, it contains only a little more
water than do potatoes and lean meat. The value of milk is due to the fact
that it contains: (_a_) _Proteins of "excellent quality_." An
authority on diet says [Footnote 48: See "The Newer Knowledge of
Nutrition," by McCollum, p. 74.]: "There can be no doubt that the proteins
of milk are far superior to those of any foods derived from vegetable
sources." The most important protein existing in milk is called
_casein_.
Casein is a complete protein and is very important for growth. It has a
peculiar property; it precipitates when acid is added to milk. When milk
sours, the sugar contained in the milk changes to an acid, and this acid
causes the casein to precipitate. Casein is also clotted by an enzyme
occurring in the digestive juice of the stomach.
(_b_) _Valuable ash_. Lime which is so essential to bodybuilding
is one of the minerals in milk. The following diagram from United States
Food Leaflet No. 11 shows that milk is especially rich in lime. (Lime is
calcium oxide.)
[Illustration]
(_c_) _Vitamines_. These are substances contained only in
certain foods. They are essential for maintaining life and health. Milk is
rich in these indispensable materials (see Division Seven).
Milk also contains fat and carbohydrate. The presence of the foodstuffs in
milk is shown by the following:
EXPERIMENT 44: SEPARATION OF MILK INTO FOODSTUFFS.
(_a_) By means of a cream dipper, remove the cream from a bottle of
milk. Place a drop of the cream on a piece of paper. Let the paper dry.
What foodstuff is indicated by the stain on the paper?
(_b_) Take 1/4 cupful of the skimmed milk. Heat it to blood
temperature (test by dropping the milk on the wrist, see _Junket
Custard_). Crush 1/8 junket tablet and add it to the warm milk. Stir
until the powder is dissolved. Let the milk stand in a warm place until it
is clotted. Heat the clotted milk and boil 1 minute. Pour it into a filter
paper. Catch the filtrate in a beaker. What is the foodstuff that remains
in the filter paper (see Proteins of "excellent quality")?
(_c_) Put 15 cubic centimeters of Fehling's Solution [Footnote 49:
NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--Fehling's Solution is made as follows: Prepare a
solution of Rochelle salts,--175 grams of Rochelle salts, 50 grams of
sodium hydroxide, and 250 cubic centimeters of water. Prepare a solution
of copper sulphate,--57.73 grams of copper sulphate, 250 cubic centimeters
of water, and 0.4 cubic centimeter of sulphuric acid. Then combine 1 part
of the alkaline Rochelle salt solution, 1 part of copper sulphate, and 4
parts of water. Boil the mixture.
This solution deteriorates readily. The best results are obtained by using
a "fresh" mixture for testing sugar and by boiling just before using.] in
a flask. Boil for 2 minutes. Add 2 cubic centimeters of the filtrate from
(_b_) and boil one minute. To what color does the blue mixture
change? A red precipitate indicates sugar. What foodstuff does this test
indicate that milk contains?
(_d_) Put the remainder of the filtrate from (_b_) in a custard
cup and evaporate over hot water to dryness. Note the residue. What
foodstuff other than sugar is contained in the residue?
(_e_) What foodstuff has passed off in the form of vapor during
evaporation?
(_f_) As mentioned above, milk also contains vitamines.
LESSON XLVII
MILK WITH COCOA AND CHOCOLATE
EXPERIMENT 46: SCALDING MILK.--Fill the lower part of a double boiler one
third full of boiling water. Put 1/2 cupful of milk in the top of the
double boiler, cover, and heat over the boiling water. In a few minutes
examine. Carefully note the appearance of the surface of the milk. Explain
why it is that dishes that have contained milk should be soaked in cold
water, and then washed in warm water.
Insert a thermometer in the milk and record temperature. Is it possible to
boil milk over hot water? Explain your answer. (Use this scalded milk to
make cocoa and chocolate.)
The taste of milk is changed by heating it above 158 degrees F. Less
change, however, is produced by scalding than by boiling. Milk is also
apt to scorch if cooked at boiling temperature. It is sometimes necessary
to boil milk to sterilize it.
COCOA AND CHOCOLATE as found at market are prepared from cacao beans. The
latter grow in pods,--the fruit of the tropical cacao trees (see Figure
41). The beans are taken from the pods, allowed to ferment, dried, and
roasted. The husks loosened by roasting are then removed from the beans.
Cacao beans are ground, molded, and sold as bitter or baker's chocolate.
In the preparation of sweet chocolate sugar is added to the powdered
chocolate before molding. Cocoa differs from chocolate in that some of the
fat is removed.
Cocoa and chocolate contain protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These
materials, in addition to the milk and sugar used in preparing the
beverages, make the cocoa and chocolate beverages high in food value. But
in addition to the materials mentioned above, there is present in cocoa
and chocolate some tannin and stimulating materials. The large percentage
of fat existing in chocolate may produce distressing effects when taken in
addition to a full meal. If, however, the use of these beverages causes no
ill effects, they may be classed among the nutritious foods and are much
preferable to tea and coffee especially for girls and boys.
Neither cocoa nor chocolate is soluble in water. Some cocoas are very
finely ground and are termed soluble cocoas.
[Illustration: FIGURE 41.--CACAO PODS.]
When mixed with water these cocoas do not separate as rapidly as others,
but they are not soluble. Because of its insolubility, chocolate should be
blended as thoroughly as possible with other materials. A satisfactory and
practical method of accomplishing this is to make a _smooth paste_ of
chocolate and boiling water.
To develop flavor, it is well to cook both chocolate and cocoa at boiling
temperature, especially when combining with liquids. The flavor of the
cocoa beverage is improved by much cooking. Long cooking of the chocolate
beverage causes the fat to separate and float.
COCOA
1/4 cupful cocoa
3 cupfuls milk
1 to 3 teaspoonfuls corn-starch
1/4 to 3/8 cupful sugar
1 cupful water
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Mix cocoa, corn-starch, and water and boil for 10 minutes. Add the milk
and sugar to the mixture and cook over hot water for 1/2 hour. Add salt.
Beat well and serve. Vanilla may be added to cocoa if desired.
Varying quantities of corn-starch and sugar are given so that the beverage
may be thickened and sweetened to suit one's taste. If desired, the corn-
starch may be omitted entirely.
CHOCOLATE
2 squares chocolate
3 cupfuls milk
1 cupful boiling water
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1/3 cupful sugar
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Cut the chocolate into bits and put it in a pan; add the boiling water.
Stir and cook until it reaches the boiling point and is perfectly smooth.
Heat the milk in a double boiler. Then gradually add the hot milk to the
chocolate mixture, add the sugar, and heat all in a double boiler. Add
salt and vanilla, if desired. If there is a scum over the beverage, beat
well. Serve hot.
Whipped cream or marshmallows are often served with chocolate. The use of
whipped cream with chocolate, however, makes the beverage excessively rich
in fat.
QUESTIONS
What is the difference in method between scalding milk and boiling it? How
can one determine when milk is scalded?
If it is necessary to heat milk, give two reasons why it is usually better
to scald it than to boil it. Under what conditions should it be boiled?
What is the present cost of milk per quart? When is the price highest and
when lowest?
If sweetened chocolate is used, how should the recipe for chocolate
beverage be changed? Give two reasons why cocoa and chocolate should not
be boiled after adding the hot milk.
Why is vanilla not added until the beverages are ready to be served (see
_Flavoring Extracts_)?
What is the weight of one square of chocolate? How many squares in an
ordinary cake of chocolate? What is the price per cake?
How many cupfuls are there in a half pound box of cocoa? What is the price
per box?
See Chocolate Corn-starch Pudding. How much cocoa may be used for 1 ounce
of chocolate when one is substituted for the other? What is the difference
in cost of these quantities of chocolate and cocoa?
LESSON XLVIII
MILK AND CREAM
WHIPPING CREAM.--A popular way of preparing cream for serving is to whip
it. This is done most successfully when the cream is cold and kept cold,
_i.e._ surrounded with ice water during the beating process.
To show one of the points involved in chilling materials try the
following:
EXPERIMENT 46: COMPARISON OF THE CONDUCTING POWER OF METAL AND
EARTHENWARE.--Select a tin and an earthenware utensil of about the same
size and shape. Put an equal quantity of water of the same temperature in
each utensil. Surround each with ice water and cover. After 5 minutes,
take the temperature of the water in the tin and in the earthenware
utensil. Which is colder? Through which material,--tin or earthenware,--is
heat transmitted more readily? When cream is to be surrounded by ice water
for whipping, in which kind of utensil should it be placed? Explain your
answer.
Use a Dover egg beater or a cream whip for whipping cream. Since cream
"spatters" when being beaten, a cream whip arranged with a cover is very
satisfactory. To prevent spattering, the bowl of cream may be covered with
paper while the cream is being whipped. Cut a slit in a piece of paper,
insert the Dover egg beater in the slit, put the beater in the cream and
push the paper down to cover.
Since cream contains considerable fat, under certain conditions, it is
possible to mass the fat together, that is, separate it from the other
constituents, and form _butter_. For making butter the cream should
be "ripened," i.e. it should contain certain bacteria. It should then be
churned.
On the other hand, if it is desired to beat or whip the cream, but not to
form butter, it is necessary to prevent the fat from massing together. To
accomplish this, use thick cream (containing 20 per cent or more of fat)
from 12 to 24 hours old [Footnote 50: Such cream contains a small amount
of lactic acid.] and have it very cold; it will then whip quickly. Cream
may be chilled by placing it on ice for some time before whipping or by
surrounding it with ice water while whipping. In warm weather, it is safer
not only to chill the cream but also to surround it with ice water while
whipping.
A harmless substance called _viscogen_ may be added to thinner cream
(_i.e._ the so-called coffee or 16 per cent cream) to make the latter
whip. Viscogen is prepared by mixing the following ingredients:
1/2 cupful sugar
1 cupful water
1 tablespoonful milk of lime [Footnote 51: Milk of lime may be prepared
by mixing 1 part of slaked lime with 3 parts of water.]
Mix the sugar and water and heat the mixture until it boils. Cool and add
the milk of lime. Let the mixture stand at least 24 hours before using.
Add 1 teaspoonful to each pint of cream, then whip the mixture as directed
above.
COMPARISON OF MILK AND CREAM.--Cream is richer in fat than milk, average
cream containing 16 per cent of fat and whole milk about 4 per cent. But
cream contains less protein and ash than whole milk.
Since cream is always more expensive than milk, it is interesting to
compare the food value of quantities of each which may be purchased for
the same price. Although the prices of cream and milk vary in different
places, usually 1/2 pint of cream costs about as much as 1 quart of milk.
The following shows the approximate quantity of nutrients shown in the two
quantities:
_In 1 quart of milk_ [Footnote 52: By permission Journal of Home
Economics, Vol. X (August, 1918, p. 379).]
As much protein as in 5 eggs
2 1/2 tablespoonfuls of fat
3 tablespoonfuls of sugar
_In 1/2 pint of cream_
As much protein as in 1 egg
3 tablespoonfuls of fat
1/2 tablespoonful of sugar
Although 1/2 pint of cream contains 1/2 tablespoonful more of fat than
does 1 quart of milk, the latter contains 2 1/2 tablespoonfuls more of
sugar and as much more protein as is contained in 4 eggs. This comparison
makes us question the advisability of buying much cream.
If whole milk is purchased, its top milk may often be used in place of
cream. The skim milk that remains is a valuable food. Although whole milk
contains more fat and vitamines than does skim milk, the latter has as
much protein, lime, and sugar as whole milk. The use of both whole and
skim milk is advised.
CARE OF MILK.--Milk is one of the foods that require the greatest care,
and should be well cared for not only in the home but also on the dairy
farm. It is one of the foods that afford ideal conditions for the growth
of microscopic vegetable organisms, called _bacteria_ (see _Why
Foods Spoil_). Many varieties of these bacteria or tiny plants produce
changes in the milk which cause it to sour. A few varieties of disease-
producing bacteria also sometimes exist in milk.
Milk can be kept reasonably free from bacteria by:
(_a_) Perfect cleanliness on the dairy farm.
(_b_) Cooling it immediately after being drawn from the cow, and by
keeping it cool.
(_c_) Placing it in sterilized utensils.
(_d_) Covering it, thus keeping it free from dust.
Utensils for holding milk should be of glass, earthenware, or smooth,
bright tin. They should be washed, scalded, or even better, boiled, and
placed in the sun for two or three hours. In the home, milk should not be
used after long standing, even though it is sweet. It is well to buy milk
in small quantities and in bottles. The upper rim of a milk bottle should
be washed before pouring milk from it. Because milk readily absorbs odors
and flavors, it should be kept away from any substance having a strong
odor or flavor.
RICE DAINTY
3/4 cupful cooked rice
3/4 cupful fruit, cut into pieces
3/4 cupful powdered sugar
1/2 to 3/4 cupful cream, whipped
Mix the rice, fruit, and sugar, then fold in the whipped cream. Pineapple,
shredded or diced; bananas cut into pieces (not slices); dates, seeded and
cut into pieces; or cooked apricots are desirable fruits for this dessert.
CREAM OF RICE PUDDING
1 quart milk _or_
1 quart milk and water
1/3 cupful rice
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/3 cupful sugar
Grated rind of 1/2 lemon
Wash rice; put it and all the other ingredients into a buttered pudding
dish. Bake in a _slow_ oven (250 degrees F.) until firm. This usually
takes three hours. While baking, stir the mixture occasionally.
If desired, one half cupful of raisins may be added to the mixture, and 1
teaspoonful vanilla or 1/4 teaspoonful nutmeg may be substituted for lemon
rind.
QUESTIONS
From your knowledge of the effect of intense heat upon milk, explain why
Cream of Rice Pudding should be baked in a slow oven.
What change in quantity takes place in the milk of this pudding during
long cooking? What change in quantity takes place in the rice during long
cooking? From this explain why so much milk when combined with a little
rice forms a solid mixture.
What is the price per pint of thin or coffee cream?
What is the price per pint of heavy or whipping cream?
What is the least quantity of cream that can be purchased?
Explain why it is that scalded milk does not sour as soon as uncooked milk
(see _Care of Milk_).
Why should utensils that have held milk be scalded or boiled?
LESSON XLIX
CREAM SOUPS (A)
THICK SOUPS.--Milk combined with various vegetables, grains, and fish is
used in making Cream Soups and Purees. The vegetables are cooked and
mashed or forced through a strainer and combined with a liquid,--usually
milk or milk with vegetable stock. In order to have the vegetable pulp
uniformly mixed through the liquid, it is necessary to thicken the liquid
with a starchy material. Flour with butter or substitute, mixed and cooked
as in White Sauce, is used for this purpose. It is said to "bind" the
vegetables and the liquid. Thus, Cream Soups and Purees are simply White
Sauces to which vegetable pulp is added.
GENERAL PROPORTIONS.--_The usual proportion of vegetable pulp or puree
to liquid is:_ One part of vegetable pulp or puree to 2 parts of
liquid, _i.e._ milk, vegetable stock, or meat stock.
_The proportion of flour to liquid is:_ 1/2 tablespoonful flour to 1
cupful liquid, if a starchy vegetable is used, or, 1 tablespoonful flour
to 1 cupful liquid, if a vegetable having little thickening property, as
celery, is used.
Sometimes an egg or two is added to soup for thickening or flavor, and to
increase the food value.
Different kinds of vegetables are sometimes mixed for a soup, as: Peas and
beans, or corn and beans.
POTATO SOUP
3 potatoes
1 tablespoonful flour
1 pint milk _or_
1 pint milk and potato stock
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 slices of onion
Celery salt
3/4 tablespoonful butter or substitute
2 teaspoonfuls chopped parsley
Cook and mash the potatoes, heat the milk and onion in a double boiler,
then add them to the mashed potatoes. Press the potato mixture through a
strainer and use it as the liquid for a White Sauce, using all other
ingredients except the parsley in the sauce. If necessary, add more
liquid, or evaporate to the desired consistency. Add the chopped parsley
just before serving.
"Left over" mashed potatoes may be utilized in making this soup.
CROUTONS
Cut stale bread into half-inch cubes. Bake _slowly_ in the oven until
a golden brown. Stir often. Serve with soups.
Save the crusts and prepare Dried Bread Crumbs with them.
QUESTIONS
What is the proportion of flour and liquid in one cup of White Sauce for
Vegetables?
How does the proportion of flour and liquid for one cup of Cream Soup
differ from the above proportion?
Why are the potatoes pressed through a strainer _after_ rather than
_before_ adding the hot milk?
Why should the cubes of stale bread be baked slowly (see _Toast_)?
LESSON L
CREAM SOUPS (B)
FOOD VALUE OF CREAM SOUPS.--Since thin or clear soups contain much liquid,
their food value is not as high as most solid foods. Cream Soups, however,
are as concentrated as a potato; they are the most nourishing of all
soups. The use of milk instead of water or stock and of flour and fat, to
say nothing of vegetable pulp, increases their food value. Cream Soups are
more suitable to serve at a meal of few courses such as luncheon or supper
rather than at dinner where there is a greater variety of foods.
Thick soups may serve as a valuable part of a meal; a hot liquid taken
into an empty stomach is easily assimilated, acts as an appetizer, and
thus prepares for the digestion of the remainder of the meal.
CORN SOUP
1 can of corn
1 pint water
l 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1 slice onion
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 teaspoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful white pepper
1 pint milk
Add the water to the canned corn and _simmer_ 20 minutes. Melt the
fat, add the onion, and cook until light brown. To this add the dry
ingredients and proceed as in making White Sauce. Add the cooked corn and
strain.
Reheat before serving, if necessary.
NOTE.--The method of adding onion flavor to this soup (_i.e._
browning onion in fat) is often used in the preparation of other foods,
especially meats and sauces.
SOUP STICKS
Cut stale bread into slices, remove the crusts, and spread with butter.
Cut into strips and brown slowly in the oven. Save the crusts and prepare
Dried Bread Crumbs with them.
[Illustration: FIGURE 42.--DRIED BREAD CRUMBS. (Note that the jar is
covered with a cloth.)]
DRIED BREAD CRUMBS
Dried Bread Crumbs may be prepared from crusts and small pieces of bread.
Dry the bread in a slow oven or in a warming oven. Crumb it by rolling on
a pastry board or putting it through a meat grinder. If fine crumbs are
desired, sift the crushed bread. Place the fine and coarse crumbs in
separate jars. Cover the jars by tying a piece of muslin over each. (The
muslin covering can also be conveniently secured by means of a rubber
band.) If each jar is tightly covered with a lid, air is excluded from the
crumbs and molds often grow on them. Bread crumbs thoroughly dried and
stored as directed will keep for several months (see Figure 42).
QUESTIONS
Explain why thick soup may serve as a valuable part of a meal.
Why is it served as the first course of a meal?
Is the mashed potato of Potato Soup strained before or after adding it to
the other ingredients? When is the Corn Soup strained? How is the flavor
extracted from the onion in preparing Potato Soup? How is the flavor
extracted for Corn Soup? From this explain the difference in straining the
soups.
If fresh corn were used for this soup, how would its cooking differ from
that of canned corn?
How should fresh corn be cut from the cob for soup (see _Green
Corn_)?
What is the price per can of corn?
In preparing Soup Sticks, why are the crusts removed from the bread before
buttering it? Why is the bread spread with butter before cutting it into
strips? Aside from flavor, what is the purpose of spreading the bread for
Soup Sticks with butter?
How should dried bread crumbs be covered for storing? Why?
What is the difference between soft bread crumbs (see note under recipe
for Stuffed Tomatoes) and dried bread crumbs? Which should be used for
scalloped dishes? Which for covering fried foods? Think of the dishes
which contain bread crumbs and then state for which foods either kind of
crumbs could be used. Explain.
LESSON LI
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG (A)
CUSTARDS.--Since eggs have the property of stiffening when heated, they
are often used for thickening liquids, especially milk. Milk thickened
with eggs is called _custard_.
There are two kinds of plain custards: (_a_) steamed or baked custard
and (_b_) soft custard. The method of mixing these custards is the
same, but the methods of cooking and the tests for sufficient cooking
differ.
That the milk may not scorch and that the egg may not cook too hard, all
milk-and-egg mixtures should be cooked below the boiling temperature of
water. They should never be cooked directly over the fire, but over hot
water or in a double boiler. That the egg may cook evenly and not too
quickly, the water in the double boiler _should not boil rapidly_.
If a custard is properly cooked, the egg is in a soft-cooked condition. It
exists in a jelly-like mass throughout the milk. The custard has a creamy
appearance. If, however, a custard is cooked too much, the egg becomes
hard-cooked and the particles of egg appear in "lumps" in the milk
mixture. The custard is then said to be _curdled_.
A curdled custard may be made smooth by placing the upper part of the
double boiler in a pan of cold water and then beating the custard _at
once_ with a Dover egg beater. This applies to all types of plain
custards.
STEAMED OR BAKED CUSTARD
1 pint milk
2 or 3 eggs
1/4 cupful sugar
1/8 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls caramel sirup _or_
1/16 teaspoonful nutmeg
Scald the milk in a double boiler. Beat the eggs _slightly_, add the
sugar and salt, mix. Add the hot milk to this mixture. Strain the mixture,
flavor, and pour it into a mold. If _steamed custard_ is desired,
steam (without stirring) until the custard is firm. Let the water in the
steamer boil gently rather than vigorously. Test for sufficient cooking by
inserting a knife into the custard. If it comes out clean, the custard is
done.
If _baked custard_ is desired, place the cups of custard in a pan of
hot water, and bake in a moderate oven (325 degrees F.) for 35 minutes or
until firm. Test as steamed custard.
If a Baked or Steamed Custard is to be turned out of the mold after
steaming, 3 or 4 eggs should be used with each pint of milk. By placing a
little Caramel Sirup in the bottom of each mold, a custard may easily be
turned out of the mold. The custard mixture should be poured very gently
on top of the sirup to prevent the custard and sirup from mixing. The
caramel also serves as a sauce for the custard when served. (Caramel Sirup
may be prepared by caramelizing sugar (as directed in making _Peanut
Candy_) and then dissolving the caramelized sugar in boiling water. Use
equal quantities of sugar and water.)
SOFT CUSTARD
1 pint milk
1/4 cupful sugar
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix the materials in the same way as for steamed or baked custard. Instead
of pouring the mixture into molds, return it to the double boiler and cook
(stirring constantly) until it thickens or forms a coating over the spoon.
Strain, cool, and flavor. Note that steamed custard is strained and
flavored before cooking, and soft custard, after cooking.
In preparing soft custard, the eggs may be separated and the yolks cooked
with the milk and other ingredients. The whites may be beaten stiff and
beaten into the hot mixture with a Dover egg beater. Soft Custard may be
used as a sauce over cooked rice, cake, bananas, peaches, and other foods.
_To Decrease the Eggs in Custard _
When eggs are expensive omit 1 or 2 from a custard recipe. Substitute 1/2
_tablespoonful of corn-starch for each omitted egg._ For methods of
thickening milk with both eggs and starchy materials, see Lessons LIV.
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of eggs in custard?
Why are eggs beaten _slightly_ for custards?
How do Steamed Custards and Soft Custards differ in method of cooking?
What are the tests for sufficient cooking of each?
What is the purpose of straining custards? Why is Steamed Custard strained
and flavored before cooking, and Soft Custard, after cooking?
In what condition is the egg when a custard is curdled? How can a curdled
custard be made smooth?
LESSON LII
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG (B)
FLOATING ISLAND
_Custard_
1 pint milk
3 egg yolks
1/4 cupful sugar
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
_Meringue_
3 egg whites
3 tablespoonfuls powdered sugar
The custard may be made thicker by using 4 (instead of 3) eggs.
Prepare the custard as Soft Custard.
Prepare the Meringue by beating the whites of eggs stiff and then adding I
tablespoonful of sugar for each white of egg. Drop the Meringue by
spoonfuls on the custard. If desired, garnish the Meringue by bits of
jelly or colored gelatine.
From the results of Experiment 42, which egg beater do you consider most
advisable for preparing Meringue?
If desired, the Meringue may be cooked. This may be accomplished in
several ways: (_a_) place it on the _hot_ custard at once after
preparing the custard, (_b_) Steam it by dropping it by spoonfuls on
the hot milk before preparing the custard. Cover, and let the egg white
cook for about 2 minutes, then remove from the milk and proceed to thicken
the milk with the egg yolks, (_c_) Drop the uncooked Meringue on the
cooked custard as directed above, then cook and brown it slightly by
placing the custard in the broiling oven or in the top of a hot baking
oven.
QUESTIONS
In making custards, why should the hot milk be added to the eggs, instead
of the eggs to the hot milk?
How does Floating Island differ from Soft Custard?
What is Meringue?
Compare Floating Island made with three eggs to that made with four eggs.
How does it differ in thickness, color, and cost?
LESSON LIII
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG (C)
APRICOT DAINTY
1 cupful dried apricots
1/3 cupful powdered sugar
3 egg whites
Wash and soak the apricots. Steam until soft. Mash the apricots, or press
through a coarse strainer or colander; add the sugar. Beat the whites of
eggs until very stiff; fold them into the apricots and sugar mixture.
Chill and serve with Custard Sauce.
Dried _prunes_ may be substituted for apricots, using less sugar and
adding a little lemon juice.
If it is desired to make Apricot Dainty some time before serving, it
should be stiffened with gelatine. To do this, mix 1/2 tablespoonful of
granulated or powdered gelatine with 2 tablespoonfuls of cold water. Add
the gelatine mixture to the hot mashed or strained apricots, stir until
the gelatine is dissolved, then proceed to add the sugar and egg white as
directed above.
CUSTARD SAUCE
Use the recipe for Soft Custard for Custard Sauce, substituting 3 yolks
for 2 whole eggs.
QUESTIONS
Why is it desirable to steam the fruit rather than cook it in water for
this dessert?
Compare the custard made with the entire egg to that made with the egg
yolk. What is the difference in thickness and color?
How many egg yolks are equivalent to two whole eggs in thickening?
LESSON LIV
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG AND STARCHY MATERIALS (A)
EGG AND STARCH.--How long is it necessary to cook milk-and-starch mixtures
so that the starch will be cooked thoroughly (see _Blanc Mange_)? How
long does it take to cook eggs when used for thickening? Are eggs used for
thickening harmed by long cooking? Explain your answer. If both starch and
egg are used for thickening a mixture, devise a way whereby the starch can
be cooked thoroughly, and the egg can be cooked without curdling.
BUTTERSCOTCH TAPIOCA
1 pint milk
1/8 to 1/4 cupful granulated tapioca
1/2 cupful dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
1/2 to 1 tablespoonful butter
Scald the milk, add the tapioca, and cook the mixture over hot water until
the tapioca is transparent (see _Apple Tapioca_, above). Mix the
sugar, salt, and egg. Add a portion of the hot tapioca mixture to the egg
mixture. Mix thoroughly, then return the mixture to the double boiler.
Stir and cook until the egg thickens. Add the vanilla and butter and turn
into dishes for serving. Cool. Serve with plain or whipped cream.
The quantity of tapioca determines the stiffness of the dessert. If a very
soft consistency is desired, use the smaller quantity of tapioca.
Chopped nuts may be added to the dessert just before turning into the
serving dishes.
For economy, the egg and butter may be omitted. If the egg is omitted, the
greater quantity of tapioca should be used.
CREAM OF POTATO SOUP
3 potatoes
2 1/2 cupfuls milk
2 egg yolks or 1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Pepper
1/8 teaspoonful celery salt
Cook the potatoes until soft, drain, and mash. Scald the milk and add it
to the potatoes, then strain the mixture. Beat the eggs, add seasoning,
combine with the potato mixture, and cook in the top part of the double
boiler, stirring constantly, until the egg thickens. _Serve
immediately_.
QUESTIONS
In Butterscotch Tapioca what ingredient could be substituted for tapioca?
How much of this ingredient should be used (see _Blanc Mange_,
above)?
What is the purpose of the eggs in Cream of Potato Soup?
Why should the soup be served immediately after cooking the eggs?
How does this soup differ in thickening materials from Potato Soup (see
above)?
What would be the effect of adding 1 egg to plain Blanc Mange?
When and how should the egg be added? Give reasons for your method of
adding the egg.
Write a recipe for Soft Custard in which corn-starch is substituted for
one of the eggs. Write out the method of cooking such a custard.
LESSON LV
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG AND STARCHY MATERIALS (B)
CORN CUSTARD
1 can corn _or_
6 ears green corn
1 teaspoonful salt
l 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 cupful milk
2 eggs
Make a White Sauce of the flour, salt, butter, and milk. Add the corn (for
method of cutting green corn from the cob, see Lesson IV). Beat the eggs,
add them to the corn mixture. Turn the mixture into a buttered baking-
dish, and place the dish in a pan of hot water. Bake in a moderate oven
until the mixture is firm. Serve hot as a vegetable.
_One egg may be omitted_ and the flour and fat increased to 3 and 2
tablespoonfuls respectively.
CHEESE PUDDING
1 cupful cheese grated or cut into pieces
1 egg
1 cupful milk
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/4 cupful dried bread crumbs or granulated tapioca
Cayenne
Beat the egg slightly, and add the other ingredients. Turn into a buttered
baking-dish, custard cups, or ramekins. Place in a pan of hot water, and
bake in a moderate oven until the mixture is firm. Serve hot (for method
of preparing _Dried Bread Crumbs_).
QUESTIONS
What ingredients in Corn Custard thicken the mixture?
What ingredients in Cheese Pudding thicken the mixture?
What is the purpose of placing the baking-dish containing Corn Custard or
Cheese Pudding in a pan of hot water? At what temperature should these two
foods bake? Give a reason for your answer.
In Cheese Pudding, why are the starchy material and egg cooked for the
same length of time?
Compare the cost of a can of corn and six ears of green corn.
How many persons will the recipe for Corn Custard serve?
How many will the Cheese Pudding serve?
LESSON LVI
MILK THICKENED WITH EGG AND STARCHY MATERIALS (C)
Bread Puddings are made by adding bread to a custard mixture, and then
baking in the oven like Baked Custard. For these puddings either stale or
dry bread is used. The bread should be softened with the milk.
How many eggs are used to thicken one pint of milk in Steamed or Baked
Custard? How many eggs are used to thicken one pint of milk in Bread
Puddings (see recipe below)? Account for this difference.
BREAD PUDDING
2 cupfuls milk
1 cupful bread crumbs
1 tablespoonful butter
3 tablespoonfuls sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful vanilla _or_ 1/2 teaspoonful spices
3 tablespoonfuls cooked currants
Scald the milk; add the bread crumbs. When the crumbs are soft, add the
remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into a buttered baking-dish, and
place the baking-dish in a pan of hot water. Bake the pudding slowly until
it becomes firm and golden brown. Cover during the first 15 minutes of
baking. Serve with cream, Hard Sauce, Chocolate or Vanilla Sauce (see
below).
If chocolate were added to the recipe for plain Bread Pudding, what change
should be made in the other ingredients (see _Chocolate Corn-starch
Pudding_)? Since chocolate contains much fat, what ingredient could be
omitted, if chocolate were used? Compare the recipes for Bread Pudding and
Chocolate Bread Pudding.
CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING
1 cupful bread crumbs
2 cupfuls scalded milk
1 ounce chocolate
1/4 cupful boiling water
1/3 cupful sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Add the bread crumbs to the scalded milk and allow them to soak until
soft. Cut the chocolate in pieces, add the boiling water to it, and cook
gently until a smooth paste is formed. Add this to the bread mixture.
Proceed as in the preparation of plain Bread Pudding. Serve with plain or
whipped cream or Lemon Sauce.
VANILLA SAUCE
1/2 cupful sugar
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1/8 teaspoonful salt
2 cupfuls boiling water
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls butter
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix sugar and flour thoroughly, then add boiling water slowly. Cook 10
minutes. Dilute or evaporate if necessary. Add the butter and vanilla
[Footnote 53: See footnote 25 regarding the adding of vanilla.] just
before serving.
CHOCOLATE SAUCE
1/2 cupful sugar
3 tablespoonfuls flour
1 cupful water
1 cupful milk
3/8 cupful cocoa _or_
2 squares (or ounces) chocolate
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix the sugar, flour, and cocoa (if the latter is used). Add the water;
stir and cook until the mixture thickens. Then add the milk and cook over
boiling water for at least 15 minutes.
If chocolate is used, cut it in pieces, add 5 tablespoonfuls of boiling
water. Stir and cook until a smooth paste is formed. Add the chocolate to
the other ingredients, then the salt and vanilla. [Footnote 54: See
footnote 25 regarding the adding of vanilla.] Serve hot or cold over
desserts.
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the egg and bread in the Bread Pudding?
What care must be taken in combining the egg mixture with the hot milk
mixture?
Think of the effect of intense heat upon the ingredients of Bread Pudding,
and then explain why the pudding should bake slowly. What is the result,
if baked in a very hot oven?
What is the reason for covering the pudding during the first 15 minutes of
baking?
Name combinations of spices that would be desirable for the pudding.
What care should be taken in cooking chocolate in boiling water?
In preparing Vanilla Sauce, why is the flour mixed with the sugar (see
Experiment 24)?
How does the quantity of thickening for Vanilla Sauce compare with the
quantity of thickening for the Sauce for Cream Toast?
Give the four different quantities of flour generally used to thicken one
pint of sauce.
What care should be taken in cooking Vanilla Sauce?
Compare the recipe for Chocolate Corn-starch Pudding with that for
Chocolate Sauce. What material and how much of it is used for thickening
each? What difference in consistency is there in the two cooked mixtures?
What liquids are used in each mixture? Why is the sauce cooked directly
over the flame and then over, boiling water, while the pudding is cooked
only over boiling water?
LESSON LVII
CHEESE (A)
THE RELATION OF CHEESE TO MILK.--To show the relation of cheese to milk,
and to understand the manufacture of cheese, try the following:
EXPERIMENT 47: EFFECT OF RENNET ON MILK.--Put a small quantity of milk in
a test tube and heat the milk a very little, taking care not to boil it.
Add to it 1/4 teaspoonful liquid rennet, or 1/8 junket tablet, and set
aside. After a few minutes examine the milk. How has the rennet changed
the milk? What substance in the milk has been clotted by the rennet (see
Lesson XLVI)?
EXPERIMENT 48: SEPARATION OF CURD AND WHEY--Again heat the contents of the
test tube of Experiment 47, turn the mixture into a cheese-cloth, and
press the cloth until the mixture is dry. Examine the material left in the
cloth. How does it differ from ordinary cheese in color and texture? In
cheese making what names are given to the solids and liquids of clotted
milk?
Cheese is prepared for the market in a way somewhat similar to that shown
in Experiments 47 and 48, except that it is colored, salted, pressed into
shape, and allowed to ripen. While ripening, changes take place in the
ingredients of cheese which develop characteristic flavors and make the
cheese firm.
There are two general classes of cheese,--hard cheese and soft cheese. A
hard cheese commonly known as "American Cream Cheese" is generally used in
this country.
ACTION OF RENNIN IN DIGESTING MILK.--The rennet or junket used to clot the
casein of the milk is obtained from the digestive juices of the stomach of
a calf. An enzyme called rennin exists in the gastric juice of the human
stomach also. When milk is digested, it is first clotted by the enzyme in
the stomach.
EXPERIMENT 49: EFFECT OF ACID ON MILK.--Add a few drops of vinegar to warm
milk in a test tube. What is the result? What substance in the milk has
been curdled by the acid?
To what substance in milk is its sweet taste due? Into what has this
substance changed when milk sours? What causes the change in this material
(see _Care of Milk_)? Knowing the effect of acid on milk, explain the
clotted condition of sour milk.
JUNKET "CUSTARD"
1 quart milk
1/4 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1 tablespoonful liquid rennet _or_
1 junket tablet
Powdered cinnamon or nutmeg
Heat the milk in a double boiler until it is _lukewarm_ only; do not
heat it to scalding temperature. Test milk for lukewarm, _i.e._ body
temperature, by letting a drop fall on the wrist. If the milk "feels like
the wrist"--neither warmer nor colder--it is lukewarm in temperature. If a
junket tablet is used, crush it. Add the sugar, vanilla, and rennet or
junket, and stir until dissolved. Pour into a glass dish and stand in a
warm place until it thickens. Then set the Junket "Custard" in a cool
place. When cold, sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg, and serve
with cream.
COTTAGE CHEESE
1 quart thick sour milk
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Cream, top milk, or butter
Pour at least 2 quarts of boiling water into the sour milk. Allow the
mixture to stand until the curd separates from the whey. Strain the
mixture in a cloth, pressing the cloth until the curd is dry, or allow it
to drip for several hours or overnight. Put the curd in a bowl, add salt
and a little cream, top milk, or melted butter, and mix thoroughly. Serve
lightly heaped, or molded into balls.
QUESTIONS
Why should junket tablets be crushed before adding to the milk (see
Experiment 12)?
In what way is the preparation of milk for Junket "Custard" like the
digestion of milk in the stomach?
Tell why Junket "Custard" is quickly digested.
How much Cottage Cheese is obtained from 1 quart of milk?
Explain the use of boiling water in preparing Cottage Cheese from sour
milk.
What is the price per pint of Cottage Cheese prepared at home?
What is the price per pint of Cottage Cheese obtained at market?
LESSON LVIII
CHEESE (B)
FOOD VALUE AND USE OF CHEESE.--Cheese is concentrated food, _i.e._ it
contains much nourishment in small bulk. One pound of cheese contains as
much protein as two pounds of eggs or one and one half pounds of meat, and
as much fat as three pounds of eggs and one pound of beef. In addition to
protein and fat, cheese contains ash and vitamines (see Division Seven).
Cottage Cheese is a particularly good food. Since it is less expensive
than most foods rich in protein, it should be used to a greater extent
than it is at the present time. Most tasty salads and meat substitute
dishes may be prepared from cottage cheese.
Cheese was formerly considered somewhat difficult of digestion, but
investigations (see Farmers' Bulletin 487, _The Digestion of Cheese_,
p. 15.) show that cheese differs but little from meat in ease of
digestion. Cheese, like protein foods in general, if cooked at all, should
be heated at low or moderate temperature.
It is well to cook cheese in combination with other food materials. The
use of cheese at the close of a dinner, when sufficient food has already
been eaten, is not advisable.
CARE OF CHEESE.--Molds grow rapidly upon cheese, especially if it is
placed in a warm place and the air is excluded from it (see _Why Foods
Spoil_). For this reason, cheese should never be placed in a tightly
covered dish or jar. It may be placed in a dish or jar and covered with a
cloth. To keep cheese that has been cut from drying, wrap it in paraffin
paper, then in a slightly dampened cloth, and then in paper. It should
not, however, be kept in the damp cloth too long; molds will grow upon it.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
1 cupful macaroni
1 1/2 cupfuls medium White Sauce
2 cupfuls buttered crumbs
3/4 cupful grated cheese
Break macaroni into one-inch pieces. Cook in a large quantity of boiling,
salted water, in the same manner as Boiled Rice. When tender, pour into a
colander, and run cold water through it. Make the sauce, using half milk
and half "macaroni water" for the liquid; then add the cheese and macaroni
to it. Pour into a buttered baking-dish. Cover with the buttered crumbs
and bake at 450 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until brown.
_Rice or noodles_, cooked in the same way, may be substituted for
macaroni.
QUESTIONS
What must be the condition of cheese in order to grate it? If it is very
soft, how should it be prepared to add to the sauce?
What is macaroni? What foodstuff does it contain in large quantity?
What is the effect of cold water on cooked macaroni (see Experiment 17)?
Why is it cooked in a large quantity of boiling water?
What does the water in which the macaroni was cooked contain?
What use can be made of the water that is drained from the macaroni (see
_Cheese Sauce,_)?
What is the price per pound of macaroni? What is the price per pound of
rice? What is the price per pound of cheese?
How much cheese, by weight, is required for one cupful of grated cheese?
How many will this recipe for Macaroni and Cheese serve?
How does cheese compare in price per pound with beefsteak? How does it
compare in nutritive value? How much of the cheese is waste material? How
much of beefsteak is waste material? Which is the cheaper food?
LESSON LIX
STRUCTURE OF BEEF--METHODS OF COOKING TENDER CUTS
MEAT.--The flesh of animals is called _meat_. In market this term is
applied to the muscle, bone, and fat of beef (cattle), veal (calf), mutton
(sheep), lamb, and pork (pig).
To show the structure and properties of the substances in lean meat, try
the following experiments with beef:
EXPERIMENT 50: DIVISION OF MUSCLE.--Scrape a piece of lean beef on both
sides until nothing remains but the stringy mass or framework of the meat.
What is the color and texture, _i.e._ toughness, of the two parts into
which the muscle is divided?
Lean meat, or muscle, of animals may be divided into two parts: (_a_)
connective tissue or framework, and (_b_) muscle fiber.
Divide both the connective tissue and muscle fiber into two equal
portions. Use them for Experiments 51 and 52.
EXPERIMENT 51: EFFECT OF DRY HEAT ON: (_a_) CONNECTIVE TISSUE.--
Examine the connective tissue and note its toughness. Place it in a frying
pan and heat it for a few minutes. Examine it again. Is it made more
tender or tough by dry heat?
(_b_) MUSCLE FIBER.--Shape one portion of the muscle fiber into a
ball. Place it in a frying pan and heat as directed in (_a_). Is the
fiber made more tender or tough by dry heat? Sprinkle a bit of salt over
it and taste. What can you say regarding the flavor of the fiber?
EXPERIMENT 52: EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND HEAT ON: (_a_) CONNECTIVE
TISSUE.--Place the second portion of connective tissue in a pan and cover
it with water. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. How do moisture and
heat affect its toughness?
(_b_) MUSCLE FIBER.--Use the second portion of muscle fiber and cook
in water at simmering temperature as directed in (_a_). How do heat
and moisture affect its toughness? Sprinkle a bit of salt over it and
taste. Compare its flavor with muscle fiber cooked by dry heat. Which has
a more pleasing flavor?
From these experiments what conclusion can you draw with regard to the
length of time--_long or short_--that _connective tissue_ must
be cooked in order to make it tender? What conclusion can you draw with
regard to the kind of heat--_dry or moist_--that must be applied to
connective tissue to make it tender?
What conclusion can you draw regarding the effect of dry and moist heat
upon muscle fiber? Which makes it more tender? Which develops the more
pleasing flavor?
[Illustration: FIGURE 43.--STRUCTURE OF MEAT. A. muscle fibers; B. fat
cells; C. connective tissue.]
THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF MEAT.--The connective tissue of meat is
the material which holds the muscle fiber in place. One can get an idea of
the structure of muscle fiber from some cuts of meat such as the rump.
This meat when cooked can be torn into strands. On closer examination,
however, one finds that these strands are made up of tiny tubes,
microscopic in size, which are also held together by a network of
connective tissue (see Figure 43). The microscopic tubes hold the muscle
juice, which consists of water, protein, ash, coloring and flavoring
materials. The latter give to meat its characteristic taste; they are
called extractives. In the network of connective tissue, there is fat as
shown also in Figure 43.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers
College. FIGURE 44.--CLUB OR DELMONICO STEAK.]
The muscle juice found in muscle fiber not only contains protein, but the
walls of muscle fiber and connective tissue contain protein. These
proteins differ greatly in quality, however. They will be discussed in the
following lesson.
CARE OF MEAT.--As soon as meat comes from the market remove the paper in
which it is wrapped, and put the meat away in a cool place. Before
cooking, wipe the meat with a damp cloth. Do not allow it to stand in cold
water. If meat is to be roasted, it should be weighed before cooking.
SEARING MEAT.--Since the juice of meat contains both nutriment and flavor,
it is desirable to retain the juice when meat is cooked. This can be
accomplished by subjecting meat to intense heat. By so doing, the protein
coagulates and "seals" the outside of the meat so that its juices are
prevented from escaping. _This process is called searing._
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers College
FIGURE 45.--PORTERHOUSE]
From the results of Experiment 51 (_b_), one can understand why
seared meat tastes good. Dry heat tends to develop flavor. Hence it is
desirable to sear meat not only to prevent waste of its juices, but to
make it tasty. After meat is seared, it is usually necessary to reduce the
temperature of cooking in order to cook the interior of meat.
TENDER CUTS OF BEEF--Certain muscles of an animal used for food contain
more connective tissue than others. Such muscles are considered tough cuts
of meat. Other muscles contain either less connective tissue or the
connective tissue is less tough. These are considered tender cuts.
[Illustration: FIGURE 46.--SIRLOIN,--HIP STEAK (portion next to the
porterhouse) _Courtesy of Bureau of Publications, Teachers College_]
[Illustration: FIGURE 47.--SIRLOIN,--FLAT BONE (choice cut in the middle
of the sirloin section). _Courtesy of Bureau of Publications, Teachers
College._]
Muscles which are the least used by the animal are most tender. What parts
of the beef would one expect to find most tender?
Certain methods of cooking meat are adapted to cooking the tender cuts.
Unless meat is chopped, only tender cuts of meat can be cooked
successfully by dry heat. The following methods are used for tender cuts
of meat: (_a_) broiling, (_b_) pan-broiling, and (_c_)
roasting (baking).
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers College
FIGURE 48.--SIRLOIN,--ROUND BONE (next to the rump and round).]
The best steaks of beef for broiling or pan-broiling are club (see Figure
44), porterhouse (see Figure 45), sirloin (see Figures 46, 47, 48), and
first cuts of round. The best cuts for roasting are porterhouse, prime
ribs (see Figures 49, 50), and sirloin.
Long shoulder or chuck (see Figures 51, 52), top round, and rump (see
Figures 54 and 57) are inferior roasts.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers College
FIGURE 49.--FIRST CUT PRIME RIB ROAST]
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers College
FIGURE 50.--SECOND CUT PRIME RIB ROAST]
BROILING
Select one of the tender steaks for broiling. Tender steaks should be cut
from 1 to 2 inches in thickness. Clean it as directed previously, remove
the excess fat, and place the meat on a broiler. Broil over glowing coals
or in the broiling oven, holding the broiler very close to the coals, or
placing it near the gas flame. The meat should be thoroughly _seared_
on both sides. Finish cooking the meat by holding it farther away from the
coals or the gas flame and turning it about every 10 seconds. Steak 1 inch
thick should be cooked at least 5 minutes; 2 inches thick, at least 10
minutes. Season, place on a hot platter, and serve _at once_.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers College
FIGURE 51.--BLADE RIB ROAST (7th and 8th ribs).]
PAN-BROILING
Clean the meat, remove excess fat, and place the meat in a very hot frying
pan _without any fat_. Sear the meat on both sides, then cook more
slowly until done. When thick chops are broiled, stand them on end to
brown the edges. Keep the pan free from fat. The time for pan-broiling is
the same as for broiling.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAN-BROILING AND SAUTEING.--Pan-broiled steak differs
from sauteed steak (commonly termed fried steak) in: (_a_) ease of
digestion and (_b_) flavor. As explained previously (_Frying and
Digestion_), fat cooked at high temperature is not easily digested.
For this reason, as far as digestion is concerned, it is better to omit
the fat, and to broil a steak.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_. Teachers College
FIGURE 52--CHUCK RIB ROAST (9th and 10th ribs)]
Meat has a distinct and characteristic flavor. Browned fat also has a
pronounced flavor. In broiled steak, the pure meat flavor exists; In
"fried" steak there is meat flavor plus browned fat flavor. Since the
flavor of meat is most pleasing, it is not advisable to modify it by the
addition of any other flavor.
ROASTING (BAKING)
Roasting was accomplished formerly by placing thick pieces of meat before
an open fire (see Figure 53). "Roasts" are now placed in the oven and
baked. The term roasting, however, is still used. Meat is roasted as
follows:
[Illustration: FIGURE 53.--COLONIAL FIREPLACE, SHOWING A "ROASTING
KITCHEN"--a device for roasting meat--at lower right-hand corner.]
Weigh the meat and clean it. Then skewer it into shape and place it on a
rack in a roasting pan. If the meat has but little fat, place extra fat in
the bottom of the pan. Place the pan on the upper shelf of a hot oven
(500 degrees F.) and sear for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 400
degrees F. Season the exposed surface with salt and pepper, dredge with
flour, and remove the pan to the floor or lower shelf of the oven. Baste
often. When the meat is about half done, turn it over, season, dredge with
flour, and continue baking as before.
Since less evaporation takes place in a large roast than in a small one,
the larger roasts are more juicy, hence more desirable. A good roast of
beef should weigh at least 4 pounds.
The time for roasting varies with the weight of the meat. Usually, for
beef roasts, _15 minutes to each pound_ is allowed.
QUESTIONS
Explain the purpose of searing meat.
If meat is to be roasted, pan-broiled, or broiled, how is it seared?
Why is it necessary to remove the fat from meat that is to be broiled or
pan-broiled?
Why cannot meat be broiled over _blazing_ coals?
What is the price per pound of porterhouse and of sirloin steak?
What is the average weight of sirloin steak? Of porterhouse steak?
How many persons will each serve?
LESSON LX
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TENDER CUTS (APPLIED TO CHOPPED BEEF) (A)
PROTEIN IN MEAT.--It was mentioned previously that there are several
different kinds of protein in lean meat. It was also stated that proteins
exist in:
(_a_) Connective tissue.
(_b_) Walls of muscle fibers.
(_c_) Muscle juice.
Two proteins exist in connective tissue, viz., _collagen_ and
_elastin._ Collagen is changed into gelatine by cooking in water.
Elastin is found not only in connective tissue, but in the walls of muscle
fibers. In muscle juice, there are two proteins,--_myosin or muscle
globulin_ and _albumin_.
Both myosin and albumin coagulate by heating. It is possible to sear meat
because it contains proteins. The scum which invariably forms when meat
broth is heated consists largely of protein, probably in the form of
albumin. This protein as shown in experiments on eggs is soluble in cold
water, but is coagulated by heating. If meat broth is skimmed, much of its
nutriment is lost.
[Illustration: Courtesy of Bureau of Publications, Teachers College FIGURE
54--ROUND.]
[Illustration: Courtesy of Bureau of Publications, Teachers College FIGURE
55.--CHUCK.]
Of all proteins in meat, myosin is the most important; it exists in
greater quantity than the other proteins. Myosin, is practically insoluble
in both hot and cold water, though somewhat soluble in a salt solution. As
not much myosin is extracted from meat in soup making, _the solid part
of meat must be eaten in order to obtain the greatest nourishment_.
Meat broth does not contain as much food value as meat.
CHOPPED BEEF.--If meat is chopped, what is the effect of the cutting on
its structure? How would this affect its toughness?
It is possible to pan-broil or roast some of the tough cuts of meat, if
the meat is chopped fine. Round (see Figure 54, p. 203) and shoulder or
chuck (see Figure 55) are especially desirable cuts for this purpose.
CHOPPED STEAK
1 pound beef steak, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls chopped parsley
1 onion, grated
1 teaspoonful salt
1/2 cupful water or
3/4 cupful tomatoes
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Mix all the ingredients and shape into firm cakes. Heat an iron frying pan
until hot; oil it with a bit of fat from the meat; _then remove the
fat_. Sear the cakes; then reduce the temperature to finish cooking.
Turn the cakes often. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at once.
Half a cupful of soft bread crumbs and 1 egg may be added to this meat
mixture.
The addition of 1 tablespoonful of lemon juice, or a dash of nutmeg is
thought by some to improve the flavor of chopped beef.
Instead of shaping chopped beef into small cakes, it may be formed into
one large cake or steak. The chopped steak may be either broiled or pan-
broiled. If the latter method is followed, a pan-cake turner is useful in
turning over the steak.
BEEF LOAF
Use the ingredients for Chopped Steak, adding the bread crumbs and egg.
Shape into a loaf, and place in a greased baking-pan. Bake in a hot oven
(450 degrees F.) for about 30 minutes. Serve hot, plain, or with Tomato or
Brown Sauce.
The use of tomatoes instead of water in _Beef Loaf_ makes the meat
especially tasty.
QUESTIONS
Why is it necessary to reduce the temperature to finish cooking meat after
searing it?
What are the prices per pound of round and long shoulder?
How many cupfuls are there in one pound of chopped meat?
How many servings of Chopped Steak can be obtained from one pound of meat?
LESSON LXI
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TENDER CUTS (APPLIED TO CHOPPED BEEF) (B)
STUFFED MEAT ROAST
2 pounds chopped meat
2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Mix these ingredients. Take about three fourths of the mixture, put it
into a greased baking-dish or pan, shape it into a loaf, and make a large
cavity in the center. Into the cavity, put a stuffing prepared as follows:
2 cupfuls bread crumbs
1 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful marjoram
1/4 teaspoonful thyme
1/4 teaspoonful savory
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Mix the crumbs and seasoning. Melt the fat, add the seasoned crumbs. Stir
and heat until the crumbs are slightly browned.
Put the remainder of the meat mixture on top of the crumbs, so that the
latter are entirely surrounded by the meat mixture. Place in a hot oven
and bake from 1/2 to 3/4 hour. Serve hot,--plain or with Brown Sauce (see
below).
Instead of bread stuffing, potato stuffing prepared as follows may be used
in _Stuffed Meat Roast_.
Tomatoes may be added to the meat mixture (see _Beef Loaf_).
POTATO STUFFING [Footnote 55: From United States Food Administration
Bulletin.]
2 cupfuls dry mashed potatoes
1 egg (beaten)
1 small onion, grated
1 tablespoonful fat
1 stalk celery finely minced _or_
1/2 teaspoonful celery salt
1 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
Mix the ingredients and use in place of ordinary bread stuffing.
EXPERIMENT 53: COMPARISON OF STARCH AND DEXTRIN FOR THICKENING.--When
flour is browned what substance is formed from some of the starch (see
Experiment 26, above)?
Make a White Sauce, using 1 teaspoonful of fat, 1/2 tablespoonful of
flour, and 1/4 cupful of water. Make a Brown Sauce with the same
ingredients, browning the fat and flour. Compare the Brown and White Sauce
as to thickness. Which has the greater thickening property,--starch or
dextrin? Estimate the quantity of flour to use for Brown Sauce in order to
make it equal in thickness to a White Sauce made by using 1, 2, and 3
tablespoonfuls of flour to 1 cupful of liquid.
NOTE.--If a suitable fat has been used, the Brown Sauce may be seasoned
and used with the Stuffed Meat Roast.
BROWN SAUCE
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls fat
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
1 cupful meat stock or hot water
1 teaspoonful scraped onion
If there is any meat stock in the roasting pan, remove it and make the
"Brown Sauce" in the pan. Put fat and onion in the pan, and brown them.
Add the flour and brown it, then add the other ingredients and cook as
_White Sauce_.
QUESTIONS
What cuts of meat are suitable for roasting? Why?
Explain how it is possible to use tough cuts of meat and roast them
successfully.
LESSON LXII
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TOUGH CUTS (A)
EXPERIMENT 54: EFFECT OF COLD WATER ON MEAT.--Place a bit of meat in a
test tube or glass measuring cup and add cold water. Allow it to stand for
a few minutes and note the appearance. What has been drawn out into the
water? What practical application as to washing meat can be made from
this?
Heat the water in which the meat has been soaked. What does the water
contain? In soup making, should this material be strained out of broth?
Explain. If broth must be strained, should a coarse or a fine strainer be
used? Why?
EXPERIMENT 55: EFFECT OF BOILING WATER ON MEAT.--Pour boiling water over a
bit of meat, then heat it. Has the juice been drawn out into the water?
Explain how hot water prevents the juices from being drawn out.
EXPERIMENT 56: EFFECT OF SALT ON MEAT.--Sprinkle some salt on a piece of
meat. Let stand for 10 minutes or longer and note results. What practical
application as to seasoning meats can be drawn from this?
NOTE.--The bits of meat used in these three experiments should be saved
and used for soup-making.
TOUGH CUTS OF BEEF.--From the Experiments of Lesson LIX, what was found to
be the toughest portion of the muscle of meat? What method of cooking was
used to make this tough part tender (see Experiments 51 and 52)? Toughness
of meat depends upon (_a_) amount of connective tissue, and
(_b_) character of the walls of muscle-fiber tubes (thick or thin).
These conditions depend upon (_a_) the age of the animal, and
(_b_) locality of muscle or cut of meat.
Although meat contains some materials which are better slightly cooked,
tough cuts of meat contain so much connective tissue that long cooking is
necessary to make them palatable. _The long cooking must be accomplished
in water or steam_ in order that the meat may not burn or become too
dry.
Meat from old animals is usually tough. Veal and lamb are more tender than
beef and mutton. The muscles that are used most are toughest, because they
are developed to a greater extent and contain more connective tissue.
Muscles that are constantly used contain more extractives, hence tough
cuts of meat have more flavor than tender cuts. This is not always
appreciated, however, since all the flavor of tough meat is rarely
extracted because it is so hard to chew. Moreover, as mentioned
previously, dry heat usually applied to tender cuts tends to develop
flavor in meat.
USE OF BONE AND FAT IN SOUP-MAKING.--Bone contains a substance which long
cooking changes into a jellylike mass called _gelatine_. In the
center of the bone there is a fatty substance called _marrow_. This
fat in the bone and that in and around the muscles liquefies in making
soup stock. In cooling, the fat rises to the top, hardens, excludes the
air from the stock, and thus prevents it from spoiling readily. Hence, in
soup-making, it is of advantage to use both the fat and the bone with the
lean meat. The fat, however, should be removed carefully from the stock
before using.
BEEF STOCK
2 pounds meat, bone and fat
1/4 teaspoonful celery seed
5 peppercorns
2 cloves
2 quarts cold water
1/2 bay leaf
2 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Cut the meat and fat into small pieces. Try out some of the fat and brown
about 1/3 of the meat in it. Put all the meat in a kettle, add the
seasoning and water; cover, and allow to soak one hour. Then cook below
boiling temperature for 3 hours; strain through a coarse strainer. Pour it
through a fat separator or set aside to cool. If the fat has been allowed
to solidify, skim it from the surface when the stock is to be used.
1 can of tomatoes, 1 carrot, 1 turnip, and 1 onion (all cut in small
pieces) may be added to the ingredients of beef stock. Trimmings and bones
of fresh meats or bones and pieces of roasts or unused meat may be cut
into small pieces and used for soup stock. No smoked or charred pieces of
meat or bone should be used, however. Stock may be colored with caramel,
provided the sugar has been cooked sufficiently to lose its sweetness.
CUTS OF BEEF (see Figure 56).--The feeding, care, and age of an animal
have much to do with the _quality_ of its meat. It is considered that
good beef is obtained from an animal four or five years old. Beef should
be firm, of bright red color, and of fine grain. There should also be a
generous supply of suet. The latter should be dry and easily crumbled. In
most markets, meat is made more tender by allowing it to hang for several
days at a temperature near freezing.
The _cost_ of the different cuts of meat varies greatly. The
difference in cost is based upon the tenderness of the cut of meat, and
upon the demand,--not upon the nutritive value. Prices vary in different
localities, and in different seasons.
The _waste_ of a cut of meat is a factor which the housekeeper needs
to consider in determining the cost of meat. The cuts of meat containing
no waste may be "cheaper" than some cuts whose price per pound is lower.
[Illustration: Adapted from diagram in _University of Illinois_
Bulletin, No 158 FIGURE 56.--CUTS OF BEEF.]
The line dividing the rib and loin cuts and the plate and flank, marks the
division of the beef into hind and fore quarters. The position of the
various cuts is indicated by letters. The names of the cuts are indicated
around the outer boundary of the diagram.
The closely spaced lines such as shown in the round cut indicate that the
cut is sliced into steaks, while the more widely spaced lines such as
shown in the rib cut, indicate that the cut is separated into pieces for
roasting or stewing. The numerals indicate the number of steaks or pieces
into which a cut is usually divided.
EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 56. CUTS OF BEEF
HIND QUARTER
NAME AND FORM OF CUT METHOD OF COOKING
ROUND A. Rump. Pot-roasting.
1. Rump piece (see Figure Stewing.
57). Corning.
B. Round (not including Sauteing.
rump and shank). Stewing.
2-14. Round steaks (see Braising.
Figure 54). Pot-roasting.
C. Horseshoe or Heel. Pot-roasting.
15. Pot roast. Stewing.
D. Hind shank.
16. Knuckle soup bone. Soup-making.
17-19. Soup bones.
LOIN E. Sirloin. Broiling
1-4. Round-bone sirloin Roasting (when cut into
steaks (see Figure 48). thick pieces
5-6. Flat-bone sirloin
steaks (see Figure 47).
7. Hip-bone sirloin steak
(see Figure 46).
F. Porterhouse. Broiling.
8-15. Porterhouse steaks Roasting (when cut into
(see Figure 45). thick pieces).
16-18. Club or Delmonico
steaks (see Figure 44).
FLANK G. Flank steak (see Figure 59). Sauteing.
Rolling and Braising
H-H. Flank stew. Stewing.
Corning.
FORE QUARTER
NAME AND FORM OF CUT METHOD OF COOKING
RIB I. Rib roasts. Roasting.
1-4. Prime-rib roasts (see
Figures 49 and 50).
CHUCK J. Chuck roasts and steaks
1. Chuck-rib roast (see Braising.
Figures 51 and 52). Pot-roasting.
2-9. Chuck or shoulder steaks Broiling.
(see Figure 55). Sauteing.
10-13. Pot roasts.
NOTE.--In some localities, a pot
roast is cut from the lower portion
of the chuck. It is called Cross
Rib, Boston Cut, or English Cut
(see Figure 58).
14. Clod, no bone (over knuckle
soup bone).
L. Neck. Stewing.
15. Stew. Soup-making.
Corning.
PLATE M. Rib ends. Stewing.
1, 2. Stews. Soup-making.
Corning.
N. Navel. Stewing.
3. Stew. Soup-making.
Corning.
O. Brisket. Stewing.
4. Stew. Soup-making.
Corning.
FORE P. Shin.
SHANK 1. Stew.
2. Knuckle soup bone (underneath Stewing.
clod, _J_, 14). Soup-making.
3-6. Soup bones ("3" underneath
clod, _J_, 14).
Skirt steak,--diaphragm inside of Rolling and Braising.
ribs (see Figure 59). Stewing.
Tail. Soup-making.
QUESTIONS
Other than the differences in cost, what advantages are there in using
tough cuts of meat for soup?
Name at least three cuts of meat that would be suitable for soup-making.
Give the price per pound of these cuts.
In soup-making, what is the purpose of cutting the meat into pieces and of
cracking the bone?
Why should salt be added to the water in which meat is soaked (see
Experiment 56)?
LESSON LXIII
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TOUGH CUTS (B)
EXAMINATION OF COLD BEEF STOCK.--Examine the beef stock of the previous
lesson. Why has the fat risen to the top (see Experiment 35)? Why is fat
cooked with meat and bone in making soup stock? What use can be made of
the fat after removing it from the stock? Remove the fat from the stock.
Stir the stock with a spoon. How do you account for its jellylike
consistency? From what material has the gelatine been formed? What solid
material is found in the stock? Should this be strained out when the stock
is used for soup? Explain your answer (see Experiment 54).
VEGETABLE SOUP
2 quarts beef stock
2 tablespoonfuls fat
1 onion, sliced
1 carrot
1 turnip
1/2 stalk celery or dried celery leaves
Heat the fat and sliced onion. Cook until the onion is browned; add a
small quantity of water. Cut the vegetables into dice, add them to the
water containing browned onion and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the beef stock to the vegetables and vegetable stock; heat; evaporate,
if necessary, and then serve.
The vegetables may be strained from the soup, and cooked rice, macaroni,
or barley added; or the rice, macaroni, or barley may be cooked with the
vegetables. Pearl barley should be soaked in water before being cooked in
the stock.
Other vegetables may be used for soup-making, as tomatoes, green peas,
asparagus, and cauliflower. Indeed, ingenuity in combining flavors and
utilizing "left overs" should form no small part of soup-making.
EXAMINATION OF MEAT LEFT FROM SOUP-MAKING.--Which contains the more
nutriment,--beef stock or the meat from which the stock was prepared? What
valuable protein material does the solid meat contain (see _Protein in
Meat_)? Taste a bit of the meat. What does it lack? In what does the
flavoring of this meat exist? What can be added to this "left over" meat
as a substitute for its flavor? In the recipe for Baked Hash (below), what
supplies flavor to the meat?
BAKED HASH
l 1/2 cupfuls chopped meat and fat
1/3 cupful (or more) boiling water
1 1/2 cupfuls mashed potatoes or stock
Salt and pepper
1 cupful cracker crumbs, _or_
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
1 teaspoonful scraped onion
Chopped parsley
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
Mix all the ingredients, except the fat and crumbs. Add enough water or
stock to moisten all ingredients. Place the mixture in a buttered baking-
dish. Mix the fat with the bread or cracker crumbs. Cover the hash mixture
with the crumbs, and bake slowly until the meat is thoroughly heated and
the crumbs browned. Serve at once.
LESSON LXIV
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TOUGH CUTS (C)
ROLLED BEEFSTEAK
1 pound round steak
1 cupful soft bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoonful ground cloves
Pepper
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 small onion, chopped
Hot water or milk, salt, pepper, flour and fat
[Illustration: FIGURE 57.--RUMP.]
Cut round steak of 1/2 inch thickness into pieces 3 by 4 inches. Make a
stuffing of the bread crumbs, chopped onions, cloves, salt, pepper, with
enough hot water or milk to moisten. Spread the stuffing over the pieces
of steak, roll up each piece and tie it with a piece of string, or skewer
it with toothpicks. Dredge generously with flour and add salt and pepper.
Brown in beef drippings or other fat, cover with boiling water, and simmer
for 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Remove the strings or toothpicks, and
serve the meat with the sauce in which it was cooked.
If the meat has not been cut thin enough, it may be pounded with a wooden
potato masher or mallet to make it sufficiently thin.
BEEF STEW
2 pounds beef
1/4 cupful flour
2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
1 onion cut into slices
1 quart hot water
2 carrots, cut in dice
1 turnip, cut in dice
4 potatoes, cut in dice
1 tablespoonful kitchen bouquet
Remove the fat from the meat to be stewed; cut the meat into 1-inch
pieces. Dredge the meat with the flour; add the salt and pepper. Try out
the fat in a frying pan; remove the scraps. Brown the onion and then the
meat in the hot fat. Add the hot water and pieces of bone and cook in the
frying pan for 2 hours at a low temperature; or turn into a double boiler
and cook for the same length of time. Add vegetables, except potatoes, and
cook for I hour longer; add the potatoes 1/2 hour before the stew is done.
If desired, more flour,--mixed with enough cold water to pour easily,--may
be added when the potatoes are added. Remove the bone, add kitchen
bouquet, and serve.
THICKENING THE SAUCE OF MEAT COOKED IN WATER.--When meat is dipped in
flour, then browned in fat, and finally cooked in water, the flour
thickens the water and forms a sauce around the meat. Usually, however,
more flour needs to be added to the sauce to make it sufficiently thick.
Sometimes directions for adding a flour-and-water paste to the hot meat
stock are given, but unless the flour-and-water paste is cooked for some
time (boiled for 5 minutes at least) the sauce does not have a pleasing
flavor. This is because the starch is insufficiently cooked or the flour
is not browned. It has been found much more satisfactory to sprinkle a
little extra flour into the hot fat while browning the floured meat. Thus
the sauce is made smooth, and the starch cooked thoroughly by the time the
sauce is ready to serve.
QUESTIONS
If round steak has been cut too thick for rolling, what is a practical way
of making it of one half inch thickness?
For what purpose is rolled steak browned in fat before cooking in water?
Explain why the rolled steak is cooked in water at simmering rather than
at boiling temperature.
What is the purpose of dredging these meats in flour?
Why are not the vegetables added to the Beef Stew when the boiling water
is added? Why are not the potatoes added with the other vegetables?
Why is the bone added to the Beef Stew?
Name at least two cuts of beef that would be suitable for Beef Stew. What
are the prices per pound of these cuts?
LESSON LXV
BEEF: METHODS OF COOKING TOUGH CUTS (D)
SWISS STEAK
1 1/2 pounds round steak, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1/2 to 1 cupful flour
Suet or bacon fat
1/2 onion, sliced
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Dash pepper
With the edge of a saucer, pound the flour into both sides of the steak.
In a frying pan, put the suet or bacon fat and brown the onion in it. Then
brown both sides of the floured meat in the fat. Cover with boiling water
and let the meat cook at simmering temperature either on top of the range
or in the oven from 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until it is tender. Add enough
salt and pepper to season the meat. If necessary, evaporate the sauce
around the meat until it is of sufficient thickness to serve as Brown
Sauce. Serve the meat and sauce hot.
If desired, the meat may be stewed in tomato juice instead of water. (If
tomato is added, what kind of frying pan (_i.e._ of what material)
should be used in cooking the meat? See _Suggestions for Cooking
Fruits._)
This variation may also be made: One half green pepper may be chopped and
sprinkled over the surface of the steak while the latter is simmering. The
onion may be omitted, if desired.
POT ROAST
3 pounds beef
Flour
Salt pork or suet
1/2 bay leaf
6 peppercorns
Salt and pepper
1/4 cupful each,--diced carrot, turnip, onion, and celery
[Illustration: FIGURE 58.--CROSS RIB, BOSTON CUT, OR ENGLISH CUT]
Try out the fat and remove the scraps. Dredge the meat generously with
flour and brown the entire surface in the fat. Place the meat on a rack in
the kettle; surround it with the vegetables and spices, and season it with
salt and pepper. Add 3 cupfuls of boiling water; cover closely and simmer
for 4 hours. Turn after the second hour. Serve hot both the meat and the
sauce containing vegetables.
NOTE--This meat may be saved and used in the following lesson regarding
the uses of cooked beef
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_ Teachers College
FIGURE 59--SKIRT STEAK, FLANK STEAK.]
SUMMARY OF THE METHODS OF COOKING TOUGH CUTS OF MEAT--There are many
recipes for cooking meats All, however, are modifications of a few
methods. Moist heat must be applied to tough cuts of meat (see _Tough
Cuts of Beef_) The methods of cooking such cuts can be summed up as
follows
1 _Soup-making_--Soak meat, bone, and fat in cold salted water, and
then cook below boiling temperature in the water.
2. "_Boiling" or Stewing_.--Plunge meat into boiling water; boil
until well seared; then cook in water below the boiling temperature.
3. _Pot-roasting and Braising_.--Sear meat by boiling or browning in
fat, then cook in steam. If the cooking is done on the top of the range,
it is called pot-roasting. If it is done in the oven, it is called
braising.
QUESTIONS
What is the chief difference between pot-roasting and braising?
Why is it not necessary to baste meats cooked by these methods?
What is the difference between braising and roasting meats (see
_Roasting_)? Why is braising suitable for tough cuts, and roasting
for tender cuts (see Experiments 51 and 52)?
Name at least three cuts of meat suitable for pot roasts. Give the price
per pound of each.
LESSON LXVI
BEEF: USES OF COOKED BEEF
"LEFT OVERS"--Small pieces of cooked meat should not be thrown away; they
can be used in many ways. Even though the meat has been cooked so as to
extract its juices, there still remains practically all of the myosin, and
this is a valuable constituent. If the juices have been drawn from the
meat, a little fresh meat should be added to it, or it should be seasoned
well with condiments, spices, or herbs. Water in which the meat has been
cooked, and "left over" gravy, should be utilized in making sauces for
cooked meats. Cooked meat of tender cut should merely be reheated, not
recooked. Hence it is usually well to cut it into pieces or chop it fine
in order to heat it quickly.
As in soup-making, ingenuity in combining and using "left over" materials
is required in making meat dishes. Stewed tomatoes can be substituted for
stock or gravy, and one starchy food substituted for another. The recipes
here given simply serve as suggestions. The ingredients and proportions
should be changed to utilize available materials.
SCALLOPED MEAT
2 cupfuls chopped meat
2 tablespoonfuls fat
3 tablespoonfuls flour
l-1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
1 teaspoonful scraped onion or chopped parsley
l-1/2 cupfuls milk, stock, or water
2 cupfuls buttered crumbs (See _Crumbs for Scalloped Dishes_.)
Make a Brown Sauce of the fat, salt, pepper, flour, onion or parsley, and
milk or stock. Mix with the meat. Butter the crumbs, and place about one
half cupful in the bottom of the buttered baking-dish. Add the meat
mixture, and cover the top with the remainder of the crumbs. Bake in the
oven until the mixture is thoroughly heated and the crumbs are brown.
_Cold fish_ may be shredded and used in the same way.
COTTAGE PIE.--Use the same ingredients as for Scalloped Meat, substituting
mashed potatoes for buttered bread crumbs. Place the potato only on the
top of the mixture. A little nutmeg may be substituted for the onion.
QUESTIONS
How does meat left from beef stock differ from fresh meat in nutritive
value? How does it differ in taste?
Name a starchy food that could be substituted for potatoes in Baked Hash.
Why are spices and herbs added to left over meat dishes?
Name at least three vegetable-and-meat combinations that would be
desirable for hash.
How many cupfuls of chopped cooked meat can be obtained from one pound of
fresh meat?
Why should cooked meat of tender cut be reheated rather than recooked?
LESSON LXVII
GELATINE (A)
EXPERIMENT 57: EFFECT OF COLD WATER ON GELATINE.--Pour 1 teaspoonful of
cold water on 1/4 teaspoonful gelatine. Cover and let stand a few minutes.
Examine. Has the water combined with the gelatine? Press a bit of the
gelatine with a spoon. How does it compare with the dry gelatine as to
hardness?
EXPERIMENT 58: EFFECT OF HOT WATER ON GELATINE.--Pour 1 teaspoonful
boiling water on 1/4 teaspoonful gelatine. Place the mixture over hot
water. Stir. What is the effect of boiling water on gelatine?
NOTE.--Use the gelatine from these two experiments for the preparation of
the gelatine dessert of the lesson.
GELATINE.--When the beef stock of Lesson LXII was strained and cooled,
what material, other than fat and protein, was present in it? From what
substance in the meat and bone was this material formed (see _Protein in
Meat_; _Use of Bone and Fat in Soup-making_; _Examination of
Cold Beef Stock_)?
The gelatine which is found at market is prepared from the bones, gristle,
skin, and other portions of animals. Although gelatine may be purchased in
several different forms, housekeepers find the granulated or pulverized
gelatine the most convenient to use.
One ounce of granulated gelatine will stiffen 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of jelly.
In hot weather more is required. If fruit, vegetables, or nuts are to be
molded in the jelly, use 1 1/2 ounces of gelatine.
Gelatine should be first hydrated (_i.e._ combined with water) by
means of cold water, and then dissolved in boiling water.
THE VALUE OF GELATINE.--Gelatine is an incomplete protein, _i.e._ it
is lacking in certain amino acids and hence while a good fuel, it does
not, without the help of other proteins, both build and repair the body.
The usual gelatine dish contains such a small quantity of gelatine that
the question of its food value may be disregarded. The sugar and fruit,
however, that are invariably used in gelatine dishes give them food value.
Since gelatine liquefies readily by heating, it is valuable in liquid
diet.
LEMON JELLY
1 tablespoonful granulated gelatine _or_
1/4 ounce shredded gelatine
1/4 cupful cold water
3/4 cupful sugar
Salt
1 1/2 cupfuls boiling water
1/4 cupful lemon juice
Mix the gelatine and cold water. Let them stand until the water is
absorbed. Add the boiling water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the gelatine
is dissolved completely, then add the fruit juice, strain, and pour into a
mold. Set in a cool place to harden. _Gelatine mixtures should be
covered while soaking and cooling_.
_To remove jelly from the mold_, apply a cloth wrung out of hot water
to the outside of the mold.
FRUIT JELLY
Prepare lemon jelly mixture. Cover and allow to cool until it begins to
stiffen. Peel oranges and bananas; cut them into small pieces or slices.
Cut nuts into pieces. Stir in the prepared fruit and nuts. Turn into a
mold, cover, and put in a cool place until firm. Serve cold, with or
without cream.
Other fruits may be used instead of those mentioned in the recipe. If
pineapple is used it must be cooked before adding to jelly. Pineapple
contains an enzyme which liquefies gelatine. Hence jelly containing fresh
pineapple fails to stiffen.
WHIPPED JELLY
When a gelatine mixture is cool and begins to stiffen, it may be whipped
with a Dover egg beater. Air beaten into a gelatine dessert changes it in
appearance and quantity.
Lemon Jelly may be varied as follows:
Prepare lemon jelly mixture. Cover and set aside to cool. Then divide into
two portions. Add fruit to one portion and turn it into a mold and set
aside in a cool place.
Whip the second portion of jelly. When the jelly in the mold is stiff,
pour the whipped jelly over it and set aside to cool.
When ready to serve, unmold, garnish with fruit or nuts, if desired. Serve
with top milk, plain or whipped cream or Custard Sauce.
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of covering the gelatine while soaking and cooling?
Why is it necessary to dissolve the gelatine completely?
What would be the effect of adding cold fruit juice to the hot gelatine
mixture? What must be the temperature of water to dissolve gelatine? From
this explain why the gelatine should be dissolved before the fruit juice
is added.
What is the purpose of straining gelatine mixtures?
Through what should gelatine mixtures be strained?
Of what material should jelly molds be made? Why?
How are jellies removed from the molds without breaking or marring the
jellies? Explain.
When fruit is to be added to jelly, what is the purpose of allowing the
jelly to cool and almost stiffen before adding the fruit?
LESSON LXVIII
GELATINE (B)
SNOW PUDDING
1 tablespoonful granulated gelatine
1/4 cupful cold water
1 cupful sugar
Salt
1 cupful boiling water
1/4 cupful lemon juice
2 or 3 egg whites
Mix these ingredients (except egg whites) as for Lemon Jelly. Set aside to
cool. Beat the egg whites until stiff. When the gelatine mixture begins to
stiffen, beat it (surrounded by ice water) until it becomes frothy, then
add the beaten egg whites and continue beating until the mixture begins to
stiffen. Turn into a mold and set aside in a cool place. Serve with
chilled Custard Sauce.
For the sauce, follow the recipe for Soft Custard, using egg yolks
(instead of whole eggs) and 3/8 cupful of sugar (instead of 1/4 cupful).
In case only 2 egg yolks are used in making the custard, 1 teaspoonful of
corn-starch may be used for additional thickening, as suggested.
The addition of 1/2 cupful of chopped nuts to Snow Pudding makes a
pleasing variation. The nuts should be added just before turning the
mixture into the mold.
Snow Pudding may be prepared by whipping plain Lemon Jelly as directed in
the previous lesson and serving it with Custard Sauce. The use of egg
whites, however, adds to the food value of the dessert and makes it more
tasty.
PINEAPPLE BAVARIAN CREAM
1 tablespoonful gelatine
1/4 cupful cold water
1 small can (8 ounces) shredded pineapple
Boiling water
1/2 cupful sugar
Salt
2 tablespoonfuls lemon juice
1/2 cupful (or more) whipped cream
Mix the gelatine and cold water and let stand until the water is absorbed.
Drain the sirup from the shredded pineapple and add enough water to it to
make 1 1/2 cupfuls. Heat the pineapple sirup and water to boiling point.
Then pour it over the gelatine mixture. Stir until the gelatine is
dissolved. Add the sugar and salt and continue stirring until they are
dissolved. Add the lemon juice. Cover and set aside in a cold place until
the mixture begins to stiffen.
Whip the cream. Add the shredded pineapple and whipped cream to the
gelatine mixture. Surround this with ice water and beat until the mixture
again begins to stiffen. Turn into a mold and set aside in a cool place.
Serve cold.
QUESTIONS
What is the price per package of gelatine?
How many ounces are there in one package? How many tablespoonfuls in one
package?
Determine the cost of Lemon Jelly. Of Snow Pudding. What is the difference
in the cost?
Which is lighter in weight,--beaten egg white or plain Lemon Jelly? From
this, explain why it is necessary to set the gelatine mixture aside until
it begins to stiffen before adding the beaten egg-white in the preparation
of Snow Pudding.
Explain why the gelatine mixture should be in a slightly stiffened
condition before the whipped cream is added to it in the preparation of
Bavarian Cream.
LESSON LXIX
FISH (A)
EXPERIMENT 59: EFFECT OF SOAKING FISH IN WATER.--Soak a piece of fresh
fish in water for at least 10 minutes. Strain the water and heat it to the
boiling point. What foodstuff is found in the water? What practical
application can be drawn from the result of this experiment as to washing
fish?
EXPERIMENT 60: EFFECT OF BOILING FISH RAPIDLY.--Boil a small piece of
fresh fish rapidly for a few minutes. What happens to the fish? Judging
from this experiment, what care must be taken in cooking and serving fish?
From the results of Experiments 59 and 60, which method,--boiling or
baking,--would be more desirable for cooking fish? Why?
COMPARISON OF BEEF WITH FISH.--Fish is an animal food containing protein.
It differs from beef in structure and composition. Most fish contains more
water than does beef, hence it has not as high a nutritive value. In the
quantity of protein, however, fish is about equal to beef; its protein is
also complete. Hence many consider it quite as nutritious as beef. It is
lacking in extractives, and needs careful seasoning.
FAT OF FISH.--The fat content of fish varies greatly in different kinds of
fish. A few fish, such as salmon for example, contain considerable fat.
The edible portion of most fish, however, contains less fat than beef. The
ease with which we digest fish depends upon the fat it contains. Fish
containing the least quantity of fat is the most easily digested.
CLASSES OF FISH.--According to the quantity of fat it contains, fish may
be divided into two classes: _(_a_) dry, or_ lean _fish_,
and _(_b_) oily fish_. Cod, haddock, smelt, flounder, perch,
bass, brook trout, and pike are dry, or lean fish. Salmon, shad, mackerel,
herring, eel, halibut, lake trout, and white fish are oily fish. (This
latter group contains from 5 to 10 per cent of fat.)
Fish may also be divided into two classes, according to the water in which
they live, fish from the sea being termed _salt-water fish_, and
those from rivers and lakes _fresh-water fish_
Since fish contains about as much protein as does beef, it should be
generally used as a meat alternative. Inspection of the fish found at
market will doubtless acquaint you with many kinds of fish.
SALMON TIMBALE OR LOAF
1 can salmon
1 cupful soft bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
1 or 2 eggs
1 tablespoonful lemon juice
1/4 to 1/2 cupful milk
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, adding enough milk to moisten. Pour
into buttered timbale molds or into one bowl. Place on a rack in a pan,
surround with hot water, and cover. Bake in the oven or cook on top of the
range until the fish mixture is firm and is heated thoroughly. Turn out,
and serve with White Sauce to which chopped parsley has been added (for
White Sauce, see _White Sauce for Vegetables_. For the fat of the
White Sauce, use the oil drained from the salmon).
Peas in White Sauce make a pleasing addition to Salmon Timbale, _Tuna
fish_ or other cooked fish may be used instead of salmon.
CASSEROLE OF FISH
Cook 1 cupful of rice or barley (see page 85). Measure the ingredients
given in Salmon Timbale or Loaf, using salmon or any kind of canned or
cooked fish, and prepare a fish loaf.
Let the cereal cool slightly after cooking. Then line a baking dish or a
mold with about three fourths of the cooked rice or barley, pressing it in
the dish firmly with a spoon. Put the fish mixture in the cavity and cover
it with the remainder of the cereal. Steam the food 30 to 45 minutes. Turn
from the mold and serve hot with White Sauce as directed for Salmon
Timbale.
Any kind of _cooked_ and _chopped meat_ may be used instead of
fish and combined with rice or barley as described above. QUESTIONS
What purpose do the eggs serve in Salmon Loaf?
Think of the effect of intense heat upon the different ingredients in this
fish mixture, and then explain why it should not cook for a long time or
at a high temperature.
What is the price per can of salmon? Of tuna fish?
Name two fresh fish that are in market now. What is the price per pound of
each?
LESSON LXX
FISH (B)
FRESHNESS OF FISH.--Fish is a food which spoils very quickly, and which is
dangerous to eat if not fresh. For this reason the housekeeper should be
able to judge of the freshness of fish. In fresh fish:
(_a_) The flesh is firm and elastic, especially along the backbone.
(6) The gills are bright.
(_c_) The eyes are bright and bulging.
The sinking of fish when placed in water has also been given as an
indication of its fitness for use as food. Decayed fish floats on water.
Since fish spoils readily, it must be frozen if kept for any length of
time. Frozen fish is not undesirable provided it is kept in a frozen state
until used; it should be thawed out by placing it in cold water _just
before cooking_. Fish that has been thawed out and kept for some time
before cooking may contain at times poisonous substances called
_ptomaines_. Ptomaines in food may produce distressing effects or may
even prove fatal.
Fresh fish should be kept in a cool place until used, but should not be
placed uncovered in the refrigerator. It may, however, be tightly
covered,--put in a tin pail or glass jar,--and placed in the
refrigerator. Before cooking, fish should be washed thoroughly with a wet
cloth. On account of the odor, all utensils used in the cooking of fish
should be washed in salted water.
BAKED FISH
Clean and wash a large fish. The head or tail may or may not be removed
before baking. If the head is retained, the eyes should be removed before
serving; this is done more easily after cooking. If the tail is retained,
it should be wrapped in oiled paper to prevent it from burning.
[Illustration: FIGURE 60.--FISH KETTLE, SHOWING RACK]
Sprinkle salt on the inside of the fish and also on the outside, and then
fill with stuffing. Skewer the cut edges of the fish together or close the
incision as follows:
Hold the edges of the skin together and thrust toothpicks across the
opening, through both cut edges of the fish. Then fasten the opening by
_"lacing"_ string around the toothpicks. Cut gashes on each side
across the fish and put strips of salt
pork into them or insert strips of pork with a larding needle. Oil a
baking sheet or the rack of a fish kettle (see Figure 60) and place the
fish on it, forming the fish into an "S" by means of skewers. Place the
sheet in a baking-pan and add pieces of salt pork. Bake 15 minutes for
each pound, or until the flesh can be separated easily from the bones by
means of a skewer or a fork. If the baking-pan is uncovered, baste every
10 minutes. When done, carefully remove the fish from the pan and place on
a platter, garnish with parsley and lemon, and serve with _Tomato
Sauce_ or _Sauce for Fish_ (see below).
In the absence of a baking sheet, two well oiled strips of muslin may be
placed across the baking-pan, underneath the fish. When baked, the fish
may be removed easily from the pan by means of the strips of muslin.
STUFFING FOR FISH
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Cayenne
1 teaspoonful scraped onion
1 teaspoonful chopped parsley
1 teaspoonful capers or chopped pickles
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
Mix the ingredients in the order given (see _Crumbs for Scalloped
Dishes_)
SAUCE FOR FISH
3 tablespoons butter or substitute
1/4 cupful flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Cayenne
l 3/4 cupfuls hot water
1/4 cupful vinegar _or_ 1 large lemon,--juice
1 tablespoonful chopped parsley
Prepare the first five ingredients as in White Sauce (see _White Sauce
for Vegetables_. Then add vinegar or lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Serve hot over fish.
Hard-cooked eggs make a pleasing addition to this sauce. Chop the whole
eggs or slice the whites and mash the yolks with a fork; then add to the
sauce.
QUESTIONS
Why should fish not be left uncovered in the refrigerator?
Why should fish be cleaned by wiping with a cloth, rather than by placing
in a pan of water (see Experiment 59)?
What is the purpose of placing fish on a baking sheet or placing strips of
muslin underneath for baking (see Experiment 60)?
How is fish tested for sufficient cooking?
How can the odor be removed from utensils in which fish has been cooked?
LESSON LXXI
FISH (C)
PLANKED (BROILED) FISH
An oak plank,--one inch in thickness and as long and wide as a large
platter,--is a satisfactory device for broiling fish. For planking or
broiling, fish steaks or thin, flat fish, such as mackerel or bluefish,
should be selected.
Clean the fish, then place it, skin side down, on the plank. Sprinkle with
salt and pepper, and spread with softened or melted butter. Place in the
broiling oven and broil until done, usually 15 or 20 minutes.
A border of potato puff mixture makes a pleasing addition to the fish (see
_Potato Puff_). A few minutes before the fish is done, remove it from
the oven and arrange the potato mixture around it. (A pastry bag and tube
may be used for this purpose.) Brush the potato with egg diluted with
water (1 tablespoonful of water to 1 egg). Return the plank to the oven to
finish broiling the fish and to brown the potatoes. Serve the fish and
potatoes on the plank.
FRIED OR SAUTEED FISH
Clean fish and season with salt and pepper. Mix equal parts of corn-meal
and flour. Dip the fish in this mixture. Fry in deep fat or saute. Drain
and serve with a sauce. Dried bread or cracker crumbs, and egg may be used
for dipping instead of the corn-meal and flour mixture (see _Fried
Oysters_).
FISH CHOWDER
1/2 pound salt fish _or_
2 pounds fresh fish
1 quart potatoes cut in pieces
2 tablespoonfuls bacon drippings _or_ other fat
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoonfuls corn-meal
1 pint milk
Crackers
If salt fish is used, hold it under running water for a few minutes
(why?), then shred it.
If fresh fish is used, Wash it, remove bones if possible, and cut it into
six or eight pieces.
Brown the onion in the fat. Into a kettle put layers of fish and potatoes
and add a little browned onion and corn-meal to each layer. Cover with hot
water and boil gently until the potatoes are tender. Add the milk and
continue heating until the mixture is hot. Just before serving, add a few
crackers broken into pieces.
QUESTIONS
State the advantages of using a plank for broiling fish.
Why select fish steaks or thin, flat fish for broiling?
What is the purpose of brushing the potato mixture with egg?
Give two reasons for using well seasoned sauces and stuffing with fish
(see _Comparison of Beef with Fish_).
LESSON LXXII
LEGUMES (A)
THE LEGUMES include peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts. These plants bear
pods containing seeds; the seeds--green or ripened--and the pods of some
of the plants are commonly used as foods.
PROTEIN IN SEEDS.--Many foods rich in protein belong to the animal
kingdom. The seeds of plants, however, contain protein. The common
cereals, wheat and corn, contain almost 10 per cent of protein, while oats
contain about 16 per cent. But the dried seeds of legumes exceed all seeds
in protein content. Peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts contain more protein
than most cuts of meat. About 25 per cent of their composition is protein.
Soy-beans are much richer in protein than any of the other legumes. They
contain about 37 per cent.
It has been mentioned that proteins differ in quality. Although the dried
legumes are especially rich in protein, they do not all contain complete
protein. With the exception of peanuts and soy-beans, these foods need to
be supplemented with other protein-rich foods such as milk, eggs, and
cheese.
Since the dried legumes are a much cheaper source of protein than meat,
they should be used oftener than they are. Legumes supplemented with milk
or combined with a small quantity of meat furnish economical sources of
protein food. The protein in legumes is called _legumin_.
COOKING DRIED LEGUMES.--The dried legumes should be soaked overnight in
water, to which a little baking soda has been added. These vegetables
require long cooking to soften them, and also to develop flavor. A little
soda added to the water in which they are cooked also aids in softening
them and neutralizes the vegetable acid found in some of the legumes.
During the long heating, dried legumes break up, if not carefully cooked.
Dried soy-beans have a strong flavor which is objectionable. This can be
removed as follows: Soak the beans overnight in a large quantity of hot
water, drain, add fresh water and baking soda (about 1 teaspoonful for
each cupful of beans), and cook the beans for about 40 minutes, then
drain, add more water, and cook until they are tender. Dried soy-beans
require long cooking,--usually 4 or 5 hours. After the 40-minute cooking,
they may be drained, heated in more water, and then placed in a
_fireless cooker_. The _pressure cooker_ may be used effectively
in cooking these dried beans.
Soy-beans may also be baked after the 40-minute cooking in the same manner
as navy beans (see _Boston Baked Beans_). Serve cooked soy-beans with
Tomato Sauce.
Although dried legumes are comparatively cheap, the fuel required to cook
them for so long a time may increase their cost to a considerable extent.
In cooking these foods, care should be taken to utilize fuel that is
already required for some other purpose. The _fireless cooker_ is
most satisfactory in cooking these dried foods.
BOSTON BAKED BEANS
2 cupfuls navy beans
2 tablespoonfuls molasses or brown sugar
2 teaspoonfuls salt
2 ounces salt pork or bacon
1/2 teaspoonful mustard
Soak the beans overnight as directed in _Cooking Dried Legumes_. Add
a little baking soda and gradually heat to the boiling point. Then add the
seasoning to the beans; place half of them in a bean crock; and add the
pork which has been scraped and scored. (To score salt pork cut gashes in
it nearly to the rind.) Add the remainder of the beans and enough water to
cover them slightly. Bake in a slow oven (250 degrees F.) 6 to 12 hours.
Keep the beans below the boiling point and see that they are covered with
liquid.
_Lentils_ may be baked in the same way as beans.
SALTED PEANUTS
1/2 cupful salt
1 cupful shelled unroasted peanuts
3 cupfuls water
2 teaspoonfuls butter or substitute
Remove the skins from the peanuts by placing them in boiling water for 3
minutes; drain, cover with cold water; and then slip off the skins. Heat
the salt and water, and when boiling, add the peanuts. _Cook 8
minutes_. Drain, rinse off the salt, place in a baking-pan, add the
fat, and bake until slightly browned, stirring often. Turn from the pan on
paper.
QUESTIONS
Why should dried vegetables be soaked in water before cooking?
Measure the beans after soaking. How much have they increased in bulk?
What is the reason for keeping the beans below the boiling point while
baking?
Devise a method for preparing Baked Beans, when they can remain in the
oven but an hour or two.
How are fatty meats cleaned? Why can they not be cleaned by washing in
water (see Experiment 35)?
What is the purpose of scoring the salt pork or bacon?
What is the advantage of seasoning peanuts by cooking in strong salted
water rather than sprinkling salt over them after browning?
What are the prices of beans and raw peanuts per pound?
How many cupfuls in a pound of each?
LESSON LXXIII
LEGUMES (B)
BEAN SOUP
2 cupfuls beans
3 quarts water
Baking soda
1 piece of celery root _or_
1/2 teaspoonful celery salt _or_
Dried celery leaves
l 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
2 slices onion
Cayenne
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/4 teaspoonful mustard
2 tablespoonfuls flour
Soak the beans overnight; add soda, onion, and celery. Cook slowly until
the beans are soft. Add more water, if more than one quart evaporates.
Press through a strainer. Use the remainder of the ingredients in making a
sauce. The strained beans should be used as the liquid for the sauce (see
_Thick Soups_).
Slices of lemon and of hard-cooked eggs may be used as a garnish for this
soup.
SPLIT PEA SOUP
1 cupful split peas
2 1/2 quarts water
Baking soda
2 slices onion
1 pint milk
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
l 1/4 teaspoonfuls salt
3 tablespoonfuls flour
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
Soak the peas overnight; add soda and onion; and cook slowly until the
peas are soft. Press through a strainer. Make a White Sauce of the
remainder of the ingredients. Add the strained peas, heat, and serve.
Cooking a ham bone with the split peas changes the flavor.
GREEN PEA SOUP
1 pint or can of peas
1/2 teaspoonful sugar
1 pint liquid round peas and water
Pepper
1 teaspoonful salt
1 1/2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1 pint milk
2 tablespoonfuls flour
Turn the peas into a saucepan; add the liquid, water, and sugar; and cook
until very soft. Press the peas through a strainer. Make a White Sauce of
the remaining ingredients. Add the strained peas, heat, and serve.
Peas too old to serve as a vegetable may be used for soup. Some of the
pods of fresh peas may be cooked with the peas.
CRISP CRACKERS
Spread thin crackers very lightly with butter. Brown in the oven and serve
with soup.
QUESTIONS
How should the water boil to prevent dried legumes from breaking (see
_Cooking Vegetables in Water_)?
What is the simplest way of thickening soup, if it is too thin? Too thick?
If a ham bone is cooked with split peas, what ingredient should be omitted
in making the soup? Why?
How many persons will these recipes for soup serve?
How many cupfuls in a pound of split peas? What is the cost per pound of
split peas? How much does one cupful of split peas increase in bulk by
soaking? What quantity of split peas would be equal to a can of peas? What
is the cost of a can of peas? How much is saved in making soup by using
split peas rather than green peas?
LESSON LXXIV
LEGUMES (C)
BEAN ROAST
1 cupful white beans, cooked
1 cupful roasted peanuts
1/2 cupful bread crumbs
1 teaspoonful salt
Speck pepper
1/2 cupful milk
Put the beans and peanuts through a food chopper, add the remaining
ingredients. Mix and shape into a loaf. Place in an oiled dish and bake 30
minutes in a moderate oven. Serve hot with Tomato Sauce.
PEANUT BUTTER SOUP
1 cupful peanut butter
1/2 cupful chopped celery
1 1/2 cupfuls water
3 cupfuls milk
2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
1 grated potato
Mix the peanut butter with I cupful of milk. Heat 2 cupfuls of milk in a
double boiler. Cook the celery in the water until the vegetable is tender.
Add the grated potato, cook, and stir until the mixture is thickened. Then
add it to the hot milk. Also add the peanut butter mixture and seasoning.
Heat until it is hot. Beat with a Dover egg beater. Serve hot.
Dried celery leaves may be used instead of fresh celery.
QUESTIONS
Mention the nutrients contained in the food materials of Bean Roast and
Peanut Butter Soup. Discuss the value of each nutrient.
Calculate the cost of Bean Roast. How many persons will it serve?
How many persons will one pound of chopped beef serve? Estimate the
difference in cost of one serving of Bean Roast and of Chopped Steak.
What is the purpose of grated potato in Peanut Butter Soup? What substance
could be substituted for the grated potato? State the method of mixing and
cooking if the substitution were made.
RELATED WORK
LESSON LXXV
COST OF FOOD
FOODS DIFFER GREATLY IN COST.--One pound of rice costs much less than one
pound of beefsteak. One cut of meat may cost less per pound than another.
Twenty-five cents buys much less in weight of sweetbreads than of
beefsteak.
Many factors other than difference in cost must, however, be taken into
consideration when determining the value of foods.
COST OF FOOD IN RELATION TO NUTRITIVE VALUE.--Foods differ in nutritive
value per pound. One pound of dried split peas contains more than three
times as much nutriment as one pound of fresh peas. The nutritive value of
a pound of sweetbreads is much less than that of a pound of beefsteak.
COST OF FOOD IN RELATION TO REFUSE.--Although one cut of meat may sell for
more than another, the higher priced one may be cheaper because there is
less waste. In most localities flank steak costs more per pound than
shoulder steak; yet flank steak is the cheaper meat because it is all
edible, while there is about one fifth waste in most shoulder steak. One
pays for some refuse even when purchasing eggs.
COST OF FOOD IN RELATION TO SEASON.--Most foods are higher in price when
out of season. Strawberries may cost seventy-five cents per quart in
February and twenty-five cents in the spring or summer months. An
unseasonable food is invariably expensive.
COST OF FOOD IN RELATION TO WEIGHT.--Food labels often contain valuable
information. The weight of the contents of a package, can, or bottle, and
sometimes the composition of food appears on them.
Packages, bottles, and cans of equal size do not always contain the same
quantity of foods. The shape or thickness of a container also affects the
quantity of its contents. By examining labels and noting weight and
composition, the price and quality of one brand of foods may be compared
with another.
Household scales are useful in checking up the weight of foods, such as
meats, fats, and vegetables. By weighing foods after they have been
purchased, a housekeeper can determine if a dealer is giving her that for
which she pays.
LESSENING THE COST OF FOODS.--There are many things, then, that the
thrifty buyer should take into consideration when purchasing foods. It is
one of the obligations of a woman who purchases and plans the foods for a
family to be careful of expense. The following statement concerning thrift
is both forceful and true:
"It is not beneath the dignity of any family to avoid useless expenditure
no matter how generous its income, and the intelligent housekeeper should
take as much pride in setting a good table, at a low price, as the
manufacturer does in lessening the cost of production in his
factory." [Footnote 56: _United States Department of Agriculture_,
Farmers' Bulletin 391, "Economical Use of Meat in the Home," p. 43.]
CALCULATION OF THE COST OF FOOD.--In counting the cost of foods, it is
necessary to know not only the price per pound, quart, dozen, or package,
but the measurement in cupfuls of the given weight. Most of the data for
the list given below can be obtained from labels on the containers and
from the notes on the weights and measures of various foods prepared from
the "Questions" of this text. The dashes indicate that data are not
required. The cost should be calculated to four decimal places.
FOODS COST MEASURE COST PER COST PER COST PER
PER IN CUPFUL TABLE- TEA-
POUND, CUPFULS SPOONFUL SPOONFUL
QUART, OF
ETC. POUND,
QUART,
ETC.
Apricots (dried) ----- -----
Baking Powder ----- -----
Beans, dried ----- -----
Butter
Butter
Substitute
Cheese ----- -----
Cocoa ----- -----
Coffee Heaping -----
Table-
spoonful
Corn-meal ----- -----
Corn-starch -----
Cream of Wheat ----- -----
Cream -----
Currants ----- -----
(dried)
Eggs (see ----- One -----
Experiment 41
Flour, white -----
Flour, whole wheat ----- -----
Flour, graham ----- -----
Gelatine -----
Lard -----
Macaroni ----- -----
Meat, chopped ----- -----
Milk ----- -----
Potatoes ----- One ----- -----
potato
Prunes (dried) ----- -----
Raisins (dried) ----- -----
Rice ----- -----
Rolled Oats ----- -----
Salt -----
Split Peas ----- -----
Sugar, brown ----- -----
Sugar, granulated ----- -----
Sugar, loaf One ----- -----
lump
Sugar, powdered ----- -----
Tapioca ----- -----
Tea -----
Vanilla ----- ----- -----
Vegetable Oil -----
Wheatena ----- -----
LESSON LXXVI
COOKING AND SERVING A BREAKFAST
Cook and serve a breakfast. The following menu is suggested: Oranges or
Baked Apples
Goldenrod Eggs
Baked Mush with Honey or Marmalade
Cocoa
Follow the English or family style of serving. Serve the breakfast with or
without a maid.
Calculate the cost of the meal. In determining the cost, use the data from
the previous lesson for the staple materials. The cost of fresh foods such
as oranges or apples may be secured from the one who did the marketing or
from the grocer's statement.
LESSON LXXVII
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cereal with Fruit
Poached Egg on Toast
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the Lesson.
LESSON LXXVIII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 57: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Set the table for the evening meal each day.
Cook at least one tough cut of meat each week.
Suggested Aims:
(1) To lay the cloth smooth and straight.
(2) To place the dishes in a neat and orderly way on the table.
(3) To make as few trips as possible from the cupboard to the dining
table.
(4) To plan the entire number of dishes, knives, forks, spoons, and other
things needed during the meal, and then place these on the dining table or
other suitable place where they may be conveniently obtained when the meal
is being served.
(5) To prepare the tough meat so that it is tender, moist, and tasty.
(6) To determine the cost of meat.
DIVISION SEVEN
HEALTH AND GROWTH-PROMOTING FOODS,--RICH IN VITAMINES
LESSON LXXIX
VITAMINES--VEGETABLES OF DELICATE FLAVOR
VITAMINES.--In determining the proper diet for perfect nourishment,
scientists long since came to the conclusion that the body needed a
certain quantity of carbohydrates, fats, protein, ash, and water. They
were all agreed that all these foodstuffs needed to be represented in the
foods making up a day's diet. Scientists also found that these foodstuffs
must exist in a certain proportion in a day's food,--that there should be
enough of each of the foodstuffs to meet the needs of the body. A diet made
up of foods in which all the foodstuffs were represented in the proper
proportion was termed a _balanced ration_.
Investigations of recent years, however, show that these foodstuffs alone
do not afford perfect nourishment. Much valuable scientific work is being
done on the question of adequate diet. It is found that _certain
substances_ contained in foods in small amounts are absolutely essential
in diet. When animals are fed foods containing only the foodstuffs
mentioned above and none of these other substances, they cease growing,
become diseased, and eventually die.
These materials so necessary to the growth and maintenance of animal life
are termed _Vitamines_ by some authorities. There are three classes
of Vitamines, called _Fat-soluble A_, _Water-soluble B_, and
_Water-soluble C_. It is now believed that there is at least one more
vitamine.
Although vitamines exist in foods only in minute quantities it is
necessary to use foods containing all the kinds of vitamines to promote
growth and to keep in health.
Fat-soluble A, especially with certain minerals, is thought to prevent
rickets and a disease of the eye called xerophthalmia. During the war,
because of inadequate diet, many cases of these diseases developed in
Europe.
Water-soluble B is called the _anti-neuritic vitamine_ because it is
necessary to prevent a disease called polyneuritis or beri-beri (see
_Polished and Unpolished Rice_).
Water-soluble C is called the _anti-scorbutic vitamine_ because it is
necessary to prevent a disease called scurvy.
FOODS CONTAINING FAT-SOLUBLE A are _milk_, _eggs_, and _leafy
vegetables_. Leafy vegetables include: spinach, lettuce, celery tops,
beet tops, Swiss chard, collards, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and onions.
Milk products, such as butter and cheese, and cod-liver oil also contain
fat-soluble A. It is also thought to be present in certain vegetables such
as carrots, which are not leafy vegetables. Not all fat foods contain fat-
soluble A. It does not exist in the vegetable oils.
It has been demonstrated that foods rich in fat-soluble A, especially
milk, eggs, and leafy vegetables, are most essential in diet. According to
McCollum, dry leaves contain 3 to 5 times as much total ash as do seeds;
the former are also especially rich in the important elements calcium,
sodium, and chlorine, in which the seed is poorest. Hence leafy vegetables
not only abound in the growth-promoting vitamine but in certain essential
minerals. Cereals, root vegetables, and meat need to be supplemented with
milk and leafy vegetables. Because milk, eggs, and leafy vegetables are so
valuable and essential in diet, these foods have been termed _protective
foods_. Fresh milk contains fat-soluble A and a small quantity of
water-soluble B and water-soluble C. Its value as a food has been
previously discussed. Doubtless the leafy vegetables are not as generally
and as constantly used as they should be. Root vegetables and cereals seem
to be a much more popular form of vegetable food. The pupil should realize
the importance of these foods and when possible explain their use in her
home. Learning to prepare leafy vegetables so as to retain their nutriment
and to make them appetizing would doubtless do much in promoting their
use.
FOODS CONTAINING WATER-SOLUBLE B.--Water-soluble B is more widely
distributed in foods than is fat-soluble A. It occurs for the most part,
however, in vegetable foods. Plants containing this vitamine include
seeds, root, stem, and leafy vegetables. Whole grains, legumes, spinach,
cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, turnips, beets, and tomatoes and all
other commonly used vegetables contain water-soluble B. It is thought that
the germ of whole grains, rather than the bran, furnishes water-soluble B.
Compressed yeast contains some of this vitamine, but none of the other
two.
FOODS CONTAINING WATER-SOLUBLE C include both animal and vegetable foods,
but fresh fruits and green vegetables contain the largest quantity. Orange
juice, lettuce, cabbage, and spinach are valuable sources of this
vitamine. Milk and meat contain only a very small quantity of water-
soluble C.
SAVING THE NUTRIMENT AND FLAVOR.--It was mentioned in _Suggestions for
Cooking Fresh Vegetables_ that a saving of ash in vegetables meant a
saving of both nutriment and flavor. If vegetables of delicate flavor are
to be made tasty, it is especially necessary to lose none of the ash
constituents. Note that in the methods of cooking the vegetables of
delicate flavor in this lesson that either the vegetables are cooked in
such a way that no moisture needs to be drained from them, or the
vegetable stock drained from them is used in making sauce for the
vegetable. By these methods both nutriment and flavor are retained.
SPINACH
1 pound or 1/2 peck spinach
1/2 tablespoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 tablespoonfuls butter
If the spinach is at all wilted, place it in cold water until it becomes
fresh and crisp. Cut off the roots, break the leaves apart, and drop them
in a pan of water. Wash well, and then lift them into a second pan of
water; wash again, and continue until no sand appears in the bottom of the
pan. Lift from the water, drain, and place in a granite utensil, and add
the seasoning. Steam until tender (usually about 30 minutes). Add the
butter, cut the leaves with a knife and fork. Turn into a hot dish and
serve at once.
Spinach is most pleasing if served with a few drops of vinegar or a
combination of oil and vinegar. If desired, the pepper may be omitted and
1 tablespoonful of sugar added. Spinach may also be garnished with slices
of hard-cooked eggs, using 2 eggs to 1/2 peck of spinach.
Spinach may be cooked directly over the flame, as follows: wash the
spinach as directed above. Then drain, and place in a saucepan or
casserole. Do not add water unless the spinach is old. Add the seasoning,
cover, and cook for 10 minutes, pressing down and turning over the spinach
several times during the cooking. Cut with a knife and fork in the
saucepan or casserole. Add the butter, and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve at
once.
SCALLOPED SPINACH WITH CHEESE
1 pound spinach
1 cupful thick White Sauce
1/2 cupful cheese, cut in pieces
2 to 3 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
2 cupfuls buttered bread crumbs
Wash the spinach and cook it by either of the methods given above. Season
it with 1/2 tablespoonful of salt.
Drain the moisture from the cooked spinach. Use this liquid combined with
milk for the liquid of the White Sauce. Season the sauce with 1/2
teaspoonful of salt and add the cheese to it. Stir the mixture until the
cheese is blended with the sauce.
Divide the spinach, sauce, and eggs into 2 portions and the bread crumbs
into 3 portions, as directed for Scalloped Corn. Place a layer of crumbs
in a baking-dish, add a layer of spinach, sauce, and eggs. Add another
layer of each material and finally the third layer of crumbs. Bake in a
moderate oven until the materials are heated and the crumbs browned. Serve
hot.
DRIED CELERY LEAVES [Footnote 58: The stems of celery from which the
leaves are cut, should be utilized. They may be used in a salad or cooked
and served with White Sauce as Creamed Celery. If the vegetable is cooked,
it should be steamed or cooked in a small quantity of boiling water. In
case the latter method is followed, the celery stock should be combined
with milk and used in the preparation of the White Sauce.]
Wash celery leaves and remove the stems. Place the leaves on a platter or
granite pan, cover with cheese-cloth, and set aside to dry. When perfectly
dry, crumble the leaves and place them in a covered jar. Use for flavoring
soups and stews.
QUESTIONS
In what kind of soil does spinach grow?
What is the advantage of using two pans in washing spinach?
What is the advantage of cooking in steam green vegetables of delicate
flavor?
If green vegetables are cooked in water, what is the advantage in using a
small, rather than a large quantity of water?
What is the price of spinach per pound or peck? How many persons does one
pound or peck serve?
What is the price of celery per bunch?
What vitamines are present in spinach and celery leaves and stems?
LESSON LXXX
VITAMINES--VEGETABLES OF STRONG FLAVOR
THE EFFECT OF COOKING AND DRYING VITAMINE-RICH FOODS.--Since vitamines are
so essential in food, the effect of cooking and drying upon the vitamine
content of a food needs to be considered. There has been some difference
of opinion regarding this matter. Indeed, the question of whether or not
vitamines of all vitamine-rich foods are destroyed by cooking and drying
has not been determined. It is thought, however, that fat-soluble A may be
destroyed in part by cooking at boiling temperature and that prolonged
cooking may almost entirely destroy it.
Water-soluble B is thought to be little affected by ordinary home cooking
processes. But when foods containing it are heated above boiling
temperature, as in commercial canning and cooking in the pressure cooker,
the vitamine is believed to be partially or completely destroyed. It is
thought the water-soluble B vitamine present in foods is destroyed by
cooking them in water to which baking soda or any alkali is added.
Water-soluble C is decidedly affected by heat. Vegetables cooked for even
twenty minutes at boiling temperature lose much of their usefulness in
preventing scurvy. It is thought, however, that very young carrots cooked
for a short time, and canned tomatoes, contain water-soluble C. Drying
also destroys to a great extent the anti-scorbutic effect of foods
containing water-soluble C. Most dried vegetables and fruits have been
found valueless in checking scurvy.
Since there is no question about the vitamine content of uncooked
vegetables, the use of salads containing lettuce and raw vegetables such
as cabbage and carrots should find favor. Spinach is a valuable food not
only because it
contains vitamines, but because it is rich in iron. Young beet tops so
often discarded contain too much valuable material to be wasted.
NUTRIMENT _VERSUS_ FLAVOR.--If vegetables of strong flavor are cooked
carefully in a large quantity of boiling water (at least 4 quarts), a mild
flavor results, but much of the ash is lost. If vegetables are steamed
there is little loss of ash but the strong flavor is retained. In the
cooking of cabbage, for example, investigation has shown that almost four
times as much ash may be lost by boiling as by steaming.
In the cooking of such vegetables as cabbage and onions the question
arises: Is it better to steam them and thus lose little nutriment but
preserve the strong flavor; or to boil them in much water and thus lose
much nutriment but secure delicate flavor? If strong cabbage flavor is not
distasteful, steam it or cook it in a small quantity of water by all
means. If delicate cabbage flavor is much more pleasing, cook it in much
water. Onions have such a strong flavor that most housekeepers prefer to
sacrifice nutriment for flavor.
CREAMED CABBAGE (Cooked in Much Water)
A head of cabbage should be cut into quarters and placed in cold water. If
it is wilted, it should remain in the water until freshened. Cook the
cabbage uncovered from 15 to 25 minutes in a large quantity of boiling
water (1 teaspoonful of salt to I quart of water). The time depends upon
the age of the cabbage. Drain well. With the knife and fork cut the
cabbage in the saucepan. (Do not discard the core of young cabbage since
it contains valuable nutrients.) Mix with White Sauce, using two parts of
cabbage to one of White Sauce. Heat and serve (see _Creamed and
Scalloped Vegetables_).
_Scalloped Cabbage_ may be prepared by placing creamed cabbage in a
baking-dish, covering with Buttered Crumbs and baking until the crumbs are
brown.
Instead of using White Sauce with the cabbage, butter (or substitute),
pepper, and more salt (if required) may be added. Use 1 tablespoonful of
butter (or substitute) to each pint of cabbage.
CABBAGE (COOKED IN LITTLE WATER)
Clean cabbage, then cut or chop both the leaves and core. Cook in a
_small quantity_ of boiling water from 15 to 25 minutes. The small
quantity of stock which remains after cooking should be served with the
vegetable to which butter (or substitute) and seasonings are added.
The stock may also be drained from the cabbage and used in making White
Sauce in which the vegetable is served.
CREAMED CABBAGE (STEAMED)
Cut and clean cabbage as directed above. Place in a granite utensil and
steam until tender (usually about 45 minutes). Cut the leaves and add
White Sauce as directed above.
ONIONS (COOKED IN MUCH WATER)
1 pound onions
1/2 cupful milk
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls butter
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
Peel and wash the onions; then cook uncovered in a large quantity of
boiling salted water; change the water at the end of 5 minutes and again
in 10 minutes; cook until tender. Drain; add milk and seasonings and cook
until the milk is hot.
NOTE.--It is advisable to save the water drained from onions, boil it
down, and use it in soups, stews, or hash for flavor.
Onions may also be served with White Sauce, or they may be scalloped,
_i.e._ cut into quarters, placed in a baking-dish, covered
with White Sauce and Buttered Crumbs, and then browned in the oven.
The stain and odor may be kept from the hands if onions are held under
water when peeled.
If onions are cooked uncovered in a _large quantity of gently boiling
water in a well-ventilated kitchen_, not much odor is noticed. The
fireless cooker, however, provides satisfactory means of cooking onions
without the disagreeable odor (see Lesson XXII). Place the onions in a
large quantity of water and boil for 5 minutes. Then cook in the fireless
cooker from 2 to 8 hours, according to the size and the age of the onions,
and the type of cooker.
QUESTIONS
Compare the three methods of cooking cabbage given in this lesson. State
the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Why should the core or thick stem of cabbage be used as food?
What is the price per pound of cabbage? What is the weight of one cabbage
of average size? Give suggestions for selecting a cabbage.
Why should onions be peeled under water?
What is the purpose of changing the water twice in cooking onions?
Why is it advisable to save the water drained from onions and use it in
soups and other foods?
What is the price per pound of onions? How many persons will one pound of
onions serve?
LESSON LXXXI
SALADS (A)
PREPARATION OF A SALAD.--A well-prepared salad is a good food. It is
necessary, however, to prepare it so that it may be pleasing in appearance
as well as in taste. The green vegetables used for salads should be crisp,
cold, and dry when served. If several food materials are used, the flavors
should blend. Have the salad dressing well seasoned, and its ingredients
well proportioned. Add the dressing to a salad just before serving.
LETTUCE FOR SALAD
Either leaf or head lettuce forms a part of almost all salads. It is often
used as a bed for a salad, or as a border. For the latter purpose, leaf
lettuce should be used and cut into strips with the scissors. Keep lettuce
in a cold place; separate the leaves, and place them in cold water until
crisp and fresh. Wash and look over carefully to see that no insects cling
to them. Shake the water from the leaves or place them in a cloth bag or a
wire basket. Then place the bag or basket in the refrigerator to drain.
The leaves may also be dried with a towel.
Lettuce served with French Dressing makes a plain but pleasing salad. When
lettuce is used as a bed or border for a salad, it should be eaten and not
left to be turned into the garbage can.
FRENCH DRESSING
Clove of garlic _or_
Slice of onion
1 teaspoonful salt
6 tablespoonfuls salad oil
half teaspoonful paprika
2 tablespoonfuls vinegar or lemon juice
Rub a bowl with the clove of garlic or slice of onion. Add the remainder
of the ingredients, and stir until well blended. More vinegar or lemon
juice may be used, if desired. Chopped parsley or mint may be added.
Some find it convenient to put the materials for French Dressing in a
bottle or jar and mix the ingredients by shaking the bottle.
For Fruit Salads, the addition of 1 tablespoonful of sugar and 1
teaspoonful of lemon juice to the French Dressing recipe above makes a
pleasing flavor. Celery salt is thought by some to improve the flavor.
From a quarter to a half teaspoonful may be added.
COLESLAW
3 cupfuls shredded cabbage
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful mustard
Cayenne
1 teaspoonful sugar
1 egg or 2 egg yolks
1/2 cupful milk
2 teaspoonfuls butter or substitute
1/4 cupful vinegar
Heat the milk in a double boiler. Beat the eggs, add the dry ingredients.
Then add the milk to them. Return the mixture to the double boiler and
cook as a custard (see _Soft Custard_). Remove from the hot water,
add the fat and vinegar, and _at once_ strain over the cabbage. Set
aside to cool. Serve cold.
CARROT AND CABBAGE SALAD
1 medium-sized carrot
2 cupfuls cabbage
1/2 cupful roasted peanuts
French or Cream Salad Dressing
Clean and scrape the carrot. Wash the cabbage. Put the carrot (uncooked),
cabbage, and peanuts through the food chopper. Mix with French or Cream
Salad Dressing. Add more seasoning if necessary. Serve at once.
QUESTIONS
Explain why it is necessary to dry the salad materials before adding the
salad dressing.
Give at least three different vegetable mixtures that would be palatable
and pleasing if served with French Dressing.
How is cabbage cleaned? How should it be cut for salad?
When is the dressing usually added to salads? When is the dressing added
to the Coleslaw? Give the reason for this exception.
What is the purpose of the egg in this salad dressing? What could be
substituted for the egg? Give the method of preparation if this
substitution were made.
What is the price per pound of leaf lettuce? Of head lettuce per pound or
per head? What is the average number of leaves in a pound?
What materials in Carrot and Cabbage Salad contain vitamines? State the
kind of vitamine present in each material.
LESSON LXXXII
SALADS (B)
STUFFED EGGS
Cut hard-cooked eggs into halves crosswise. Remove the yolks, mash them,
and for each egg add the following ingredients:
1 tablespoonful chopped chicken, ham, or other meat
Dash salt
1 teaspoonful vegetable oil or melted butter
6 drops vinegar
1/8 teaspoonful mustard
Cayenne
Mix the ingredients. Refill the whites with the yolk mixture. Serve the
stuffed eggs on lettuce leaves.
The chopped chicken or meat may be omitted from the egg mixture, or a
little chopped pickle or olive or cheese may be used instead of the meat.
Salad dressing may be served with Stuffed Eggs.
CREAM SALAD DRESSING
3 tablespoonfuls butter _or_ substitute
4 tablespoonfuls flour
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
Pepper
1 to 2 eggs
l 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/2 teaspoonful mustard
1 1/2 cupfuls milk (sweet _or_ sour)
1/2 cupful vinegar
Make a sauce of the fat, flour, and milk. Beat the eggs, add the
seasonings. Add the first mixture gradually to the egg mixture and cook
over hot water as a custard (see _Soft Custard_). Add the vinegar,
strain. Cool before serving.
Less mustard may be used, if desired.
BANANA SALAD
Peel and scrape bananas. Place them on lettuce leaves or surround with a
border of shredded lettuce. Cover with Cream Salad or Mayonnaise Dressing
and sprinkle chopped peanuts or California walnuts over them. Serve at
once.
Banana Salad may be varied by serving it with Cream Salad Dressing to
which peanut butter is added,--(1/2 cupful salad dressing and 1/4 cupful
peanut butter). Do not use the chopped peanuts with this combination. A
mixture of sliced apples and bananas served with the peanut butter
dressing makes a pleasing salad.
QUESTIONS
Name the food materials contained in the above recipes which contain
vitamines. What kind of vitamines does each contain?
Give two methods of hard-cooking eggs (see _Hard-cooked Eggs_).
In Stuffed Eggs what meats could be substituted for chopped chicken or
ham?
What material could be substituted for one of the eggs in Cream Salad
Dressing?
If yolks of eggs are used in Cream Salad Dressing, how many should be
substituted for two whole eggs?
Why should bananas be scraped?
Why should they be served at once after preparing?
LESSON LXXXIII
CLASSIFICATION OF THE FOODSTUFFS
Substances that nourish the body may be classified as follows:
/ (_a_) Starch
/ Carbohydrates \ (_b_) Sugar
Energy Givers | Fats
\ Protein
[Footnote 59: Carbohydrates also include cellulose. But because cellulose
does not yield any appreciable amount of energy, it is not listed with
starch and sugar.]
/ Complete Proteins
/ Protein
Body Builders \ Incomplete Proteins
\ Ash
/ Ash
Body Regulators | Water / (_a_) Fat-soluble A
\ Vitamines | (_b_) Water-soluble B
\ (_c_) Water-soluble C
[Footnote 60: "So little is known regarding the chemical composition of
vitamines that it is difficult to classify them. Since the three food
essentials termed as fat-soluble A, water-soluble B, and water-soluble C
are individual substances and very different in character, it may be that
they will be classified later as three separate foodstuffs. It could then
be said that there are eight foodstuffs."]
Make lists of foods rich in:
(1) Water. (2) Ash. (3) Carbohydrates. Subdivide foods rich in
carbohydrates, into foods rich in (_a_) sugar, (_b_) starch,
(_c_) cellulose (_i.e._ bulky foods). (4) Fats. (5) Protein.
Indicate those foods that contain _complete_ proteins and those that
contain _incomplete_ proteins. (6) Vitamines. Subdivide foods rich in
vitamines into foods rich in fat-soluble A, water-soluble B, water-soluble
C.
Explain why certain foods are contained in two or more lists.
RELATED WORK
LESSON LXXXIV
SELECTING FOOD
MARKETING _VERSUS_ TELEPHONING.--Visits to food markets or grocery
stores are most essential, especially if one is learning to buy. It is
first necessary to find desirable market places or stores,--those that are
clean and reliable. Screened windows and doors, and adequate bins, boxes,
jars, or other receptacles for storing foods are necessary in keeping
foods clean. After one has found desirable places for marketing, it is
well to become acquainted with desirable brands of staple canned or
package goods. After this knowledge is gained such foods may be ordered by
telephone, or by messenger with satisfaction.
But no matter how experienced the buyer, it is more satisfactory to select
at markets perishable goods such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables
that wilt readily. In certain cases where the housekeeper has such
obligations or so many duties that a personal visit to markets is
impossible, food must be purchased by telephone or messenger. Such a
procedure, however, is usually followed at the sacrifice of economy and
satisfaction in buying.
FRESH _VERSUS_ CANNED FOODS.--Fresh foods of good quality are
generally more desirable both from the standpoint of flavor and nutriment
than canned goods. When, however, fresh foods are unseasonable, their
price may greatly exceed that of canned foods. A good rule to follow is to
buy fresh foods when they are in season and the canned ones when fresh
foods of reasonable price cannot be secured. The practice of buying
perishable foods, especially fruits, when they are abundant and canning
them for later use is thrifty.
To buy factory-canned fruits and vegetables when fresh winter fruits, such
as cranberries, oranges, and apples, and root vegetables may be purchased
is questionable both from the standpoint of economy and nutriment. It is
often more economical to purchase dried rather than canned fruits. The
former usually contain more food value per pound.
BULK _VERSUS_ PACKAGE GOODS.--Time spent in placing and sealing foods
in packages and the cost of the containers make the price of package foods
exceed those sold in bulk. Moreover, large packages usually cost more
proportionately than small ones. On the other hand, package foods may be
cleaner, require less handling, and are often much more inviting because
of their attractive wrapping. It does not follow, however, that all foods
sold in containers are cleaner than those sold in bulk. Unsanitary
conditions sometimes prevail at factories where the foods are packed. It
is a safe rule to buy in package form only those foods which cannot be
washed or sterilized by cooking.
UNCOOKED _VERSUS_ COOKED FOODS.--Not only breads, cakes, certain
cereals, and canned goods may be purchased ready cooked, but other foods,
such as salads and puddings, may be bought in certain markets and stores.
Such foods are much higher in price than those of equal quality prepared
at home. The cost of labor, fuel, and "overhead expense" as well as of
materials must be paid for by the purchaser. Unless one is engaged in
business other than housekeeping or one's housekeeping duties are too
arduous it is generally not wise to make a practice of buying cooked
foods.
LARGE _VERSUS_ SMALL QUANTITIES.--It is usually wasteful to purchase
perishable foods in large quantities. Fresh meats, perishable fruits such
as berries, and green vegetables should be purchased only in quantities
sufficient for immediate use. It is sometimes economical, as far as fuel
and time are concerned, to buy enough fresh meat for two days'
consumption, provided all of it can be cooked on the first day, and then
used cold or merely reheated on the second day.
Unless storage space is limited, flour should not be purchased in less
than 25 pound sacks. In less quantity than this it usually costs more per
pound. It is wise for small families, however, to purchase flour and other
grains in smaller quantities in the summer time since weevils may infest
such food materials.
When a non-perishable food such as sugar, or any of the grains, sells for
a fractional sum per pound, it is economical to buy several pounds so as
not to add to the cost per pound. It is wiser, for example, to buy 2
pounds of dried beans at 12 1/2 cents per pound than one pound at 13
cents.
Semi-perishable foods such as eggs and fats can usually be purchased with
satisfaction in quantities sufficient for a week. They should, of course,
be stored in a cool place. Many persons find it economical to buy eggs in
large quantities in the summer time and pack them in water glass for
winter use.
Root vegetables and canned goods are cheaper when bought by the bushel and
case. There must, however, be cool, dry storage space to make the purchase
of the former in large quantities practical.
It is impossible to purchase certain foods for small families in small
enough quantities for immediate consumption. A can of molasses, for
example, is usually more than enough for use at one time. When this is the
case, the greatest care should be exercised to store such foods carefully
and to utilize them before they spoil.
Cooperative buying usually means a saving. Such foods as flour, potatoes,
dried vegetables, sugar, apples, and dried fruits may be purchased by the
barrel, box, or other measure. If several families jointly purchase such
quantities of foods, the expense is reduced. It is also of advantage to
buy from the producer. The middle man's profit is thus eliminated.
LESSON LXXXV
COOKING AND SERVING A LUNCHEON OR SUPPER
Cook and serve a luncheon or supper. The following menu is suggested:
Cream of Pea Soup--Croutons
Macaroni and Cheese
Lettuce Salad
Bread and Butter
Oatmeal Cookies Tea
Follow the English or family style of serving. Serve the luncheon or
supper without a maid. Calculate the cost of the meal per person.
LESSON LXXXVI
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Chopped Steak
Boiled or Steamed Potato
Coleslaw
Tea
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON LXXXVII
HOME PROJECTS I [Footnote 61: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Prepare salads or other foods containing leafy
vegetables at least twice a week.
Calculate the quantity of milk used by each member of your household.
SUGGESTED AIMS:
(1) To prepare salads which are both pleasing in appearance and tasty.
(Make sure that they are properly seasoned.)
(2) To vary either the materials used in salad-making or the method of
serving and preparing the same salad materials.
(3) If the vegetable is cooked, to prepare it in such a way that no
nutriment is lost.
(4) To compare the quantity of milk used by each member of the family with
the quantities suggested at the top of.
DIVISION EIGHT
FLAVORING MATERIALS: FOOD ADJUNCTS
LESSON LXXXVIII
FOOD ADJUNCTS--DISHES CONTAINING FOOD ADJUNCTS
FOOD ADJUNCTS.--Besides the foodstuffs there are edible substances called
_food adjuncts_. These cannot be termed foods, as they do not perform
the functions of such, but they give flavor to them and they may excite
the secretion of the digestive juices, and thus aid in the digestion of
real foods. For the most part, food adjuncts are contained in these
classes of materials,--condiments, flavoring extracts, and beverages.
Condiments.--Seasoning materials and spices are called _condiments_.
They are used with foods to give the latter a pleasing flavor. But
condiments should be eaten in moderation. They are often used to cover up
the flavor of inferior or poorly prepared foods and they are often used to
excess in sauces. Highly seasoned sauces should be served only with foods
that are insipid in taste, but valuable for their nutritive properties.
Good foods, well cooked, have a flavor which needs little change. We
should train ourselves to enjoy the natural flavor of foods, so that there
is no craving for condiments.
_Salt_ may be classed both as a condiment and as a food (see
_Ash_). When used in moderation, it has undoubted value in diet. It
is used in many types of foods, especially meats and vegetables. The
flavor of sweet foods such as cakes and sweet sauces is invariably
improved by the addition of a small quantity of salt.
_Vinegar_ is an acid flavoring material prepared by fermenting apple
or grape juice or other materials. It contains acetic acid.
_Cinnamon_ is a spice obtained from the inner bark of a small tree.
Like most spices, it contains a volatile oil, i.e. an oil which
evaporates. Cinnamon is sometimes adulterated with _cassia_, a spice
prepared from the bark of the cassia tree which grows in China and Dutch
West Indies. Cassia is similar to cinnamon in flavor.
_Cloves_ are the flower buds of an evergreen tree which grows in
Brazil, Ceylon, and West Indies.
_Nutmeg_ is the dried kernel of a fruit which grows on a tree native
to the Malay Archipelago.
_Ginger_ is the root of a tropical plant. It contains starch and oil
of ginger.
_Mustard_ is prepared from the seed of mustard plants.
_Black pepper_ is obtained from the unripe berry of a tropical vine
while _white pepper_ is prepared from the ripe berries. The latter is
not as pleasing in flavor as black pepper and is more expensive. It is
sometimes desired, however, because of its more pleasing appearance.
_Cayenne pepper_ is prepared from the dried ripe fruit of the
Capsicum plant.
_Paprika_ is also prepared from the fruit of the Capsicum plant, but
the seeds and stems of the fruit are removed. It is a much milder spice
than cayenne pepper.
_Marjoram, savory_, and _thyme_ are the leaves of herbs used for
flavoring.
FLAVORING EXTRACTS.--Alcoholic solutions of volatile oils derived from
plants are termed flavoring extracts. By dissolving the vanilla bean and
lemon and orange peel in alcohol vanilla, lemon, and orange extracts are
prepared. Since volatile oils evaporate readily, especially when heated,
flavoring extracts should be added, if possible, to cold foods.
BEVERAGES.--The stimulating materials contained in the common beverages,--
tea, coffee, cocoa, and chocolate,--are food adjuncts. [Footnote 62:
_Caffeine_ is the stimulating material in coffee; _theine_, in
tea; and _theobromine_, in cocoa and chocolate.] Except for the value
of the water they contain, in carrying on the needs of the body, and for
the small quantity of sugar and cream used with them, tea and coffee have
no food value. But cocoa and chocolate are rather rich in food value (see
_Cocoa and Chocolate_). These beverages contain both foodstuffs and
food adjuncts.
CURRY OF KIDNEY BEANS
1 pint kidney beans
2 tablespoonfuls fat
1 onion
1 teaspoonful curry powder [Footnote 63: Curry powder is a mixture of
various
spices including turmeric and coriander-seed powders.]
1 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls flour
1 pint tomatoes
Wash and soak the beans overnight. Boil gently until tender.
Brown the onion in the fat, then add the curry powder, salt, and flour,
and proceed as for Tomato Sauce (see _Tomato Sauce_). Add the cooked
beans to the mixture and cook all together for a few minutes. Serve hot.
_Chili con carni_ may be prepared by adding 1 pound chopped beef to
the ingredients above and substituting chili powder for curry powder. If
this change is made, brown the onion in the fat, then add the meat. Stir
and cook until the meat loses its red color. Add the cooked beans and
seasonings. Mix the flour with a small quantity of cold tomato. Add this
and the remainder of the tomatoes to the meat mixture. Stir and cook for a
few minutes. Serve hot.
SPICED BAKED APPLES
5 apples
5 tablespoonfuls sugar
Water
1 lemon
Whole cloves
Wash and core the apples. They may be pared if desired. Stick 2 or 3 whole
cloves in each apple. Place the apples in a baking-dish, put 1
tablespoonful of sugar in the cavity of each apple, and a slice of lemon
on the top. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the baking-dish.
Cover, bake at 400 degrees F. until soft. Serve cold.
If the apples are very sour, more sugar should be used.
SAVORY TOAST
2 cupfuls canned tomatoes
1 cupful water
2 cloves
3 allspice berries
3 peppercorns
2 sprays parsley
2 tablespoonfuls fat
1/2 onion, sliced
3 tablespoonfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful mustard
2 teaspoonfuls salt
Dash cayenne
1/4 pound cheese
1 egg
8 slices toast
In a covered saucepan, cook the tomatoes, water, cloves, allspice berries,
peppercorns, and parsley at simmering temperature for at least 15 minutes.
Brown the onion in the fat. Mix the flour, mustard, salt, and cayenne. Add
these ingredients to the onion and fat. Mix well and add the cooked
tomatoes. Stir and cook until the mixture reaches the boiling point, then
strain. Add the cheese, stir and cook until the cheese is blended with the
other ingredients.
Beat the egg, add a portion of the hot tomato mixture to it. Mix
thoroughly and add it to the remainder of the tomato mixture. Stir and
cook on the back of the range or over hot water until the egg is
thickened. Pour over toast. Serve at once.
Canned tomato soup may be used instead of canned tomatoes. If this
substitution is made, the cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, and
parsley should be omitted. For economy, the egg may be omitted. If no egg
is used, the flour may be increased to 4 tablespoonfuls and the fat to 3
tablespoonfuls.
Compare this recipe with that for Tomato Sauce. In what ways are the
ingredients and method of preparation similar? In what ways do they
differ?
QUESTIONS
In which ingredients of the Curry of Kidney Beans and Spiced Baked Apples
are the food adjuncts found?
Beans contain what ingredients that require long cooking?
What material can be added during cooking that will soften them (see
_Cooking Dried Legumes_)?
What is the purpose of covering apples during baking? Why should they be
baked in a slow oven (see _Suggestions for Cooking Fruits_)?
What kind of substance do all spices contain?
Why should spices be used in moderation?
Explain why flavoring extracts should be added, if possible, to cold
foods.
Mention at least two forms in which the following spices may be purchased:
Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, mustard, and black pepper.
What materials in the recipe for Savory Toast are used merely for
flavoring?
What materials are removed by straining? How is the flavor extracted from
these materials before straining?
RELATED WORK
LESSON LXXXIX
SPENDING FOR FOOD
WHAT TO BUY.--Dr. Langworthy of the United States Department of
Agriculture has listed foods into five groups and has advised that food
from each group be used daily. The five groups follow:
" 1. Fruits and Vegetables.
2. Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Fish, Meat, Beans, Peas, Peanuts.
3. Cereals--Corn-meal, Oatmeal, Rice, Rye, Wheat, Flour, Bread.
4. Sugar, Sirups, Jelly, Honey, Candies.
5. Fats--Butter, Margarine, Cottonseed Oil, Olive Oil, Drippings, Suet,
Bacon,
Chocolate."
From studying the previous contents of this textbook the pupil will
doubtless recognize in these groups foods to supply all the needs of the
body. By following this plan of using some food from each group every day,
the needs of the body will be supplied.
HOW MUCH TO SPEND FOR FOOD.--Any one no matter how ignorant or thoughtless
can get rid of money. But it takes a wise person, one who understands
values and quality, to get value received for money spent. Whether one is
purchasing food for all the meals of a family or is only selecting a
luncheon or one meal, it is desirable to spend money wisely.
The five food groups may serve as a basis for the purchase of foods. It
has been suggested that each dollar used in buying foods be divided into 5
parts of 20 cents each.
"Out of every dollar spent use: [Footnote 64: From _United States
Thrift
Leaflet #15_.]
20 cents, _more or less_, for vegetables and fruits
20 cents, or _more_, for milk and cheese
20 cents, or _less_, for meat, fish, eggs, etc.
20 cents, or _more_, for bread and cereals
20 cents, or _less_, for sugar, fat, tea, coffee, chocolate,
flavoring"
NOTE.--Compare these groups of food with those given above. Note that the
first division of money should be used for the foods of Group 1; the
second and third divisions for the foods of Group 2; the fourth division
for the foods of Group 3; and the fifth division for the foods of Groups 4
and 5.
[Illustration: FIGURE 61.--A SUGGESTION FOR THE DIVISION OF EACH DOLLAR
SPENT FOR FOOD.]
According to Lucy H. Gillett of the Dietetic Bureau of Boston, when
strictest economy is necessary, _one fourth_ of each dollar spent for
food should be used to purchase bread and other grain products. The
remainder of the dollar should be spent about equally for the groups of
food mentioned above. If 25 instead of 20 cents is spent for cereal
products, however, care should be taken to buy sufficient milk to meet the
needs of each member of the family (see _Milk, an Invaluable Food_).
This is especially necessary where there are young children in the family.
COMPARING THE COST OF FOODS.--The pupil should note that the different
foods contained in the same groups differ in cost. One can economize by
using the cheaper foods in the group or by using the more expensive only
occasionally. If you find that fresh vegetables cost less than fruits, use
the latter more sparingly than the former. Meats are more expensive than
dried peas or beans and cheese, especially Cottage Cheese. Cottage Cheese
or peas and beans in combination with milk or eggs may take the place of
meat. A small quantity of meat may be combined with the dried legumes or
cereals and a saving effected.
The third, fourth, and fifth groups contain energy-giving foods (see
Divisions IV and V). Of the three groups of foods, cereals are by far the
cheapest source of energy. A generous use of cereals is economical. In
buying grains one gets much nutriment at little cost (when compared with
other foods). If the food bills must be curtailed, use cereals generously
and meat sparingly. Do not eat cereals, however, to the exclusion of the
foods of the other groups. It is especially necessary to use milk and
leafy vegetables with cereals. The latter are lacking in the fat-soluble A
vitamine.
The fats included in Group 5 differ in cost. It is necessary to select
these wisely in order to economize. A wise and economical use of fats is
discussed previously.
PLANNING BEFORE BUYING.--It is not only an obligation but a necessity to
waste no food. The bit of cereal left from breakfast, the crust of bread,
and the scrap of meat represent money. They must be utilized.
The thrifty housekeeper sees to it that left-over food is properly cared
for so that it need not be wasted because of spoilage. She covers food and
stores it in a cool place. She uses it before it begins to spoil.
In order to buy wisely it is necessary to take account of the foods
already in the house or in the garden. It is necessary to decide before
going to market just what is needed to supplement the materials already on
hand.
LESSON XC
COOKING AND SERVING A LUNCHEON OR SUPPER
Cook and serve a luncheon or supper. The following menu is suggested:
Salmon Timbale with White Sauce
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Stewed or Scalloped Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Prune Pudding with Top Milk
Analyze this menu. Is food from each of the groups given in lesson LXXXIX
contained in it?
Follow the English or family style of serving. Serve the luncheon or
supper without a maid. Calculate the cost of the meal per person.
LESSON XCI
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cream of Tomato Soup
Cheese Pudding
Spiced Baked Apples
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON XCII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 65: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--If possible secure lists of foods purchased
for use at your home during a week or a month. List each article and price
in one of the five groups, viz.,
=====================================================================
| Vegetables | Milk and | Meat, Fish, | Bread and | Sugar, Fat and |
| and Fruits | Cheese | Eggs, Etc | Cereals | Other Groceries |
_____________________________________________________________________
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
=====================================================================
Add up the cost in each column. Compare the sums.
SUGGESTED AIMS:
(1) To determine if the money for the various groups of food has been
spent according to the plan suggested in lesson LXXXIX.
(2) If not, to use the food lists actually purchased as a foundation and
change them so as to embody the division of the dollar suggested in lesson
LXXXIX.
DIVISION NINE
FOOD COMBINATIONS
LESSON XCIII
VEGETABLES WITH SALAD DRESSING (A)
FOOD COMBINATIONS.--From a dietetic standpoint, it is well to combine
foods of different compositions. If a food is lacking in one or more of
the foodstuffs, it should be combined with a food that supplies the
missing nutrient. Bread contains little fat, and butter contains no
carbohydrates; hence these two foods make a desirable combination.
Vegetable oils, butter, and other fats make desirable additions to
vegetables. Macaroni contains little fat, while cheese is rich in this
foodstuff. Moreover, macaroni contains a small quantity of incomplete
protein, while cheese is rich in complete protein. Hence macaroni and
cheese make a good combination. In selecting foods to be used together,
careful attention should be given to their composition.
EMULSION OF OIL; SALAD DRESSING.--As has been stated (see _Breaking Up
of Fats_), to emulsify fat it is necessary to separate it into tiny
globules, and to coat each globule with some materials, so that the
droplets will remain separate. Various materials serve to emulsify fats.
During digestion, fat is emulsified by means of a _soap_ (see
Experiment 36). Egg is another material which emulsifies fats. This fact
is made use of in making Mayonnaise Dressing from vegetable oil and eggs.
If one understands that the oil must be divided into globules, and that
each globule must be coated with egg, the preparation of salad dressing
becomes interesting and successful. It is evident that the fat should be
added to the egg slowly and should be beaten while being added. If the oil
and other ingredients are cold, a thicker dressing results. Quick
mayonnaise, however, is an exception to this rule.
[Illustration: FIGURE 62--THE COMPOSITION OF ROOTS AND SUCCULENT
VEGETABLES (Revised edition)]
Since emulsion of fat is one of the processes of digestion, it would seem
that fat in emulsified form would be most readily digested. This is true
of some emulsified fats,--the fat of milk is one of the most readily
digested. But when an emulsified fat is mixed with protein as in
Mayonnaise Dressing, the digestion of the mixture is slower than if either
of the foodstuffs were alone. Hence to some persons, Mayonnaise Dressing
proves distressing.
MAYONNAISE DRESSING
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoonful vinegar
1 tablespoonful lemon juice
1/4 teaspoonful mustard
3/4 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful sugar
Cayenne
1 cupful vegetable oil
2 tablespoonfuls boiling water
Put the egg yolk into a mixing bowl, add hot vinegar, and mix thoroughly.
Then add the lemon juice and dry ingredients. Let the mixture stand until
cool. Then beat it with a Dover egg beater and while beating add the oil
in small quantities,--about 1/2 tablespoonful at a time. Continue beating
and adding the oil. When the mixture begins to thicken, the oil can be
added in greater quantities. After all the oil is added, add the boiling
water. Beat until the latter is thoroughly blended.
It has been found that the oil may be added more rapidly if the egg is
acidified before mixing it with the oil. [Footnote 66: This is due to the
fact that the acid reacts with the albumin of the egg to form a kind of
salt which hydrates and takes up water from the mixture. The more water
that can be taken out of an emulsion in the form of hydrates, the more
easily will an emulsion be formed.] The addition of boiling water to the
mixture after the egg and oil have been blended, prevents the oil from
separating from the other ingredients.
[Illustration: FIGURE 63--THE COMPOSITION OF BUTTER AND OTHER FAT-YIELDING
FOODS (Revised edition)]
If desired, the _whole egg_ may be used in place of the egg yolks. In
case this substitution is made, all the ingredients other than the egg
should be doubled in quantity, since 1 whole egg will emulsify 2 cupfuls
of oil.
The flavor of refined corn, cottonseed, or peanut oil is mild and
pleasing. These oils have less flavor than olive oil but are as
nutritious. Their use lessens the cost of Mayonnaise Dressing. After
opening a bottle of vegetable oil, it should be kept in a cold place. If
it is rancid, it should not be used in salad dressing.
If Mayonnaise Dressing is made successfully, it is thick and smooth. If
the dressing is thin and curdled, the oil has been added too quickly, i.e.
it has not been emulsified.
_To remedy Mayonnaise that has curdled_, beat the yolk of an egg
slightly, then add the dressing to it gradually, beating constantly.
_Mayonnaise Dressing may be varied_ by the addition of chili or
celery sauce, chopped hard-cooked eggs, chopped parsley, pimentos, and
green peppers.
QUICK MAYONNAISE DRESSING [Footnote 67: Adding the entire quantity of oil
at one time and mixing it with hot paste may seem an unusual procedure for
making an oil dressing. The fact that the method is successful may be
explained as follows: Mixing the acid with the egg forms a salt which
hydrates the mixture, and thus aids in making favorable conditions for
emulsifying the oil as explained in the footnote of a previous page. The
starch paste also takes up water from the mixture. This makes it possible
to emulsify the oil easily, and also to make a stable emulsion.]
2 egg yolks _or_
1 whole egg
2 tablespoonfuls vinegar
2 tablespoonfuls lemon juice
1 1/4 teaspoonfuls salt
1 teaspoonful sugar
1/2 teaspoonful mustard
Cayenne
1 cupful vegetable oil
Into a mixing bowl put the eggs and vinegar. Mix well. Add the other
ingredients. (It is not necessary to stir them.)
Prepare a thick paste as follows:
In the top part of a double boiler put
1/3 cupful flour
1 cupful cold water
1 tablespoonful butter
Mix thoroughly. Then stir and cook over boiling water at least 10 minutes.
At once (while it is hot) turn this paste into the egg and oil mixture.
Beat all the ingredients with a Dover egg beater until a thick, uniform
dressing results.
(Adapted from a recipe by Mrs. Hill.)
SEASONABLE VEGETABLE SALADS
Use seasonable vegetables in salads. Cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and
cooked cauliflower may be used in the fall. Cooked beets, cabbage,
carrots, and olives may be used in the winter, and head lettuce, radishes,
and cooked asparagus in the spring. Vegetables should be chilled, cut into
desirable shapes, and served on lettuce with salad dressing. Beets are
greatly improved by cutting into pieces, after cooking, and soaking for
one hour in vinegar to which salt has been added. They may also be soaked
in French Dressing.
A combination of vegetables and fruits makes a pleasing salad. Cucumbers
and pineapple, celery and apples, olives and cooked cranberries are
successful salad mixtures. The use of cheese, nuts, and peanuts with
vegetables and fruits adds to the flavor and food value of salads.
Uncooked carrots, cabbage, and peanuts dressed with French Dressing make a
tasty salad.
Canned vegetables, "left over" cold vegetables, meat, and fish have a
better flavor in salads if they are mixed with French Dressing and allowed
to stand in a cold place for one hour before serving. This process is
called _marinating_. If several meats or vegetables are used in the
same salad, they should be marinated separately. Just before serving,
Cream Salad Dressing or Mayonnaise Dressing may be added to marinated
salad materials.
A salad consisting of lettuce or other uncooked leafy vegetables should
not be dressed until it is ready to be served. The acid in salad dressing
wilts the leaves.
QUESTIONS
Explain why it is necessary to add the oil to the egg mixture in small
quantities.
Explain why it is that a curdled dressing can be remedied by adding it
gradually to an egg.
What is the price per quart of olive oil? Of peanut oil? Of cottonseed
oil? Of corn oil?
Find the difference in cost between a Mayonnaise Dressing made with corn,
cottonseed, or peanut oil and one made with olive oil.
From the standpoint of composition, explain why fresh vegetables and
Mayonnaise Dressing make a suitable combination (see Figures 62 and 63).
How much Mayonnaise Dressing is generally used for one serving? How many
will the above recipe serve?
Make a list of combinations of materials which make tasty salads.
LESSON XCIV
VEGETABLES WITH SALAD DRESSING (B)
SALAD GARNISHING.--Successful garnishing of a salad requires a sense of
good color combination, judgment in blending flavors, and ingenuity in
arranging materials. Usually it is well to use only edible materials for
garnishing. Certain flowers and greens may be used to advantage, however,
in garnishing the salad for an occasional dinner or luncheon. Celery with
"fringed ends," stuffed olives cut in slices, lettuce shredded or whole,
pimentos, parsley, hard-cooked eggs sliced or pressed through strainer,
and vegetables of pronounced color (as beets or carrots) cut into slices,
cubes, or fancy shapes,--all these make pleasing garnishes.
PERFECTION SALAD
2 tablespoonfuls granulated gelatine
1/2 cupful cold water
1/2 cupful vinegar
1 lemon,--juice
2 cupfuls boiling water
1/2 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful salt
1 1/2 cupfuls sliced celery
1 1/2 cupfuls shredded cabbage
3 pimentos chopped
Prepare all ingredients, except the vegetables, as for a gelatine mixture
(see _Lemon Jelly_). When the mixture begins to set, stir in the
vegetables, and pour into a mold. Serve on lettuce leaves with Mayonnaise
Dressing.
Other vegetable mixtures such as cucumbers and tomatoes or peas and celery
molded in jelly make tasty salads.
QUESTIONS
Mention at least four different kinds of salads, with a suitable garnish
for each.
What should be the condition of all green vegetables used in salads?
How should lettuce be kept and prepared for salads?
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, cabbage, lettuce,
celery, and onions.
Which contains the most water? Which contains the most ash?
Aside from the fact that sugar improves the flavor of Perfection Salad,
why is it a valuable ingredient of the salad mixture (see Figure 94)?
Explain why Mayonnaise Dressing with wafers or rolls would make a valuable
food addition to Perfection Salad.
FOOD COMBINATIONS
LESSON XCV
FISH SALAD AND SALAD ROLLS
SALMON OR TUNNY SALAD
1 can salmon or tunny (or tuna) fish
1 cupful shredded cabbage or sliced celery
Drain the oil from the fish; remove the bone and bits of skin. Add the
cabbage or celery, and Mayonnaise or Cream Salad Dressing. Arrange on
lettuce and garnish as desired.
If Cream Dressing is used with salmon, the oil drained from the salmon may
be used for the fat of Cream Dressing.
The salmon may be marinated before adding the other ingredients. When this
is done, the salad dressing may be omitted. Salmon contains so much fat
that it is not well to add more oil after marinating.
SALAD ROLLS
2 cupfuls flour
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
4 tablespoonfuls vegetable oil or melted butter or substitute
1/2 cupful milk
1 egg
Sift some flour, then measure 2 cupfuls of it. Add the baking powder and
salt to the flour. Beat the egg, add the milk and oil or melted fat to it.
Through a sifter add the dry ingredients to the milk mixture. Thoroughly
mix the ingredients by cutting them with a knife. Roll out on a floured
board, cut into oblong pieces, and with a floured knife make a deep crease
through the center of each roll. Brush the top with diluted egg (use 2
tablespoonfuls of water to 1 egg) and sprinkle granulated sugar over it.
Bake in a moderate oven.
QUESTIONS
Why is the top of the salad roll mixture brushed with egg? Why should the
egg be diluted for such purposes?
What reason is there for combining fish, salad dressing, and rolls?
How much fat and protein does canned salmon and tunny contain (see _U.
S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28)?
Compare this with the quantity of fat and protein in beef steak (see
Figure 68).
LESSON XCVI
CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP AND CHEESE STRAWS
COMBINING MILK WITH ACID.--In the preparation of Cream of Tomato Soup, it
is necessary to combine milk with tomatoes,--a food containing acid. If
the following experiments are performed, and applications drawn from the
results of the experiments, it should be possible to make this soup
successfully.
EXPERIMENT 61: EFFECT OF ACID ON MILK.--Put a small quantity of milk in a
test tube, heat it slightly, and add a few drops of some acid substance,--
tomato juice, lemon juice, or vinegar. What is the result?
EXPERIMENT 62: NEUTRALIZATION OF ACID BY MEANS OF SODA.--Put a small
quantity of any of the acids mentioned above in a test tube and add 1/4
teaspoonful baking soda. What happens? Now add a little milk to the
mixture. Does the milk curdle? How has the acid been changed so that it
does not curdle the milk? What conclusions may be drawn from this as to
the use of soda in cooking tomato and milk mixtures?
CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP
1 can tomatoes
1/4 teaspoonful baking soda
1 quart milk
1/3 cupful flour
1/4 cupful butter or substitute
1 tablespoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Turn the tomatoes into a saucepan, cover them; cook at simmering
temperature for about fifteen minutes. Press through a strainer and add
the baking soda. Make a White Sauce of the milk, flour, and fat, _remove
from the fire_. Add the _hot_ tomatoes slowly to the White Sauce,
stirring constantly. Add the seasonings. _Do not heat the mixture after
combining the tomatoes and White Sauce. Serve at once._
[Illustration: FIGURE 64--THE COMPOSITION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS]
Cream of Tomato Soup may also be prepared by making a sauce of the
tomatoes, flour, and fat, adding the baking soda and pouring the sauce
into the hot milk and finally adding the seasonings.
Note that in either method of preparation, the tomato is added to the milk
and the salt is added just before serving. Only enough baking soda is used
to affect a portion of the acid of the tomatoes so that the pleasing acid
flavor of the tomatoes still predominates.
CHEESE STRAWS
2/3 cupful flour
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Cayenne
1 cupful soft bread crumbs
1 cupful grated cheese
2 tablespoonfuls milk
Mix the ingredients in the order given in the recipe. (The milk should
merely moisten the ingredients so they will stick together. It may be
necessary to increase the quantity.) On a slightly floured board roll the
mixture to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut in strips 1/4 inch wide and 4 to 6
inches long. Place on an oiled pan. Bake until brown in a moderate oven.
QUESTIONS
Why should tomatoes be covered when cooked for soup?
Why should they be cooked at simmering rather than boiling temperature?
From the results of your experiments (see Experiments 61 and 62) explain
why soda is added to the tomatoes in Cream of Tomato Soup.
What is the purpose of adding the strained tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
_slowly_ to the White Sauce or milk?
Why should the soup be served _at once_ after combining the tomato
and milk mixture?
If enough Cream of Tomato Soup were prepared for two meals, how and when
should the tomatoes and White Sauce be mixed?
What is the price per can of tomatoes?
How many cupfuls in one can of tomatoes?
With the aid of _United States Department of Agriculture,_ Bulletin
No. 28 and illustrations in this text, tabulate the composition of
tomatoes, whole milk (see Figure 64), cheese (see Figure 75), flour, and
bread (see Figure 77). Explain why Cream of Tomato Soup and Cheese Straws
make a desirable combination from the standpoint of composition and use in
the body.
LESSON XCVII
VEAL AND POTATOES
MUSCLE OF YOUNG ANIMALS.--The muscle of an undeveloped animal contains
more water than does the muscle of a mature animal. It is also lacking in
flavor and usually contains little fat. The meat does not keep so well as
that of a mature animal; therefore it should be used at once and not
allowed to hang.
[Illustration: FIGURE 65.--CUTS OF VEAL.]
CUTS OF VEAL (see Figure 65).
===================================================================
| NAME OF CUT | FORM OF CUT | METHOD OF COOKING |
===================================================================
| A. Loin. | Chops. | Sauteing. |
| | Thick Pieces. | Roasting. |
| | | |
| B. Leg. | Steaks--veal cutlets | Sauteing. |
| | or veal steak. | Stewing. |
| | Thick Pieces. | Roasting. |
| | | |
| C. Knuckle. | Whole. | Stewing. |
| | | Soup-making. |
| | | |
| D. Rib or Rack. | Chops. | Sauteing. |
| | Thick Pieces. | Roasting. |
| | | |
| E. Shoulder. | Thick Pieces. | Stuffing and Roasting. |
| | Whole. | Braising. |
| | | |
| F. Neck. | Thick Pieces. | Stewing. |
| | | |
| G. G. Breast. | Thick Pieces. | Roasting. |
| | Whole. | Stewing. |
| | | |
| Sweetbreads | Whole--in pairs. | Parboiling and |
| (thymus glands) | | Sauteing, Broiling, |
| --"Throat" and | | etc. |
| "Heart" | | |
| Sweetbreads. | | |
===================================================================
VEAL.--Veal is the muscle of the calf or young cow. It has the
characteristic qualities of undeveloped muscle. Because it is lacking in
flavor, it should be seasoned with herbs and spices, or served with a
sauce of pronounced flavor. It is also improved by adding some fat, or
some meat containing considerable fat such as pork. A calf is usually
killed when it is six or eight weeks old. The season for veal is spring;
it can usually be purchased, however, throughout the year. The muscle of
the veal should be pink in color, and the fat, white. The meat of a calf
less than six weeks old is lacking in color.
The connective tissue in veal is abundant, but it is easily changed to
gelatine by cooking. Veal is generally considered difficult of digestion.
VEAL CUTLETS (STEAK)
Clean the meat; then remove the bone and tough membranes. Cut the meat
into pieces for serving. Cover the bone and the tough pieces of meat with
cold water and cook at a low temperature. (This stock is to be used in the
sauce.) Small pieces of meat may be put together by using wooden
toothpicks for skewers. Season the veal with salt and pepper. Roll in
dried bread crumbs, dip in beaten egg, then in crumbs again. Put 2
tablespoonfuls of drippings or other fat in a frying pan. Brown the
cutlets in the fat. Remove the veal; in the frying pan prepare the
following:
SAUCE FOR CUTLETS
3 tablespoonfuls drippings
1/4 cupful flour
1/2 tablespoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 cupfuls stock or water
2 tablespoonfuls chopped parsley
1 teaspoonful Worcestershire sauce
Make a brown sauce, using all ingredients except the Worcestershire sauce
(see _Brown Sauce_). Add the cutlets to the sauce, and cook them at
simmering temperature for 1 hour or until tender. Just before serving, add
the Worcestershire sauce.
_Beef_ may be prepared in the same way.
VEAL WITH EGG DRESSING
1 pound veal steak, sliced thin
2 eggs
3/4 cupful flour
Salt and pepper
Cut the meat into pieces of suitable size for serving. Brown each piece in
fat. (Use scraps of fat cut from the meat.)
Mix the egg, flour, and seasoning. Spread both sides of each piece of meat
with the egg mixture. Again brown the pieces of meat in fat. Then add
boiling water and let the meat cook at _simmering temperature_ for at
least 2 hours. Serve hot.
_Beef_ may be substituted for veal.
POTATO PUFF
2 cupfuls mashed potatoes
2 tablespoonfuls milk
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
1 teaspoonful salt
Pepper
1 egg
Mix all the ingredients except the egg. Separate the egg, and beat the
white and the yolk. Beat the yolk into the potato mixture; then add the
white by cutting and folding-in. Turn into a buttered baking-dish or drop
by spoonfuls on a buttered baking-sheet. Bake until the egg is cooked and
the top brown. Serve at once.
The egg may also be added unbeaten to the potatoes, and the entire mixture
beaten vigorously.
QUESTIONS
Why is cold water, rather than hot, used for making meat stock?
How does veal stock compare in color with beef stock? What is the stock
called that is made from veal?
Why is this meat cooked at simmering rather than at boiling temperature?
Why is it desirable to use parsley and Worcestershire sauce with veal? Is
it desirable to use Worcestershire sauce with beef or mutton? Explain your
answer. Why is Worcestershire sauce not cooked with the brown sauce?
Locate veal cutlets or veal steak (see Figure 65). To what cut of beef
does it correspond?
What cut of veal corresponds to the tenderloin cuts of beef?
How does the cutting and the using of the rib section of veal differ from
that of beef?
What are the prices per pound of each cut of veal? Arrange in tabulated
form and record the date.
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture,_ Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of veal cutlets or veal steak. Compare with the
percentage composition of beef steak (see Figure 68).
Potato Puff may be prepared from either hot or cold mashed potatoes.
Should the temperature of the oven be the same for each? Explain your
answer.
What is the purpose of the egg in the potato mixture?
Which would give the better result when added to the potato mixture,
beaten egg or unbeaten egg? Give the reason for your answer.
How many persons will the Potato Puff recipe serve?
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of fresh potatoes (see Figure 62) and boiled
potatoes. How much nutriment is lost by boiling one pound of potatoes? By
what method can potatoes be cooked in order to retain the most nutriment?
Give reasons for combining veal and potatoes.
LESSON XCVIII
MUTTON AND LAMB DISHES
MUTTON.--Mutton is the meat obtained from the sheep. The animal is usually
about three years of age when killed. Like beef, mutton needs to hang a
few days before using. It is considered as nutritious and as easily
digested as beef. Its strong flavor may be destroyed by removing the "pink
skin" and much of the fat. The latter has such a strong flavor, that it
cannot be used for cooking unless it is tried out with onion, apple, and
dried herbs. Mutton fat so prepared is sometimes termed _savory fat_.
It is thought that the fat dissolves certain flavoring materials present
in the fruit, vegetable, and herbs. The caramelized carbohydrate formed by
browning the apple and onion also adds to the flavor. [Footnote 68: See
_Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin_, No. 526.]
Mutton fat is useful for soap-making.
[Illustration: FIGURE 66.--CUTS OF LAMB OR MUTTON]
LAMB.--Lamb is meat obtained from the young sheep, killed when from six
weeks to one year old. As the animal matures, the blood recedes from its
joints; hence the joints of lamb are pink in color, while those of mutton
are white.
Lamb has the characteristics of the meat of immature animals. It contains
more water and a little less fat than mutton, and should not be allowed to
hang. It is more delicate in flavor than is mutton. Lamb should be well
cooked; mutton is sometimes served rare.
FOOD COMBINATIONS
CUTS OF LAMB AND MUTTON (see Figure 66).
==================================================================
| Name of Cut | Form Of Cut | Method Of Cooking |
==================================================================
| A. Loin. | Chops--Loin chops (see | Broiling. |
| | Figure 67). | Roasting. |
| | Thick pieces (loin sections | |
| | of both hind quarters in | |
| | one piece called "Saddle | |
| | of Mutton"). | |
| | | |
| B. Leg. | Slices. | Broiling. |
| | Thick pieces. | Roasting. |
| | | Stewing. |
| | | |
| C. Rib. | Chops--rib chops(see Fig- | Broiling. |
| | ure 67) (when trimmed | Roasting. |
| | called "French" chops. | |
| | see Figure 67). | |
| | Thick Pieces (rib sections | |
| | of both fore quarters in | |
| | one piece called "Rack | |
| | of Mutton"). | |
| | | |
| D. Shoulder. | Chops blade shoulder | Broiling. |
| | chops (see Figure 67) | Braising. |
| | and round shoulder | Roasting. |
| | chops (see Figure 67). | Stuffing and |
| | Thick Pieces. | Roasting. |
| | Whole. | |
| | | |
| E. Breast. | Thick Pieces. | Stewing. |
| | | Broth-making. |
| | | |
| F. Neck. | Thick Pieces. | Stewing. |
| | | Broth-making. |
==================================================================
STUFFED SHOULDER OF LAMB
4 to 5 pounds shoulder of lamb, boned, cleaned, and stuffed with the
mixture used in Stuffed Meat Roast. (Double the quantity of ingredients
for the shoulder of lamb.) Add the stuffing to the meat; then "lace" (see
_Baked Fish_) or skewer into shape. Season, and dredge with flour.
Place drippings or other fat in a frying pan or iron roasting pan, and
brown the surface of the meat. Place the lamb on the rack in a roasting
pan, add boiling water; cover; and bake in a moderate oven, allowing
_one half hour to the pound_. _Shoulder of veal_ may be
prepared and stuffed in the same way.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Bureau of Publications_, Teachers
College. FIGURE 67.--LAMB CHOPS. Upper row: Rib chops,--French. Loin
chops. Lower row: Rib chops. Blade shoulder chop. Round bone shoulder
chop.]
MINT SAUCE
1 cupful fresh mint
1/2 cupful vinegar
1/4 cupful sugar
Chop the leaves and the tender tips of the mint. Dissolve the sugar in the
vinegar, and add the mint. Let the sauce stand one hour before using. Heat
over hot water before serving.
LAMB OR MUTTON IN THE CASSEROLE
2 pounds neck, breast, or shoulder of lamb or mutton
Flour
Fat for browning
Water or stock
4 carrots
2 cupfuls peas
2 teaspoonfuls salt
Pepper
1/2 bay leaf
3 allspice berries
Cut the meat into pieces suitable for serving. Roll in flour, and brown in
a frying pan with hot fat. Remove to the casserole, and cover with boiling
water or stock. Wash, scrape, and cut the carrots into halves. Add them
and the spices to the meat in the casserole. Cover, and cook at simmering
temperature for two hours. Then add the peas and the seasoning. Cook until
tender. Serve hot from the casserole.
One half cupful of cooked rice may be used instead of the carrots and
peas. Tomatoes also make a pleasing addition.
THE CASSEROLE.--The casserole is a popular utensil for cooking and
serving. It is suitable for foods that need to be cooked at a low
temperature for a long period of time; hence its adaptability to tough
cuts of meat. Because the casserole is tightly covered, foods may be
cooked in it with little loss by evaporation. The flavor is retained also,
if the cooking is carefully done. The use of the casserole in serving is a
distinct advantage, since the foods may be served hot. The casserole may
be used in the oven or on top of the range.
If a covered crock is used in place of the regulation casserole, a dinner
napkin should be folded neatly around it for serving.
QUESTIONS
Tell how lamb can be distinguished from mutton. Give two reasons for
adding dried herbs to the stuffing for lamb.
Give two reasons for serving Mint Sauce with lamb. What is the purpose of
first browning the lamb that is to be roasted?
[Illustration: FIGURE 68.--THE COMPOSITION OF FRESH AND CURED MEATS.
(Revised edition)]
What is the easiest method of adding extra flour to the sauce around lamb
or mutton in the casserole (see _Thickening the Sauce of Meat Cooked in
Water_)?
How many persons will this recipe serve?
Name the advantages of cooking meat in a casserole.
Give a dietetic reason for combining carrots, peas, or rice, with lamb or
mutton.
Distinguish between rib and loin chops of lamb or mutton. What is a French
chop?
Obtain the prices per pound of each cut of mutton or lamb. Arrange in
tabulated form and record the date.
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 28_, tabulate the
percentage composition of the hind quarter of mutton. Compare it with the
composition of beef steak.
Tabulate the percentage composition of beets, carrots, parsnips, and
turnips. Which contains the most carbohydrates? Which the most ash?
LESSON XCIX
PORK, VEGETABLES, AND APPLE SAUCE
PORK.--Pork is meat obtained from the pig. In all meats, much fat is
entangled in the network of connective tissue that binds the muscle
fibers. Pork, however, contains more fat than does any other meat. The fat
is most intimately mingled with the lean. For this reason it is digested
slowly. Fresh pork should be used sparingly. Its use should be confined to
the winter months. Pork should be thoroughly cooked. It sometimes contains
organisms which may produce serious results, if not destroyed in the
cooking. Pork is made more wholesome by curing, salting, and smoking. The
fat of bacon is readily digested.
[Illustration: FIGURE 69.--CUTS OF PORK.]
CUTS OF PORK (see Figure 69).
===================================================================
| NAME OF CUT | FORM OF CUT | METHOD OF COOKING |
===================================================================
| A. Loin. | Chops--rib and loin | Sauteing. |
| | chops (freed from fat| Roasting. |
| | called "spare ribs") | |
| | --cut into chops or | |
| | thick pieces. | |
| | | |
| B. Ham | Slices. | Sauteing. |
| (usually smoked). | Whole. | "Boiling." |
| | | Roasting. |
| | | |
| C. Back (all fat). | Strips. | "Tried out" (its |
| | Slices. | fat used for |
| | | sauteing, frying, |
| | | and flavoring), |
| | | Larding. |
| | | |
| D. Shoulder | Slices. | Sauteing. |
| (smoked or fresh). | Whole. | "Boiling." |
| | | Roasting. |
| | | |
| E. Bacon (smoked) | Thin or thick slices. | Sauteing. |
| or Salt Pork. | | Broiling. |
===================================================================
PORK CHOPS WITH SWEET POTATOES
Pare sweet potatoes, and place them in the bottom of a roasting pan. Wipe
the pork chops, and place them on top of the potatoes. Place the roasting
pan on the top shelf of a hot oven, in order to brown the chops. Brown on
one side; turn the chops with a fork, and brown on the other side. Then
remove the roasting pan from the oven, sprinkle the chops with salt,
pepper, and powdered sage. Add a little boiling water. Return to the oven.
[Illustration: FIGURE 70.--THE COMPOSITION OF FRESH AND DRIED FRUITS.
(Revised edition)]
Cover and bake 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Baste the
potatoes and meat occasionally.
Remove the chops to the center of a hot platter, and surround them with
the potatoes. Serve at once with Apple Sauce (for preparation of Apple
Sauce, see _Fruit Sauces_).
TURNIPS WITH FRESH PORK
1 1/2 pounds fresh pork (shoulder)
3 medium sized turnips
1 tablespoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls flour
Pepper
Clean the meat, put it in a saucepan, and add enough boiling water to
cover. Cook at simmering temperature for 1 1/2 hours.
Pare the turnips, cut them into cubes. When the meat has cooked 1/2 hour,
add the turnips and salt and continue cooking for 1 hour or until the meat
and vegetables are tender. Mix the flour with enough cold water (about 2
tablespoonfuls) to make a thin batter. Add it to the meat and turnips.
Stir and cook for at least 10 minutes. Add a dash of pepper. Serve hot.
BROILED HAM
Parboil in boiling water for 10 minutes a slice of ham about 1/2 inch
thick. Place in a broiler and broil, or place in a "frying" pan and pan-
broil, turning often. Garnish with parsley and serve at once.
BACON
Place thin slices of bacon (from which the rind has been removed) in a hot
frying-pan. As the fat tries out, drain it from the bacon. Scorching of
the fat is thus prevented. Cook the bacon until it is brown and crisp,
turning once.
_Bacon fat_ should be saved. It can be used in cooking.
SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH BACON
4 medium potatoes
1/4 pound sliced bacon
Flour
Salt, used sparingly
Pepper
Milk
Pare the potatoes and cut them into thin slices. Cook the bacon until
brown; cut each slice of bacon into several pieces. Oil a baking-dish and
place a layer of potatoes in it, then a layer of bacon and some of the
tried-out bacon fat. Sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper. Repeat, until
all the ingredients are used; the top layer should be of bacon. Add milk
until it reaches the top layer. Bake in a moderate oven for one hour, or
until much of the milk has evaporated and the potatoes are tender. Serve
hot.
1/4 cupful of bacon drippings may be used instead of sliced bacon.
QUESTIONS
Why should fresh pork be used in winter rather than in summer?
Why is pork slow in digesting?
Explain why vegetables and Apple Sauce are desirable foods to serve with
pork (see Figure 62, Figure 68, and Figure 70).
For what reason should pork be cooked thoroughly?
What is the purpose of parboiling ham before broiling it?
What ingredient, invariably used in Scalloped Potatoes, is omitted in
Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon? What is substituted for this material?
Why should salt be added sparingly to potatoes cooked with bacon?
How many persons does the given quantity of Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon
and of Turnips with Fresh Pork serve?
To what cut of beef does ham correspond?
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 28_, tabulate the
percentage composition of fresh and salted ham. Compare it with the
composition of beef steak (see Figure 68).
Obtain the price per pound of each cut of pork. Arrange in tabulated form
and record date.
LESSON C
CHICKEN AND RICE
POULTRY.--Poultry includes chicken (or common fowl), turkey, duck, and
goose--domestic birds suitable for food. Pigeon and squab are not
considered poultry. Chickens that are three or four months old are called
_spring chickens_ or broilers. Birds older than one year are
sometimes called _fowls_.
[Illustration: FIGURE 71.--REMOVING TENDONS FROM THE LEG OF A FOWL.]
SELECTION OF CHICKEN AND FOWL.--Chickens and fowls have certain
characteristics which make them readily distinguishable. Chickens have
soft feet, a soft and flexible breast bone, many pin feathers, and little
fat. Fowls have hard and scaly feet, rigid breast bone, long hairs, and
much fat surrounding the intestines.
DIGESTION OF POULTRY.--The muscle of chicken, fowl, and turkey contains
little fat; the fat that exists is in layers directly under the skin and
around the intestines. The fibers of the muscle are short. For this
reason, and also because they have so little fat, these meats are readily
digested. The white meat contains less fat than the dark.
[Illustration with caption: FIGURE 72--FOWL TRUSSED FOR ROASTING. BREAST
VIEW]
DRESSING AND CLEANING POULTRY.--Singe, by holding the bird over a flame of
gas, alcohol, or burning paper. Cut off the head, push back the skin, and
cut off the neck close to the body. Cut through the skin around the leg
one inch below the leg joint. If it is a fowl, take out the tendons;
remove them separately, using a skewer (see Figure 71). Remove the pin
feathers with the point of a knife or with a strawberry huller. Cut the
oil bag from the tail.
[Illustration: FIGURE 73--FOWL TRUSSED FOR ROASTING,--BACK VIEW.]
The internal organs are not always removed before the chicken is sold. If
they have not been removed, make an opening under one of the legs or at
the vent, leaving a strip of skin above the vent. Remove the organs
carefully,--the intestines, gizzard, heart, and liver should all be
removed together. Care must be taken that the gall bladder, which lies
under the liver, is not broken; it must be cut away carefully from the
liver. The lungs and kidneys, lying in the hollow of the backbone, must be
carefully removed. Press the heart to extract the blood. Cut off the outer
coat of the gizzard. The gizzard, heart, and liver constitute the giblets
to be used in making gravy. Wash the giblets. Place them all, with the
exception of the liver, in cold water; heat quickly and cook (at simmering
temperature) until tender. Add the liver a short time before removing the
other giblets from the stove, as it does not require long cooking.
Clean the bird by wiping it thoroughly inside and out with a damp cloth,
stuff and truss for roasting, or cut into pieces for fricassee or stew. If
the bird is stuffed, the incision in the skin may be fastened together as
directed for Baked Fish.
TRUSSING FOWL.--Insert a skewer through the fowl just underneath the legs,
then thrust another skewer through the wings and breast. With a piece of
string, tie the ends of the legs together and fasten them to the tail.
Then wind the ends of the string fastened to the tail, around the ends of
the skewer beneath the legs. Cross the strings over the back, and wind
them around the ends of the skewer through the wings; tie the strings
together at the back. If trussed in this manner, there is no string across
the breast of the fowl. A fowl should be served breast side up (see
Figures 72 and 73).
CUTTING A FOWL.--Cut off the leg, and separate it at the joint into
"drumstick" and second joint. Cut off the wing and remove the tip; make an
incision at the middle joint. Remove the leg and wing from the other side;
separate the wishbone with the meat on it, from the breast, cut through
the ribs on each side, and separate the breast from the back. Cut the
breast in half lengthwise and the back through the middle crosswise. There
should be twelve pieces. The neck and the tips of the wings may be cooked
with the giblets for making gravy.
STEWED CHICKEN [Footnote 69: Stewed Chicken may be utilized for _Chicken
Croquettes_) or _Creole Stew_.]
Cover the pieces of chicken with boiling water, and cook at boiling
temperature for 15 minutes; then add one tablespoonful of salt and cook at
simmering temperature until tender.
Arrange the pieces on a platter, placing the neck at one end of the
platter and the "drumsticks" at the other, and the remaining pieces in
order between. Cover with a sauce.
The chicken may be placed on pieces of _toast_ or served in a border
of cooked _rice_.
SAUCE FOR CHICKEN
3 tablespoonfuls tried-out chicken fat or butter or substitute
1/4 cupful of flour
1 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls chopped parsley
1 pint stock
2 egg yolks or 1 egg
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
Prepare the sauce (see _Cream Toast_), and pour it over the well-
beaten eggs, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Cook until the eggs are
coagulated. Serve at once over chicken.
QUESTIONS
Why is chicken more readily digested than other meat?
What is the reason for cooking stewed chicken 15 minutes in _boiling_
water? Why is the salt not added at first? Why should the chicken finally
be cooked at simmering temperature rather than at boiling?
What use can be made of the fat of a fowl?
What is the purpose of the eggs in Sauce for Chicken?
Explain fully why rice or toast makes a desirable addition to Stewed
Chicken.
LESSON CI
CHICKEN AND PEAS
CHICKEN CROQUETTES
2 1/2 cupfuls chopped chicken or fowl
Onion juice
2 tablespoonfuls lemon juice
1 tablespoonful parsley
SAUCE
1 pint cream or milk
1/3 cupful fat
1/2 cupful flour
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
1 teaspoonful celery salt
Chop the chicken very fine; add the seasonings. Make the sauce (see
_Cream Toast_). Add the chicken to the sauce. Cool the mixture. Shape
into cones. Cover with dried bread crumbs and egg, and cook in deep fat
(see _Fried Oysters_). Drain on paper. Serve at once with green peas.
An egg may be beaten and added to the sauce, before mixing it with the
meat.
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of cooling the chicken mixture before shaping it into
croquettes (see Experiment 17)?
How many croquettes does this recipe make?
How many cupfuls of chopped meat can be obtained from fowl of average
weight?
What is the average weight of a chicken one year old? How long does it
take to cook it?
What is the average weight of a spring chicken?
What is the present market price of spring chicken? Of fowl?
Compare the composition of fowl with that of round steak, using _U. S.
Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 28_. Also record the percentage
of refuse in a fowl when it is purchased. Considering the refuse in fowl,
what is the price per pound?
Tabulate the percentage composition of fresh and dried peas and beans, and
of dried lentils. Which are richer in protein, the fresh or the dried
vegetables (see Figure 76)?
LESSON CII
OYSTER DISHES
EXPERIMENT 63. PROTEIN IN OYSTER LIQUOR.--Pour a small quantity of oyster
liquor into a test tube and boil it. What change takes place? From your
previous experience with eggs, what foodstuff would you infer that oysters
contain? What inference can you draw from this as to the temperature at
which oysters should be cooked?
OYSTERS.--An oyster is an animal covered with shell. The shell, which
consists of mineral matter, protects the animal.
[Illustration: FIGURE 74--COMPOSITION OF FISH, FISH PRODUCTS AND OYSTERS
(Revised edition)]
The oyster has no head, arms, or legs, but it has a mouth, liver, gills,
and one strong muscle. The mouth is near the hinge-end of the shell; by
means of the hinge, the shell is opened and water and food taken in; by
means of the muscle, the shell is closed. (Find the muscle in an oyster;
then the dark spot,--this is the liver; also find the fluted portions that
partly surround the liver,--these are the gills.)
Oysters are in season from September until May. They are sometimes eaten
during the summer months, but are not so palatable and are more apt to be
contaminated by the bacteria of warm water. The bluish green color of some
oysters is due to the oyster's feeding upon vegetable materials. This does
not harm the flavor of the oyster.
Oysters are sometimes placed in fresh water streams or in water which is
less salt than that in which they have grown to "fatten them." The animals
take in the fresh water, become plump, and increase in weight. If the
water is sewage-polluted, the oysters become contaminated with dangerous
bacteria. Methods of cooking usually applied to oysters, such as stewing
and boiling, may not destroy all bacteria. Hence, the danger in eating
oysters taken from polluted water.
When oysters are prepared for market, they are sorted according to size.
Blue points, or small oysters originally grown in Blue Point, are prized
for serving raw in the half shell. This name, however, no longer indicates
the place from which the oysters come, but is applied to small oysters in
the shell. Large oysters selected for frying may be purchased. Oysters are
found at markets either in the shell or with the shell removed.
Since oysters spoil readily, they must be kept cold during transportation.
They are now shipped in containers surrounded by ice. Formerly ice was
placed in contact with the oysters.
Note the percentage composition of oysters (see Figure 74). With such a
large quantity of water, the oyster has little food value. Oysters are
prized for their flavor, but make an expensive food. Cooking makes oysters
somewhat tough, but it sterilizes them and makes them safer to use. It is
considered that oysters properly cooked are easily digested. They should
be eaten when very fresh. They spoil quickly and develop poisonous
products.
CLEANING OYSTERS.--Drain off the liquor. If the liquor is to be used,
strain it through a fine strainer. Place the oysters in a strainer or
colander, and wash them. Do not allow oysters to stand in water after
washing. Run each oyster through the fingers to remove pieces of shell
that may be clinging to it.
OYSTER STEW
1 cupful milk
1 pint oysters
1 tablespoonful butter
Salt and pepper
Heat the milk in a double boiler; add the seasonings and butter. Clean the
oysters; cook them in a saucepan until they become plump and the edges
curl. Add the hot milk and serve at once.
The milk may be thickened with 1 tablespoonful of flour (see recipe for
_Thin White Sauce_).
Serve crackers or bread with Oyster Stew.
SCALLOPED OYSTERS
1 pint oysters
1/2 teaspoonful salt
3 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
3 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1/4 cupful oyster juice or milk
Cayenne
Wash the oysters, strain the juice, and butter the crumbs. Add the
seasoning to the oysters. Place one fourth of the buttered crumbs in the
bottom of a buttered baking-dish. Add one half of the oysters, another
fourth of the crumbs, then the remainder of the oysters, the liquid, and
finally the remaining half of the buttered crumbs. Bake in a moderate oven
from 30 to 40 minutes.
If baked in individual baking-dishes, only 15 minutes will be required for
baking.
QUESTIONS
Count and record the number of oysters in one pint.
From Figures 64 and 74, tabulate the percentage composition of oysters and
milk.
Find the weight of one cupful of oysters and of one cupful of milk. How do
they compare as to the amount of water, protein, and fat contained in one
pint of each?
What is the difference in cost of one pint of each?
What is the purpose of straining the oyster liquor?
Why should not oysters stand in water after washing (see Experiment 38)?
Explain why oysters should be cooked only a short time. What is the effect
of long cooking upon oysters?
In Scalloped Oysters, why is the liquid added before the last layer of
crumbs?
How many persons do each of these oyster recipes serve?
What dietetic reason can be given for combining oysters and bread?
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 28_, tabulate the
percentage composition of the following fish: Fresh and salt cod, fresh
and smoked herring, fresh and salt mackerel, fresh and canned salmon,
fresh perch, and fresh white fish. Which contains the most fat? How can
fish be classified with regard to fat content (see _Classes of
Fish_)? Which fish contains the most protein?
How do fish, shellfish, and beef compare in protein content? Which is the
cheapest source of protein (see Figures 68 and 74)?
LESSON CIII
MEAT-SUBSTITUTE DISHES
MEAT-SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS.--Cottage cheese, eggs, peanuts, and other
legumes are valuable substitutes for meat. The legumes with the exception
of soy-beans and peanuts, however, do not contain complete protein. Hence,
their use with eggs or milk is desirable.
[Illustration: FIGURE 75.--The composition of eggs and cheese. (Revised
edition.)]
Nuts are a form of fruit. They are rich in nutritive materials. If they
can be digested readily, they make a valuable food. They need to be ground
fine or chewed thoroughly, however, to make them digestible. Nuts contain
much fat, protein, and little carbohydrates. Chestnuts, however, contain
much of the latter foodstuff. Because they contain protein, nuts may be
used as substitutes for meat. But most nuts are expensive. For this reason
in many households they are impractical as everyday foods.
COTTAGE CHEESE AND NUT LOAF
1 cupful cottage cheese
1 cupful chopped nuts
1 cupful soft bread crumbs
1 teaspoonful salt
1/8 teaspoonful pepper
2 teaspoonfuls lemon juice
2 tablespoonfuls scraped onion
1 tablespoonful fat
Mix the cheese, nuts, bread crumbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook
the onion and fat together until they are brown. Add a small quantity of
water and then add the onion mixture to the other ingredients. If
necessary, add more water to moisten the mixture. Pour into a baking-dish
and bake until brown.
(From _United States Food Administration Leaflet_.)
SCALLOPED EGGS WITH CHEESE
6 hard-cooked eggs
2 cupfuls medium White Sauce
2 cupfuls buttered soft bread crumbs
3/4 cupful cheese
Grate the cheese, or cut it into pieces, and add it to the White Sauce.
Cut the eggs in slices. Oil a baking-dish, and place the materials in the
dish in layers, having the lower and top layers of bread crumbs. Bake in a
moderate oven until the mixture is heated through and the crumbs are
browned. Serve hot in place of meat.
PEANUT ROAST
1 1/2 cupfuls dried bread crumbs
Milk
1 1/2 cupfuls shelled peanuts
4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1 egg
Salt and pepper
[FIGURE 76--THE COMPOSITION OF LEGUMES AND CORN (Revised edition.)]
Cover the bread crumbs with milk, and soak them until soft. Chop the
peanuts very fine, and mix with the baking powder; beat the egg. Mix
thoroughly all the ingredients, and turn into an oiled bread pan. Bake
about 45 minutes in a moderate oven. Serve hot with Tomato Sauce.
[Illustration: FIGURE 77.--THE COMPOSITION OF BREAD AND OTHER CEREAL
FOODS. (Revised edition.)]
Commercial salted peanuts may be used for Peanut Roast.
QUESTIONS
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 28_, find the
percentage of protein in Cream and Cottage Cheese, eggs (see Figure 75),
walnuts, peanuts, dried peas, and beans (see Figure 76), and beef. How
many ounces of protein does a pound of each of these foods contain? What
is the price per pound of each of these foods? Which food is the cheapest
source of protein?
Why are bread crumbs a valuable addition to Scalloped Eggs with Cheese
(see Figure 77)?
Name other meat-substitute foods and dishes.
LESSON CIV
MEAT EXTENDERS AND ONE-DISH MEALS
MEAT EXTENDERS.--The flavor of meat is generally liked. Doubtless the
flavor accounts more than any other characteristic for the popularity of
meat. By using a small quantity of meat and combining it with various
cereals and vegetables, the flavor of meat permeates the mixture although
its quantity is reduced and price consequently lowered. Foods containing
such a combination of food materials are termed _meat extenders_.
Those desiring to reduce the quantity of meat consumed either for the sake
of health or economy will find meat-extending dishes desirable.
ONE-DISH MEALS.--When many demands other than those of housekeeping are
made upon homekeepers it is often wise to lessen housekeeping duties. It
is both possible and satisfactory to cook an entire meal in one dish. A
meal consisting of one dish with a few accessories is termed a one-dish
meal. It is obvious that the one-dish meal is both simple and economical;
it saves time, fuel, and food; it is a wise conservation measure.
In preparing the one-dish meal use a combination of two or more of the
following groups of food:
(1) Vegetables,
(2) Milk, or cheese, or eggs, or fish, or meat, or beans, or nuts,
(3) Cereal, such as corn, barley, rice, oats, or buckwheat.
To two or more of these groups of food a small amount of fat or oil is
generally added.
The use of such foods with a dessert or fruit or a plain salad makes a
meal that satisfies the most exacting.
It is most interesting to select foods from the groups above that would
"eat well" together. The one-dish meal gives one the opportunity for a
fascinating study of food combinations. If the casserole or fireless
cooker is used in their preparation, the possibilities are limitless.
An examination of the meat-substitute dishes and meat extenders will show
that most of these foods make one-dish meals.
MUTTON WITH BARLEY
1 pound mutton
1 onion
1/2 cupful pearled barley
2 quarts water, boiling
4 potatoes
Celery leaves (fresh or dried)
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Cut the fat from the meat, cut the meat into pieces. Put the fat and
sliced onion in a frying pan. Brown the meat in the fat. Add the barley
and water and let the mixture cook at simmering temperature for at least
1 1/2 hours. Pare the potatoes, cut them into quarters. Add the potatoes
and celery leaves and cook the mixture at boiling temperature until the
potatoes are tender. Serve hot.
(Adapted from _Department of Agriculture Leaflet_.)
TAMALE PIE
3/4 cupful corn-meal
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
3 cupfuls boiling water
1 onion
1 tablespoonful fat
1 pound chopped meat
2 cupfuls tomatoes
Dash Cayenne pepper, _or_
1 small chopped sweet pepper
1 1/4 teaspoonfuls salt
Make a mush by stirring the corn-meal and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt into
boiling water. Cook in a double boiler or over water for 45 minutes. Brown
the onion in the fat, add the chopped meat, and stir until the red color
disappears. Add the tomato, pepper, and salt. Grease a baking-dish, put in
a layer of corn-meal mush, add the seasoned meat, and cover with mush.
Bake 30 minutes.
(Adapted from _United States Department of Agriculture Leaflet_.)
CREOLE STEW
1 pound lean beef or 1 medium fowl
1 tablespoonful fat
1/4 cupful chopped onion
1/2 cupful chopped sweet peppers
1 cupful boiling water
1/2 cupful rice
1 cupful carrots or okra (cut into small pieces)
2 cupfuls tomatoes
2 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
Cut the meat into small pieces or cut the fowl into joints. In a frying
pan melt the fat, add the onions, peppers, meat, or chicken. Brown for a
few minutes.
Pour these materials into a casserole or kettle of the fireless cooker and
add the other ingredients. If the casserole is used, cook at simmering
temperature for 2 hours. If the stew is to be cooked in the fireless
cooker, cook it directly over the flame for 1/2 hour and then place it in
the fireless cooker from 2 to 3 hours. Serve hot.
With chicken and okra this is the famous Creole Chicken of the South.
(Adapted from _United States Department of Agriculture Leaflet_.)
QUESTIONS
Make a list of meat-extending dishes.
Make a list of foods suitable for the main food of one-dish meals.
How many persons will one pound of meat serve?
How many persons will the dishes of this lesson (each containing one pound
of meat) serve?
Tell why the foods comprising these dishes are desirable food
combinations.
RELATED WORK
LESSON CV
MENU-MAKING
REPRESENTATION OF ALL ESSENTIALS OF DIET.--All the foodstuffs or nutrients
should be represented in the foods of a meal, or at least in the foods
composing a day's diet. The meal, or the day's ration, should consist of:
Food rich in carbohydrates and fat, to supply energy to the body.
Food rich in protein [Footnote 70: Protein is not only a body-builder, but
also a fuel. But since it should be used chiefly for body-building (see
_Daily Carbohydrate and Fat Requirement_) its energy-giving power is
not considered in meal planning.] and ash, to build the body.
Food in the form of ash and water, to regulate the processes of the body.
Food containing vitamines, to promote the health and growth of the body.
Food containing cellulose, to give bulk to diet.
Water is supplied to some extent with almost all the foods of a meal, but
as mentioned previously, a generous quantity should be used as a beverage.
A consideration of the kinds of food to meet the different needs of the
body follows:
A. _Food for Energy_.--Although both _starch_ and _sugar_
are carbohydrates which furnish energy to the body, this need of the body
should be supplied for the most part by starch. The harmful effects of
excessive sugar eating were mentioned previously.
A certain amount of _fat_ is needed for energy-giving. A meal
containing fat "stays by" a person for a longer time than one devoid of
foods rich in fat. This is because fat is more slowly digested than other
foodstuffs. Hence a vigorous person leading an active outdoor life may
feel much more comfortable when fat is included in his diet. On the other
hand, those exercising little find that fat-rich foods distress them
greatly, since they are too slowly digested. For many persons, the use of
much fat is harmful. Since butter contains the fat-soluble vitamine, it is
valuable not only for energy-giving, but for growth-promoting.
B. _Food for Body-building and Repairing_.--Both _protein_ and
_ash_ are needed for body-building. The former foodstuff contains the
element nitrogen,--one of the necessary elements for the growth and
maintenance of the body.
Since there are several kinds of food containing protein, the question
arises whether protein is best supplied by meat, eggs, milk, cheese, or
vegetable protein foods. There are some who contend that meat is the least
desirable source of protein food. The use of much meat may lead to the
formation of an excess of uric acid which is eliminated by some persons
with difficulty. It may also cause intestinal putrefaction.
Many find that by using meat once a day their health is normal. Others
find that by using meat but several times a week a more desirable
condition is maintained. Doubtless many people would find themselves much
benefited by using less meat. If the quantity of meat eaten is greatly
lessened, care should be taken that protein is supplied by other foods,
such as eggs, legumes, cheese, and the various meat-substitute dishes.
Care should also be taken to see that complete proteins are included in
diet. If foods containing incomplete protein such as some of the legumes
and cereals are used for body-building, they should be supplemented by
foods rich in complete protein such as milk and eggs. If much meat is
eaten, a generous quantity of water and of fresh vegetables and fruits
should be used.
While all the _mineral materials_ found in the body [Footnote 71: The
ash constituents existing in the body in largest quantity are:
Sulphur Chlorine Calcium Iron
Sodium Magnesium Potassium Phosphorus
] are necessary for its growth and maintenance, calcium, phosphorus, and
iron are the elements most likely to be used in insufficient quantities
(see Figures 78, 79, and 80).
[Illustration: FIGURE 78.--FOODS CONTAINING CALCIUM. a, Dried beans, b,
dried figs; c, rutabaga, d, celery; e, milk; f, cauliflower, g, almonds;
h, egg yolk; i, cheese]
Calcium is needed for building the hard tissues such as the teeth and
bones. A diet deficient in calcium is sometimes the cause of poor teeth.
Calcium is equally important for body-regulating functions. It is
especially necessary that calcium-rich food be given to children.
_The most practical and effective way of obtaining calcium is to use a
generous supply of milk._ Cheese, eggs, and the leaves and stems of
plant-foods are also valuable sources of calcium.
_Milk, egg yolk, cheese, whole grains, and vegetables are the most
satisfactory sources of phosphorus._ A free use of these foods is
especially desirable since it has been found that phosphorus is quite as
necessary as nitrogen. The whole grains are a very valuable source of ash.
Many of the ash constituents in cereals are found next to the outer coat
of bran, hence fine white flour is not so rich in ash as whole wheat
flour.
[Illustration: Foods Containing Phosphorus: _a_ Dried peas; _b_,
chocolate; _c_, dried beans; _d_, whole wheat; _e_,
peanuts; _f_, cheese; _g_, cocoa; _h_, egg yolk.]
In the formation of blood and for the welfare of the body as a whole, iron
is needed. For this reason, it is often a constituent of "tonics." If
foods rich in iron were more generally used, the body would not be so
likely to get into a condition requiring such tonics. The iron found in
eggs, milk, and vegetable foods is thought to be more completely
assimilated than that found in meat. Spinach and prunes are valuable
sources of iron. This is one of the reasons why they are most desirable
foods for children. _The need of eggs, dried fruits, fresh vegetables,
and whole grain in diet to furnish iron should be emphasized_.
_Sulphur_ is one of the necessary elements of the body. It is usually
found, however, as a component of protein; hence if enough protein is
supplied to the diet, sulphur will be present in sufficient quantity.
As mentioned, leafy vegetables not only supply calcium but _sodium_
and _chlorine_,--two of the needed minerals of the body. If fresh
vegetables and fruits along with foods rich in calcium, iron, and
phosphorus are used, and these foods are cooked and served so as to retain
all their nutriment, one can be assured that the diet contains _all_
the necessary ash constituents.
[Illustration: FIGURE 80.--FOODS CONTAINING IRON. a. Dried peas; b. dried
figs; c. whole wheat; d. lentils; e. spinach; f. dried dates; g. eggs; h.
rye; i. lean beef; j. dried beans; k. raisins; l. dried lima beans.]
C. _Food for Regulating_.--Although ash is needed for body-building,
it also serves to regulate certain body processes as explained previously.
Hence if the mineral matter valuable for building is used, the body is
also supplied with regulating materials.
D. _Food for Promoting Growth_.--A discussion of vitamines,--the
materials essential for growth of the body and the maintenance of
health,--was given in a previous lesson. It is most necessary that
foods rich in vitamines be included in diet.
E. _Food for Bulk_.--The use of foods containing cellulose, which
adds bulk to diet, is needed by most persons. Many foods rich in mineral
matter also contain much cellulose. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
furnish both of these materials.
OTHER FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN MENU-MAKING.--For successful menu-
making, a number of factors other than the selection of foods to meet the
needs of the body should be considered. A discussion of these follows:
A. _Appetizing Foods_.--If the appetite needs stimulation, foods
which have an appetizing effect may be used for the first course of meals.
Fruit is very often served for the first course of a breakfast and
sometimes for the first course of a luncheon. Soup may serve as the
appetizer of either a luncheon or dinner. Cream soup being especially
nourishing because of its milk content not only serves as an appetizing
food, but as one of the nutritious foods of a meal.
B. _Foods of Contrasting Flavor_.--If beef or some other protein-rich
food is chosen for the main dish of a meal (such as dinner), root
vegetables or grains rich in starch, but bland in flavor, are good
additions. By combining foods of decided flavor with those of less
pronounced taste and those rich in one foodstuff with those abounding in
another nutrient, combinations that are both pleasing and varied in flavor
may be secured. A housekeeper needs to use "imagination" in selecting
foods that will taste well together.
C. _Variation of Foods_.--The same food should not be used twice in
the same meal, even though it is prepared in a different form. It would be
monotonous to serve tomato soup and tomato salad, or bean soup and baked
beans at the same meal. Neither would one care to have hash served for
both breakfast and luncheon on the same day. Of course such foods as bread
and butter may be used with every meal.
D. _Moist and Dry Foods_.--A combination of "moist" and "dry" foods
is more pleasing than a combination of foods of equal dryness or moisture.
This does not mean that dry foods should be "rinsed down" with liquids;
that is unwise from a physiological standpoint. To the majority of
persons, creamed potatoes are more desirable with broiled steak than plain
boiled potatoes. The latter would be more pleasing with meat served with a
sauce or gravy.
E. _Sweet Foods_.--A sweet food should not be eaten at the beginning
of a meal. Such sugar-rich foods as preserves and jellies may be served
with the main course of a meal or at its close. As explained previously,
the sugar is then diluted with other food materials and proves less
irritating. If desserts are included in a menu, the practice of serving
them at the close of a meal is desirable from a dietetic viewpoint. When
the appetite is partially appeased, there is less tendency to eat large
quantities of sweet foods.
A dessert that is rich in both fat and sugar such as pastry should be
served only with a light meal, while a light dessert such as fruit or
gelatine may be used at the close of a heavy meal.
Very often dried fruits and nuts are used as accessories after a meal.
They are then often digested with difficulty, because the meal itself has
taxed the digestive organs. These foods should be considered as a part of
the meal and should not be added after enough other nutrients have been
eaten. There is no reason why a wholesome dessert should not be considered
one of the nutritious foods of a meal.
F. _Milk and Beverages_.--Since milk is necessary for perfect
nourishment it is well for adults to use it as a beverage for at least one
meal each day. Children should use it at all meals. If milk is distasteful
to any or all members of a family, cocoa made with much milk may be served
in its stead. In meal planning, a housekeeper should see to it that the
proper quantity of milk either as a beverage or constituent of such dishes
as cream soup, vegetables, and custards is used by each member of the
family.
When tea and coffee are included in meal plans, the fact that these
beverages have no food value except the milk and sugar added to them,
should be taken into consideration.
G. _Foods on Hand_.--When menus are made the thrifty housekeeper
considers those materials she has on hand and especially those which would
spoil if not used at once. Very often left-over material serves as a basis
on which to plan one or more meals.
A housekeeper may drain from a vegetable the water in which it was cooked.
But she sees in it for the next meal or for the next day several possible
uses. The vegetable stock may be used in soup or it may be combined with
milk or cheese and serve as a sauce for some left-over vegetable. Bread
crumbs combined with milk, peanuts, or egg make a tasty meat substitute
one week; or they may be utilized in making bread pudding the second week;
a scalloped dish the third week; and a meat loaf the fourth. If several
pieces of dry cake are on hand, a tasty dessert may be made by pouring
over them some hot sauce such as apple or chocolate. Dry cake may also be
crumbed and used in place of flour and sugar in a steamed pudding.
It is possible, of course, for a housekeeper to spend an undue amount of
time in utilizing left-overs or to defeat her efforts in thrift and buy
expensive supplementary foods in order to use food on hand. Often it is
wise to cook just enough so that there are no left-overs. On the other
hand, it is sometimes economical as far as fuel and time are concerned to
plan to cook enough food at one time for more than one meal. This is
especially true of foods requiring long cooking such as baked beans and
other dried foods.
MENU PLANS.--Serving meals in a number of courses should be attempted only
where the housekeeper is assisted in her work. For everyday living the
meals of most families are served only in one or two courses.
Although there are a great many things to be considered in menu-making, it
is not necessary to use a great variety of foods to meet the requirements
of successful meal planning. A breakfast consisting of fruit, rolled oats,
and top milk, for example, is simple, but it embraces all the factors
involved in the planning of a desirable meal.
As previously mentioned, the groups of foods may serve as a basis for menu
planning. After selecting foods from each group that are seasonable,
economic, and that will "taste well" together it is wise to analyze the
menu. See if it contains all the essentials of diet to meet the needs of
the body as explained previously. Some housekeepers find it helpful to
have lists of dishes found to be satisfactory for serving, such as lists
of meat dishes, vegetables, salads, desserts, etc., and glance over these
when planning meals.
The menu plans which follow are merely suggestive. Both simple and more
elaborate menus are given for each of the three meals.
A breakfast may consist of:
Fruit
Cereal or Eggs and Toast
Beverage
_or_
Fruit or Cereal (or both)
Meat, Egg, or Vegetable
Bread and Butter
Beverage
A luncheon or supper may consist of:
Cream Soup
Bread and Butter
Salad or fruit
Beverage
_or_
Fruit or Cream Soup
{Fish or Meat Substitutes
{Vegetables
{Bread and Butter
Salad
Dessert
Beverage
A dinner may consist of:
{Meat
{Vegetables
{Bread and Butter
Salad or Dessert
Beverage
_or_
Clear Soup
Fish
{Meat
{Vegetables
{Bread With or Without Butter
Salad
Dessert
Beverage
QUESTIONS
Mention several combinations of two or more foods that are varied in
moisture, dryness, and composition, and that are of contrasting flavor.
Give reasons for making the combinations.
Make out suitable menus in your home for a week. Compute the cost of the
week's menus. If the cost does not come within the limit that can be spent
for food in your home, change the menus so that the cost does not exceed
the food allowance.
LESSON CVI
PLANNING, COOKING, AND SERVING A LUNCHEON OR SUPPER
Plan a luncheon or supper, [Footnote 72: If the laboratory period is
limited to 90 minutes, all this time will be required to cook and serve
the meal and wash the dishes. Hence, it will be necessary to do the meal
planning in a previous lesson.] making it a one-dish meal or using a meat
substitute instead of meat. Also use seasonable food-materials and follow
the suggestions given in Lesson CV . Compute the cost of the menu. If it
exceeds 20 cents per person, change the menu so that its cost comes within
this amount. Analyze the menu. Is food from each of the groups contained
in it?
Cook and serve the luncheon or supper. Follow the English or family style
of serving. Serve the meal without a maid.
LESSON CVII
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Seasonable Vegetable Salad
Salad Dressing
Salad Rolls
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CVIII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 73: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Plan and prepare one-dish meals or meals
containing meat-substitute,--at least one a week.
Plan and prepare meals containing meat,--at least one a week.
Compute the cost of these meals. Also note the time required to prepare
them.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To determine the difference in time required to cook a
one-dish meal and a meal containing several different dishes.
(2) To determine the difference in cost of a meal without meat and one
containing a meat-substitute.
DIVISION TEN
QUICK BREADS: POUR BATTERS
LESSON CIX
LEAVENING WITH STEAM AND AIR. POPOVERS
When flour is to be moistened and baked to make bread or cake, other
ingredients are usually added to improve the grain, texture, and flavor.
To understand some of the principles of mixing and lightening baked flour
mixtures, try the following:
EXPERIMENT 64: LEAVENING WITH STEAM AND AIR.[Footnote 74: NOTE TO THE
TEACHER.--Experiments 64 and 65 can be performed most expeditiously by
dividing the class into groups of two and having each group do the two
experiments.]--Mix 1/8 cupful of flour and 1/8 cupful of cold water. Beat
thoroughly with a Dover egg beater. Note the consistency of the batter.
Pour at once into an oiled muffin pan. Bake in a hot oven for at least 20
minutes. Remove from the pan, break it open, and answer the following
questions:
What happened during baking to the cold air inclosed in the mixture? With
what material did the flour combine during baking? Into what form was a
part of the water changed during baking? Explain fully how the mixture was
made porous.
EXPERIMENT 65: COMPARISON OF THICK AND THIN QUICK BREADS--Repeat
Experiment 64, using 1/2 tablespoonful of cold water instead of 1/8
cupful. After baking, examine and compare with the bread of Experiment 64.
Which is the more porous? Explain how the difference in quantity of
moisture accounts for the difference in grain. If a mixture is to be
leavened with steam and air, what should be the consistency of the
mixture?
Some simple flour mixtures are lightened by the method indicated above. In
most cases, however, more air is introduced into the mixture by using
lightly beaten eggs, or by using ingredients that produce gas, on being
moistened and heated.
EXPERIMENT 66: PREPARATION OF FLOUR FOR QUICK BREADS.--Measure 1/4 cupful
of pastry flour just as it comes from the can. Sift it, and return it
carefully to the measuring cup, using a teaspoon. How much does the flour
measure now? What does this experiment teach with regard to sifting flour
before measuring? Of what advantage is it to sift flour not only before
measuring, but when adding it to the other ingredients of a quick bread?
[NOTE.--Use this sifted flour for making Popovers.]
In preparing all quick bread mixtures, _pastry flour_ (see _Wheat
Flour_) should be used. It should be sifted before measuring. Usually
any other powdered ingredient, such as baking powder, soda, or spices, is
added to the flour and mixed thoroughly (by sifting) into the other
materials. Baking powder and soda need not be sifted before measuring, but
should be stirred.
OVEN THERMOMETERS AND TEMPERATURES.--The ovens of a number of ranges are
equipped with thermometers. Although it is possible to secure more
satisfactory results with a thermometer than without, oven thermometers do
not always indicate the temperature of an oven accurately. If a
thermometer is fastened on an oven door, for example, and the door does
not heat as quickly or to as high a degree as the interior of the oven,
the true temperature of the oven cannot be ascertained by this device. By
making allowance for the difference, however, such a thermometer may prove
very useful. It is much more accurately and conveniently read than a
thermometer which is hung or rests inside the oven unless the oven is
provided with a glass door.
[Illustration: Courtesy of the _National Stove Co_ FIGURE 81--OVEN
HEAT REGULATOR]
A device known as an "Oven Heat Regulator" (see Figure 81) may be attached
to gas ranges. These devices do not merely measure the heat of an oven,
but control it and keep the oven temperature constant. A "temperature
wheel" (shown at B) is set for a desired temperature and the oven burner
lighted. By the expansion or contraction of a sensitive copper tube placed
in the top of the oven (shown at A) the gas valve (shown at C) is opened
or closed. When the valve is opened the amount of gas burning is increased
or decreased so that the temperature of the oven is kept constant,
_i.e._ at the temperature at which the wheel is set. Insulated ovens,
_i.e._ ovens which are constructed so as to retain heat and allow
little to escape, are found on some of the modern gas, electric, and
kerosene stoves. Some of the insulated electric ovens are provided with
clocks or dials which may be adjusted so that the current is cut off
automatically at the expiration of a certain length of time, or when a
certain temperature is reached (see Figure 14). Because of the insulated
walls on such ovens, the food continues to cook on "stored heat."
A chemical thermometer inserted in an oven is a fairly satisfactory means
of obtaining oven temperatures. If one has the use of an oven provided
with a chemical thermometer in the school kitchen, tests may be obtained
so that the temperature of the oven in the home kitchen may be estimated.
The tests are as follows: Heat the oven; when it reaches a temperature of
250 degrees F., [Footnote 75: See footnote 86, regarding the use of the
Fahrenheit scale.] place a piece of white paper in the oven. After 5
minutes, remove the paper, note the color. Continue to heat the oven;
place paper in the oven at 350 degrees F., 400 degrees F., 425 degrees F.,
450 degrees F., 475 degrees F., 500 degrees F., 525 degrees F., and 550
degrees F. Note the color of each piece of paper.
Baking temperatures have been classified as follows: [Footnote 76: From
Technical Education Bulletin, No. 22, "Some Attempts to Standardize Oven
Temperatures for Cookery Processes," by May B. Van Arsdale, Teachers
College, Columbia University.]
1. Slow oven (250 degrees to 350 degrees F.) for custards and meringues.
2. Moderate oven (350 degrees to 400 degrees F.) for bread, gingerbread,
plain cake, [Footnote 77: The lower temperature should be used for loaf
cakes and the higher temperature for layer cakes.] all molasses mixtures.
3. Hot oven (400 degrees to 450 degrees F.) for Parkerhouse rolls, and
Popovers. In baking Popovers, the oven should be cooled to moderate heat
after the first ten minutes.
4. Very hot oven (450 degrees to 550 degrees F.) for pastry. After the
first 6 minutes, the temperature should be lowered to "hot."
Oven temperatures may be estimated also as follows: (_a_) note the
number of minutes required to change white paper, flour, or bread to a
light brown or to a golden brown; (_b_) note the number of "counts"
(one count per second) that the hand may be held in the oven.
POUR BATTER.--All breads may be divided into two classes: (_a_) Quick
Breads and (_b_) Yeast Breads. The former are so named because a much
shorter time is required in their preparation. Quick breads are divided
into several classes, depending upon the proportion of flour and moisture
in the batter. A _pour batter_ is the thinnest quick bread mixture.
It usually contains about equal parts of flour and moisture. A definite
proportion cannot be stated, since the thickening quality of different
flours varies, and the wetting quality of different moist materials
varies. Many pour batters contain a little more flour than moisture.
Popover mixture is. a typical pour batter.
POPOVERS
1 egg
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 cupful milk
1 cupful flour
1/3 teaspoonful fat (melted)
Oil iron gem pans; place them in the oven, heat until very hot. Put all
the Popover ingredients in a mixing bowl, and beat the mixture with a
Dover egg beater. Pour it into the hot pans and bake 35 to 45 minutes in a
hot oven, at 425 degrees F. Earthen cups placed in a dripping pan may be
used instead of iron pans.
Popovers may be served hot as a bread, for breakfast or luncheon; or may
be used as a dessert with custard or lemon filling or sauce. Fruit makes a
pleasing addition to Popovers. Before baking, drop a piece of apple,
peach, or other fruit, into the batter in each cup.
QUESTIONS
What change, other than moistening the flour, takes place in the milk that
helps to lighten the Popovers?
What changes take place in the eggs and in the air inclosed in them when
they are heated quickly?
What is the purpose of beating the Popover mixture thoroughly? How many
Popovers will the given recipe make?
LESSON CX
LEAVENING WITH BAKING SODA AND SOUR MILK: SPIDER CORN BREAD
Besides the air that is beaten into the eggs and into the combined
ingredients of quick bread mixtures, a gas--carbon dioxide--is often
introduced into such mixtures. To find how this gas may be formed, try the
following:
EXPERIMENT 67: ACTION OF BAKING SODA ON SOUR MILK.--Place a teaspoonful of
sour milk in a test tube and add a pinch of baking soda. Do you notice any
change in the ingredients? Apply heat to the contents of the tube. What
kind of material (solid, liquid, or gas) is indicated by the bubbling (see
Experiment 7)? What does this experiment teach with regard to the use of
baking soda and sour milk, for lightening a mixture?
EXPERIMENT 68: CHEMICAL CHANGE.--Measure 1/4 cupful of thick sour milk.
[Footnote 78: The amount of acid in sour milk varies slightly.] Dip the
end of a piece of blue litmus paper in it. What change in color takes
place in the paper? When blue litmus changes to pink, an _acid_ is
present. The sour milk therefore contains acid. Measure 1/8 teaspoonful of
baking soda. Mix this with a little water. Test with pink litmus paper.
When pink litmus paper changes to blue, an _alkaline_ substance is
present. Baking soda is therefore alkaline in reaction.
Pour the milk into a saucepan, add about 3/4 of the soda mixture, stir and
heat until effervescence (bubbling) has ceased. Test the mixture in the
saucepan with blue litmus paper. If the blue litmus paper changes color,
carefully add a little more of the soda solution. Test with litmus again.
If there is still a change in color, add soda solution until the litmus
does not change. Then test with pink litmus. When neither pink nor blue
litmus paper changes color a _neutral_ substance is present, i.e. a
substance neither acid nor alkaline.
When this occurs, the mixture in the pan is no longer acid in reaction.
Neither sour milk nor baking soda exists in the pan. A _chemical
change_ has taken place. From the union of sour milk and soda, entirely
different materials are formed; one is the neutral substance in the pan;
another is the carbon dioxide gas which has escaped, and the third is
water. When an acid and an alkaline material are mixed, a chemical change
always occurs. Chemical changes are constantly taking place when certain
food mixtures are cooked and digested.
EXPERIMENT 69: QUANTITY OF BAKING SODA TO USE WITH SOUR MILK.--To the
contents of the saucepan of Experiment 68, add 1/8 teaspoonful more of
baking soda. Stir, heat, and test with pink litmus. What is the reaction--
acid or alkaline? Has the last quantity of soda been neutralized as was
the first quantity? Explain.
If more baking soda than is necessary to neutralize the acid of the sour
milk is used, some _unneutralized_ soda will remain in the mixture.
This is undesirable, since soda has a "bitter taste." An excessive
quantity of unneutralized soda also discolors the mixture.
Experiments 68 and 69 indicate that the _approximate_ proportion of
baking soda to sour milk is: _1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda to 1
cupful of thick sour milk._
The following "equations" indicate the importance of using the proper
amount of baking soda to neutralize the acid materials:
1 cupful of sour milk + 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda --> [Footnote
79: The plus sign is read "with"; the arrow is read "yields."] water
+ carbon dioxide gas + neutral material.
1 cupful of sour milk + 1 teaspoonful of baking soda --> water + carbon
dioxide gas + neutral material + unneutralized "soda."
SPIDER CORN BREAD
3/4 cupful corn-meal
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda
1/4 cupful flour
1 egg
1 tablespoonful sugar
1 cupful sour milk
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
Mix the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, beat an egg, add the sour milk,
then the dry ingredients. Beat the mixtures until the ingredients are well
blended.
Melt the butter or substitute in a hot "spider" or frying pan. Pour the
corn-meal mixture into it. Bake in a hot oven until sufficiently baked,
usually about 20 minutes (see tests below). Serve hot.
TESTS FOR SUFFICIENT BAKING OF QUICK BREAD.--Quick Bread is usually
sufficiently baked: (_a_) when it is a golden brown in color;
(_b_) when the mixture shrinks from the pan; (_c_) when the
crust springs back into place, if pressed gently with the fingers; or
(_d_) when no batter or dough clings to a wire skewer or knitting
needle (see Figure 1) that has been inserted. Usually it is not necessary
to apply this last test, unless the quick bread is baked in a loaf or in a
very thick layer.
QUESTIONS
Mention the materials used in Spider Corn Bread to make it light. Explain
their action.
Explain why satisfactory results could not be obtained by using 1 1/2
teaspoonfuls of baking soda in this Spider Corn Bread recipe.
What is the price per half-pound of baking soda?
How many persons does this Spider Corn Bread recipe serve?
LESSON CXI
LEAVENING WITH BAKING SODA, SOUR MILK, AND MOLASSES: GINGERBREAD
EXPERIMENT 70: ACTION OF BAKING SODA ON MOLASSES.--Place a teaspoonful of
baking molasses in a test tube and dilute with a little water. Test it
with litmus paper. What is its reaction? Add a pinch of baking soda. Heat.
What does effervescence indicate? What do we call the gas formed by the
action of the baking soda and a substance having an acid reaction? Explain
how baking soda and molasses could be used to lighten a quick bread.
EXPERIMENT 71: QUANTITY OF BAKING SODA TO USE WITH MOLASSES.--Carefully
measure 1/8 cupful of molasses. [Footnote 80: The acidity of molasses may
be due to fermentation or to the preservatives used in many brands. Its
intensity varies.] Dilute it with much water. Carefully measure 1/16
teaspoonful of baking soda and mix it with water. Add about 3/4 of the
soda mixture to the molasses solution. Stir and heat. Test with blue
litmus. If it changes color, keep adding the soda mixture, until the
litmus paper does not change, as in Experiment 68. When neither blue nor
pink litmus paper changes color, what kind of substance,--acid, alkaline,
or neutral,--is present? What change has taken place in the materials
placed in the saucepan?
This experiment shows that the _approximate_ proportion of baking
soda to molasses is:
1/2 _teaspoonful of baking soda to_ 1 _cupful of molasses_.
This "equation" expresses the chemical change in the experiment:
1 cupful molasses + 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda --> neutral material +
carbon dioxide gas + water.
GINGERBREAD
2 cupfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
3/4 teaspoonful baking soda
1 teaspoonful cinnamon
2 teaspoonfuls ginger
1/8 teaspoonful cloves
1 egg
1 cupful thick sour milk
1/2 cupful molasses
1/2 cupful sugar
2 to 4 tablespoonfuls fat
Mix all the dry ingredients except the sugar. Beat the egg in a mixing
bowl. Add the sour milk, molasses, and sugar. If solid fat is used, melt
it. Add the fat to the molasses mixture. Through a sifter, add the dry
ingredients to other materials. Beat thoroughly and turn at once into a
shallow oiled pan. Bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees F. to 400 degrees
F.) 20 minutes or longer (see _Tests for Sufficient Baking of Quick
Bread_)
_Gingerbread without Eggs_ may be made. Omit the egg from the recipe
above. To the dry ingredients, add 1 teaspoonful of baking powder.
_Water Gingerbread_ may be made by substituting 7/8 cupful cold water
for the sour milk, and using 1/4 teaspoonful baking soda (instead of 3/4
teaspoonful) and adding 3 teaspoonfuls of baking powder.
QUESTIONS
Mention the leavening materials used in this Gingerbread, and explain
their action.
What is the price per quart of molasses?
How many persons does this recipe serve?
LESSON CXII
LEAVENING WITH BAKING POWDER: GRIDDLE CAKES
EXPERIMENT 72: EFFECT OF COLD WATER ON A MIXTURE OF CREAM OF TARTAR AND
BAKING SODA.--Test a bit of cream of tartar with moistened litmus paper.
Is it acid or alkaline in reaction?
Put 1/8 teaspoonful of baking soda and twice the quantity of cream of
tartar in a dry test tube. Does any change take place? Add about 1
teaspoonful of cold water to the mixture and examine. What change takes
place? What substance is being formed?
EXPERIMENT 73: EFFECT OF HOT WATER ON A MIXTURE OF CREAM OF TARTAR AND
BAKING SODA.--Repeat Experiment 72, using hot water instead of cold with
the baking soda and cream of tartar. Which causes greater effervescence,--
hot or cold water? Is it desirable to have more of the gas formed before
or after the mixture is placed in the oven? What, then, should be the
temperature (hot or cold) of liquids and other materials used in the quick
bread mixtures?
EXPERIMENT 74: EFFECT OF HOT WATER ON BAKING POWDER.--Add about 1
teaspoonful of hot water to 1/4 teaspoonful of baking powder. Compare the
effervescence with that of Experiment 73. From the comparison of
Experiments 72 and 73, with Experiment 74, what two kinds of substances do
you infer this baking powder contains?
(Save the contents of the tube for the following experiment.)
EXPERIMENT 75: STARCH IN BAKING POWDER.--Filter the contents of the tube
used in Experiment 74 through filter paper (see Figure 30). Add a drop of
tincture of iodine to the insoluble material left on the filter paper.
What is the insoluble constituent of this baking powder?
COMPOSITION OF BAKING POWDER.--Baking powder consists of
(_a_) baking soda,
(_b_) a substance having an acid reaction,
(_c_) a starchy material.
The substance of acid reaction varies in different baking powders. Some
powders in common use contain either cream of tartar, calcium or sodium
acid phosphate, or alum [Footnote 81: Alums differ in composition. They
are sulphates of various metals. The alum most commonly used in alum
baking powder is sodium aluminium sulphate.] as the "acid" material.
Certain baking powders contain a mixture of materials with acid reaction,
such as cream of tartar with tartaric acid, and alum with calcium acid
phosphate.
The starch is added to keep the other materials apart, and thus prevent
the possible formation and consequent loss of carbon dioxide.
The trade name of a baking powder does not usually suggest its
composition. But the latter is always stated on the label of the can.
EXPERIMENT 76: COMPARISON OF THE TIME OF ACTION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF
BAKING POWDERS.--Put 1/2 cupful of water of the same temperature into each
of 3 tumblers or glass measuring cups. To one tumbler add 1/2 teaspoonful
of tartrate baking powder; to the second, the same quantity of phosphate
baking powder; and to the third an equal quantity of alum (or alum and
phosphate) baking powder. Stir each and note the length of time that
chemical change occurs in each tumbler. Which type of baking powder reacts
the longest time?
DIFFERENCE IN TYPES OF BAKING POWDERS.--Although there has been much
discussion regarding the superiority of one type of baking powder over
another, it is thought that one standard baking powder is as little
harmful as another. But, as shown by Experiment 76, the action of certain
types is slower than that of others, _i.e._ the formation of the gas
continues for a longer time. Certain types of baking powders which react
very quickly when moisture is added may react to some extent while still
in the can and thus lose some of their effectiveness in leavening. It is
well to buy those baking powders in such quantities so that a fresh can
can be purchased often. The price of certain types of baking powders is
much greater than that of others.
QUANTITY OF BAKING POWDER IN QUICK BREADS.--Since baking powder contains
both acid and alkaline materials, the quantity of baking powder used in a
quick bread is dependent not upon another leavening material, but upon the
quantity of flour and eggs. _When no eggs are used, 2 tea-spoonfuls of
baking powder should be used with 1 cupful of flour._ When eggs are
added to a quick bread, the quantity of baking powder should be lessened
1/2 teaspoonful for each egg.
_Two and one half teaspoonfuls of baking powder should be used with 1
cupful of coarse wheat flour or flour or meal other than wheat._
SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING GRIDDLE CAKES.--The general rules for mixing
quick breads apply also to griddle cakes. When the yolk and white of the
egg are separated, the mixture will be somewhat lighter. Most
housekeepers, however, beat the eggs together quickly, and find the result
satisfactory.
The consistency of griddle cake batter is most important. As suggested in
the recipe, the moisture should be added cautiously. Since the quantity of
baking powder depends upon the amount of flour, it is better to change
from a thick to a thinner batter by increasing the moisture, rather than
to change from a thin to a thicker batter by increasing the flour. After
mixing the batter, drop a small cake on the hot iron. The thickness as
well as the grain of the browned cake depends largely upon the consistency
of the batter. If too much moisture has been used, the cake is thin,
"pasty," and coarse grained.
A griddle should be heated slowly, and should be hot when the cakes are
mixed. If sufficient fat is used in the batter, it is not necessary to
oil the griddle. The recipes for griddle cakes given in this book contain
one and one half times the quantity of fat generally used in griddle cake
batters. Hence oiling the griddle is unnecessary. It is well after each
baking to wipe off the griddle with a cloth or paper.
Drop the batter by the spoonful (from the end of the spoon) on the hot
griddle, brown on the under side thoroughly. When the cakes have risen,
when the tops are full of bubbles, and when the edges are brown, the cakes
should be turned and browned on the other side. Serve cakes at once after
baking.
PLAIN GRIDDLE CAKES
2 cupfuls flour
1 egg
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 1/2 cupfuls milk
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
3 tablespoonfuls fat
Prepare according to the directions above. Add the milk cautiously. More
or less (according to the absorbing property of the flour) than the given
quantity may be required.
1/8 cupful of sugar or molasses may be added to the mixture. If desired,
one more egg may be used in this recipe. Serve with maple or other sirup
(see _Sirup_).
BREAD GRIDDLE CAKES
1 1/2 cupfuls bread crumbs
1 1/2 cupfuls hot milk
3 tablespoonfuls fat
1 to 2 eggs
1/2 cupful flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
3 teaspoonfuls baking powder
Soak the bread in the hot milk until soft. Add the other ingredients in
the order given.
1 cupful of cooked cereal may be used instead of bread crumbs. _Rice
Griddle Cakes_ are especially pleasing.
QUESTIONS
Account for the quantity of baking powder used in each of these recipes.
What is the price per pound of cream of tartar? Of tartrate baking powder?
Of phosphate baking powder? Of alum baking powder? Of alum-phosphate
baking powder?
What would be the effect of exposing baking powder to moist air? How
should baking powder be stored?
What kind of griddle cakes result when the batter is too thin? When too
thick?
What indicates that the griddle is too hot? Too cool?
How should griddle cakes be served?
LESSON CXIII
LEAVENING WITH BAKING SODA, SOUR MILK, AND BAKING POWDER: SOUR MILK
GRIDDLE CAKES
ADDITIONAL LEAVENING FOR SOUR MILK MIXTURES.--Some housekeepers maintain
that a superior flavor and quality is given to quick bread by the use of
sour milk. It has been found that most quick breads are sufficiently light
and porous when made with sour milk and baking soda, provided they contain
as much or almost as much sour milk as flour and provided they contain
eggs. If _the quantity of sour milk is much less than that of flour_
and _no eggs are present_, it is often desirable to add leavening
materials other than sour milk and baking soda.
From the results of Experiment 69 we know that an increased quantity of
baking soda will not produce satisfactory results. Hence more carbon
dioxide gas must be obtained by other means. Since baking powder consists
of both baking soda and an "acid" material, it makes a desirable substance
for additional leavening. A combination of baking soda, sour milk, and
baking powder is therefore used for leavening some quick bread mixtures,
especially those that contain only a small quantity of sour milk and no
eggs. This involves a double reaction:
(_a_) Baking soda + sour milk --> neutral material + carbon dioxide
gas + water.
(_b_) Baking powder (moistened and heated) --> neutral material +
carbon dioxide gas + water.
About 1/4 of baking powder is baking soda. Hence 1/4 teaspoonful of baking
soda (with the necessary quantity of "acid" material) is equivalent to 1
teaspoonful of baking powder in leavening. If 2 teaspoonfuls of baking
powder are used to leaven 1 cupful of flour, 1/2 _teaspoonful of baking
soda_ (with the necessary quantity of "acid" material) _should be
used to leaven 1 cupful of flour_.
_Two thirds teaspoonful of baking soda_ (with the necessary quantity
of "acid" material) _should be used to leaven 1 cupful of coarse flour
or flour or meal_ other than wheat.
In determining the quantity of baking powder to use in materials leavened
with sour milk and baking soda, note the quantity of baking soda and
flour. Assuming that 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda (with "acid") or 2
teaspoonfuls of baking powder leavens 1 cupful of flour, determine the
amount of flour that the given quantity of baking soda (with "acid") will
leaven and then use sufficient baking powder to leaven the remainder of
the flour. For example, if a recipe states (among other ingredients) 1/2
teaspoonful of baking soda and 2 cupfuls of flour, the baking soda (with
"acid") will leaven 1 cupful of flour. Hence baking powder sufficient to
leaven 1 cupful of flour (_i.e._ 2 teaspoonfuls) should be used.
Again, if a recipe states that 3/4 teaspoonful baking soda and 2 cupfuls
of flour, the baking soda (with "acid") will leaven 1 1/2 cupfuls of
flour. Hence baking powder sufficient to leaven 1/2 cupful flour
(_i.e._ 1 teaspoonful) should be used.
SOUR MILK GRIDDLE CAKES (without eggs)
2 cupfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful baking powder
7/8 teaspoonful baking soda
1 3/4 cupfuls sour milk
3 tablespoonfuls fat
Turn the sour milk into a mixing bowl. Melt the fat and add it to the sour
milk. Add the dry ingredients (through a sifter) to the mixture. Mix
thoroughly. If more moisture is needed, add water.
CORN-MEAL GRIDDLE CAKES
1 cupful corn-meal
2 cupfuls water
3 tablespoonfuls fat
1 cupful sour milk
1 cupful flour
1 teaspoonful salt
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda [Footnote 82: The 1/2 teaspoonful of baking
soda
(with "acid") is sufficient to leaven the 1 cupful of flour. Then 2 1/2
teaspoonfuls of baking powder should be added, since 1 cupful of corn-
meal is
contained in the recipe (see _Quantity of Baking Powder in Quick
Breads_).]
2 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder [Footnote 83: See footnote 82]
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls sugar
Add the corn-meal to the water, mix thoroughly, and cook 5 minutes. Add
the fat. Cool. Then add the milk and dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Drop
at once on a hot griddle.
FRUIT SIRUP
Cook fresh fruit, or dried fruit that has been soaked in water, in a
generous quantity of water until it is very soft. Press through a
strainer. If it is not of the consistency of catsup, add more hot water.
Add from one eighth to one fourth cupful of sugar for each cupful of
sirup, or "sweeten to taste." Serve on griddle cakes, or use as a sauce
for Bread Pudding or Rice Pudding.
Fruit butters, marmalades, or jams may be diluted with water, heated, and
used in the same way.
QUESTIONS
If an egg or two were added to griddle cakes made with sour milk, how
should the recipe be changed? Give reasons for the change.
Explain the action of the leavening agents in Sour Milk Griddle Cakes
(without eggs).
In a quick bread leavened with baking soda, sour milk, and baking powder,
upon what ingredient does the quantity of baking soda depend? Upon what
ingredients does the quantity of baking powder depend? Explain your
answers.
What is the purpose of cooking the corn-meal before adding the other
ingredients? Why should the cooked mixture be cooled before adding the
other ingredients?
LESSON CXIV
LEAVENING WITH BAKING SODA, SOUR MILK, AND CREAM OF TARTAR: STEAMED BROWN
BREADS
ADDITIONAL LEAVENING FOR SOUR MILK MIXTURES.--Instead of using prepared
baking powder as additional leavening for sour milk mixtures (see previous
lesson) cream of tartar with sour milk and baking soda may be used. Enough
baking soda must be used, however, to neutralize both the sour milk and
the cream of tartar. This involves a double reaction:
(_a_) Baking soda + sour milk --> water + carbon dioxide gas +
neutral substance.
(_b_) Baking soda + cream of tartar --> water + carbon dioxide gas +
a neutral substance.
If molasses is used with the sour milk and baking soda, a third reaction
occurs:
(_c_) Baking soda + molasses --> water + carbon dioxide gas + neutral
substance.
It has been found that the following proportion of cream of tartar and
baking soda is effective in leavening: 1 1/4 _teaspoonfuls of cream of
tartar with _1/2_ teaspoonful of baking soda._ These quantities of
materials are sufficient to leaven 1 cupful of flour. 1 1/2
_teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar with _2/3_ teaspoonful of baking
soda are required to leaven 1 cupful coarse wheat flour or flour or meal
other than wheat._
In determining the quantity of cream of tartar and baking soda to use with
mixtures containing sour milk or other acid food, note the quantity of
flour (or other cereal) in the recipe. Assuming that 1/2 teaspoonful of
baking soda (with the necessary "acid" material) leavens 1 cupful of
flour, determine the total quantity of baking soda, which (with the
necessary "acid" material) will leaven the flour. Then determine how much
of the baking soda will be neutralized by the sour milk or other "acid"
food. Assuming that l-1/4 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar are needed to
neutralize 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda, use enough cream of tartar to
neutralize the remainder of the baking soda. For example, if a recipe
calls for (among other ingredients) 2 cupfuls flour and 1 cupful of sour
milk, 1 teaspoonful of baking soda (with the necessary "acid" material)
will be needed to leaven the flour. Since 1 cupful of sour milk will
neutralize only 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda, enough cream of tartar
(_i.e._ 1 1/4 teaspoonfuls) will be needed to neutralize the
remainder of the baking soda.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR STEAMED QUICK BREAD MIXTURES.--A quick bread
mixture that is to be steamed should be placed in a covered utensil. If
the mold or the can used for steaming has no cover, an oiled paper should
be tied over the top. As with all quick breads, the molds for steamed
mixtures should be oiled. If the quick bread is a pour batter, the mold
should be oiled and then sprinkled with flour. It should never be filled
more than two thirds full.
A steamer placed over boiling water may be used for the steaming; or a
kettle of boiling water containing a rack may be used. If the latter
device is employed, the boiling water in the kettle should come halfway to
the top of the molds. As the water evaporates, add more _boiling_
water. Less time is required in the steaming, if the mold is placed
directly in the water.
At least one hour is required for steaming breads. The longer brown bread
is steamed, the darker it becomes. A mixture in an earthen mold requires
more time than does one in a tin or granite mold (see Experiment 46).
PLAIN BROWN BREAD
2 cupfuls graham flour
2/3 cupful white flour
3/4 cupful brown sugar
2/3 teaspoonful salt
1 2/3 teaspoonfuls baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls cream of tartar
2 cupfuls sour milk
Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly. Turn the sour milk into a mixing bowl.
Add the dry ingredients; mix well. Turn at once into an oiled bread pan,
and bake in the oven from 50 to 60 minutes; or fill one-pound baking
powder cans (which have been oiled) two thirds full, and steam at least 4
hours. If the bread is steamed, remove it (after steaming) from the molds
and dry in the oven for a few minutes.
BOSTON BROWN BREAD
1/4 cupful sugar
1 cupful corn-meal
2 cupfuls graham flour
3/4 teaspoonful salt
2 teaspoonfuls baking soda
2 teaspoonfuls cream of tartar
2 cupfuls sour milk
1/2 cupful molasses
Mix the dry ingredients (except the sugar) thoroughly. Turn the molasses,
sugar, and sour milk into a mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients; mix
well. Turn at once into oiled molds, and steam at least 4 hours. Remove
from the molds, and dry in the oven for a few minutes.
Rye meal or bread crumbs may be substituted for 1 cupful of graham flour.
If dried bread crumbs are used, moisten them with a little cold water
before adding to the other ingredients.
1 cupful of raisins may also be added to the ingredients of the above
recipe. If raisins are used, cut them in two and sprinkle flour over them.
BUTTER BALLS
Cut firm butter into half-ounce pieces and place in a pan of ice water.
Scrub the butter paddles; place in boiling water for 10 minutes; and then
in the pan of ice water until chilled. Place a piece of butter on one of
the paddles and hold the paddle stationary. Shape the butter with the
other butter paddle, moving it in a circular direction. Hold the paddle
over the ice water while shaping. Place the butter balls in a cool place.
QUESTIONS
What gas is formed in these mixtures to leaven them? By what means is the
gas formed in each mixture?
How much baking soda and cream of tartar should be used in a recipe
containing 2 cupfuls of flour, 1 cupful of sour milk, and 1/2 cupful
molasses?
Account for the quantity of baking soda used in each of the Brown Bread
recipes.
Give two reasons why the paper used to cover a steamed quick bread mixture
should be oiled. Why are molds for steamed mixtures filled only two thirds
full?
Why should _boiling_ water be used to replenish the water in steaming
kettle? Why is a longer time required for steaming than for baking quick
bread mixtures?
Why should butter paddles be cleaned with a brush rather than with a
cloth?
What is the purpose of placing butter paddles in boiling water before
using?
Why hold the paddles over ice water while shaping the butter balls?
LESSON CXV
FORMULATING RECIPES--WAFFLES
LEAVENING FORMULAS.--A practical housekeeper needs to be able to formulate
fundamental recipes. In preparing quick bread recipes, she should know the
required consistency of flour mixtures, _i.e._ the approximate
proportion of moisture and flour for each bread; and the proportion of
leavening, seasoning, and "shortening" (fat) materials to use with flour.
In previous lessons, general statements have been made concerning the
quantity of leavening materials to use under various conditions. The
following is the approximate amount of leavening material to be used for
quick breads that contain little or no sugar:
BAKING SODA AND SOUR MILK
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda to 1 cupful of sour milk
BAKING SODA AND MOLASSES [Footnote 84: See footnote 80.]
1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda to 1 cupful molasses
FLOUR AND BAKING POWDER
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder to 1 cupful of flour when no eggs are used.
When eggs are used, reduce the entire quantity of baking powder by 1/2
teaspoonful for each egg.
COARSE WHEAT FLOUR, OR FLOUR (OR MEAL) OTHER THAN WHEAT, AND BAKING POWDER
2 1/2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder to 1 cupful of coarse flour or meal.
FLOUR, CREAM OF TARTAR, AND BAKING SODA
1 1/4 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar and 1/2 teaspoonful of baking soda
to 1 cupful of flour.
COARSE WHEAT FLOUR, OR FLOUR (OR MEAL) OTHER THAN WHEAT, CREAM OF TARTAR
AND BAKING SODA
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar and 2/3 teaspoonful of baking soda
to 1 cupful of flour.
Examine a number of recipes previously given, and note the quantity of
salt and fat used with 1 cupful of flour.
In general, the following quantities of salt and fat are used for quick
breads that contain little or no sugar:
FLOUR AND SALT
1/4 teaspoonful of salt to 1 cupful of flour
FLOUR AND FAT
1 tablespoonful of fat to 1 cupful of flour
While these data are helpful in formulating recipes, the pupil should
remember that they are all approximate and for plain breads only. When
recipes are modified by the addition of a cereal, a fruit, or a flavoring
material, some of the quantities will need to be changed.
WAFFLES
2 cupfuls flour
3 to 3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 to 2 eggs
1 1/2 cupfuls milk
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Mix according to the directions for Plain Griddle Cakes. The quantity of
baking powder depends upon the number of eggs. The greater quantity should
be used with one egg. Before using the waffle irons, they should be heated
slowly on both sides and oiled thoroughly. Oleomargarine, oil, or lard may
be used for this purpose.
Pour the batter quickly into the hot irons, close the irons at once, and
brown the waffles on both sides. Serve with sirup or gravy.
QUESTIONS
Write a recipe for waffles, using sweet milk and baking powder and 3 eggs.
Write two recipes for waffles, using sour milk and soda (with additional
leavening, if necessary) and 1 egg in the one, and 2 eggs in the other.
How many waffles does the given recipe make?
RELATED WORK
LESSON CXVI
MEASUREMENT OF THE FUEL VALUE OF FOODS
HOW FOOD IS ASSIMILATED.--The uses of the foodstuffs,--carbohydrates,
fats, protein, ash, water, and vitamines,--were given. It was stated that
these foodstuffs either (_a_) "burned" (_i.e._ united with
oxygen) and produced energy, (_b_) built the body, or (_c_)
aided in regulating body processes.
All parts of the body are composed of microscopic cells. By the process of
digestion the foodstuffs are made entirely soluble (see _Solution and
Digestion_); they are then further altered, _i.e._ split to their
end products and absorbed through the walls of the alimentary canal. The
blood carries the digestion products to all parts of the body. The blood
also carries oxygen,--which has been breathed into the body from the
air,--to all parts of the body. The body cells then select the foodstuffs
that they need to carry on their work. Some cells pick out the fuel
materials--carbohydrates, fat, or protein--and oxygen. Fuel foods when
oxidized, produce energy. Other body cells select some of the body
builders--protein or ash--and use these for building or repairing tissue.
The cells which build bone choose ash and the other materials needed for
building bones; the cells which build muscle choose protein and the other
materials needed for building muscle.
Little is known regarding the use of vitamines by the body cells, other
than that they are indispensable for the growth and maintenance of the
body.
HOW ENERGY OR FUEL VALUE IS MEASURED.--It was stated that the human body
could be compared to an automobile, _i.e._ the "burning" of the fuel
foods in the body produced the ability to do work. The quantity of energy
that fuel food is capable of giving off is termed the _fuel value_ of
that food. Energy has been defined as the ability to do work. Since heat
is energy, the fuel value of foods shows, in part, [Footnote 85: Although
ash, water, and vitamines nourish the body, it is impossible to measure
their nutritive value in terms of fuel value. Fuel value expresses the
nutritive value only of the combustible foodstuffs,--carbohydrates, fats,
and protein. However, according to Sherman, "the most conspicuous
nutritive requirement is that of energy for the work of the body." Hence,
the fuel value of a food is often spoken of as its nutritive value (see
"Chemistry of Food and Nutrition," Second Edition, by Henry C. Sherman,
Ph.D., p. 138).] their nutritive value. _If the quantity of heat that is
produced by burning a food is measured, the measurement indicates the
quantity of energy that the food is capable of giving to the body._
Heat cannot be measured by weight or length, but by the change in
temperature which it produces in a given weight of a certain material. The
heat unit is not a pound or yard, but a _Calorie_, or a definite
quantity of heat, which, when applied to materials, will produce change of
temperature in those materials. If the temperature of one pound [Footnote
86: NOTE TO THE TEACHER--The avoirdupois system of measurement and the
Fahrenheit scale of temperature are used in this text. It is believed by
the author that less than ten per cent of all pupils taking this course
will enter college. Hence, the use of the measurements that are more in
keeping with the pupils' practical needs. For the small minority who will
enter college, a thorough drill in the metric system is urged. The
following formula gives the necessary information for changing from the
Fahreheit to the Centigrade scale: Subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9.] of
water is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is desired to increase the
temperature of that water to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, a certain quantity of
heat will have to be applied. It has been found that the quantity of heat
required to raise the temperature of one pound of water through any four
degrees of the Fahrenheit scale is practically the same, _i.e._ the
quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water
from 32 degrees to 36 degrees F. is about the same as the quantity of heat
that must be applied to raise the temperature of one pound of water from
60 degrees to 64 degrees F. The unit of measurement of heat is taken as
the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of
water through about 4 degrees F.
The Calorie, [Footnote 87: _I.e._ greater Calorie, distinguished from
the lesser calorie by the capital C.] used for food calculation, _is
approximately the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of
one pound (pint) of water through_ 4 degrees F. If one pint of water
were placed over a lighted burner and heated until it increased four
degrees in temperature, approximately one Calorie of heat would have
been applied to the water (see Figure 82).
HOW THE FUEL VALUE OF A FOOD MATERIAL IS MEASURED.--Scientists have worked
with care to obtain accurate data for the measurement of the heat produced
by foods burning in the body. The data accepted to-day differ from those
given by Rubner some years ago. [Footnote 88: See "Chemistry of Foods and
Nutrition," Second Edition, by Henry C. Sherman, Ph.D., p. 143,
"Physiological Fuel Values."]
1 gram protein yields 4 Calories
1 gram fat yields 9 Calories
1 gram carbohydrate yields 4 Calories
Expressing grams approximately in ounces, these data become:
1 ounce of protein yields 113 Calories
1 ounce of fat yields 255 Calories
1 ounce of carbohydrate yields 113 Calories
[Illustration: FIGURE 82.--ILLUSTRATING THE AMOUNT OF HEAT REPRESENTED BY
ONE CALORIE.]
In order to find the fuel value of foods, it is necessary to know their
composition. For such data _United States Department of Agriculture_
Bulletin No. 28 is a valuable source.
_Flour_.--The fuel content of flour is (see _United States
Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, p. 58, All Analyses
Average):
10.6 per cent protein; 1.1 per cent fat; 76.3 per cent carbohydrates.
Then, 1 ounce of flour contains, 0.106 ounce of protein; 0.011 ounce of
fat; 0.763 ounce carbohydrates.
The protein in one ounce of flour yields (113 x 0106 =) 11.97 Calories.
[Illustration: FIGURE 83.--COMPARATIVE WEIGHTS OF 100-CALORIE PORTIONS OF
FOODS.]
The fat in one ounce of flour yields (255 x 0.011 =) 2.80 Calories. The
carbohydrates in one ounce of flour yield (113 x 0.763 =) 86.21 Calories.
Total Calories furnished by 1 ounce of flour are (11.97 + 2.80 + 86.21 =)
100.98.
_Butter_.--The fuel content of butter is (see _United States
Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, p. 54):
1 per cent protein; 85 per cent fat; no carbohydrates.
1 ounce of butter contains 0.01 ounce of protein, 0.85 ounce of fat, and
no carbohydrates.
The protein in one ounce of butter yields (0.01 x 113 =) 1.13 Calories.
The fat in one ounce of butter yields (0.85 x 255 =) 216.75 Calories.
Number of total Calories furnished by one ounce of butter is
(1.13+216.75=) 217.88.
_Sugar_.--The fuel content of sugar is (see _United States
Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, p. 65) no per cent
protein; no per cent fat; 100 per cent carbohydrates.
1 ounce of sugar contains no protein, no fat, and 1 ounce carbohydrates. 1
ounce sugar yields (113 x 1 =) 113 Calories.
HOW THE WEIGHT OF FOOD MATERIALS PRODUCING 100 CALORIES IS MEASURED.--For
practical work in computing the fuel value of foods, it has been found
more convenient to reduce all data to terms which express equal fuel value
instead of equal weight as in the foregoing paragraph. One hundred
Calories is the unit chosen. The weight of a food which, when "burned" in
the body, will produce one hundred Calories is the desired data. This
weight is termed a _standard portion_ or a _100-Calorie portion_
(see Figures 83 and 84).
From the previous work, it is a simple matter to compute in ounces the
quantity of food materials which will yield 100 Calories.
If 1 ounce of flour yields 100.98 Calories and _x_ represents the
number of ounces of flour which will yield 100 Calories, then
_x_/1=100/100.98 or _x_=0.99, the number of ounces of flour
which yield 100 Calories, _i.e._ a 100-Calorie portion of flour.
If 1 ounce of butter yields 217.88 Calories and _x_ represents the
number of ounces of butter which will yield 100 Calories, then
_x_/1=100/217.88 or _x_=0.45, the number of ounces of butter
which yield 100 Calories, _i.e._ a 100-Calorie portion of butter.
[Illustration: FIGURE 84--100-CALORIE PORTIONS OF FOODS. a, banana, b,
butter, c, eggs d, meat; e, bread.]
If 1 ounce of sugar yields 113 Calories and x represents the number of
ounces of sugar which will yield 100 Calories, then _x_/1=100/113 or
_x_=0.88, the number of ounces of sugar which will yield 100
Calories, _i.e._ a 100-Calorie portion of sugar.
HOW THE FUEL VALUE OF A COMBINATION OF FOOD MATERIAL IS MEASURED.--It is
possible to compute the fuel value of a food that is made up of several
food materials. To do this one must know or find:
(_a_) Recipe for food.
(_b_) Weight and measure of combustible food materials.
(_c_) Number of Calories yielded by one ounce of each of the
combustible
foodstuffs.
The recipe for one loaf of bread is:
1 cupful water
1 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful sugar
3 1/2 cupfuls flour
1/2 tablespoonful butter
1/4 cake compressed yeast
1/4 cupful water
By weighing and measuring one finds:
1 pound sugar measures 2 cupfuls
1 pound butter measures 2 cupfuls
1 pound flour measures 4 cupfuls
Then,
1 teaspoonful sugar weighs 0.16 ounce
1/3 tablespoonful butter weighs 0.25 ounce
3 1/2 cupfuls flour weigh 14.0 ounces
(From data of _How the Fuel Value of a Food Material is Measured_.)
1 teaspoonful sugar yields (113 x 0.16 =) 18.08 Calories
1/2 tablespoonful butter yields (217.88 x 0.25 =) 54.47 Calories
3 1/2 cupfuls flour yield (100.98 x 14 =) 1413.72 Calories
1 loaf of bread yields (18.08 + 54.47 + 1413.72 =) 1486.27 Calories
For the practical method of calculating diet (which is more fully treated
in Lesson CXXXI), it is convenient to have the 100-Calorie portion of a
recipe, or a "made" food.
The 100-Calorie portion of bread is estimated from the result above in the
following manner:
Since 1486.27 Calories are yielded by one loaf of homemade bread, then 100
Calories are yielded by (100/1486.27 =) .06 or 6 per cent of a loaf of
homemade bread; hence, 1/16 (6
) or 1 slice of homemade bread yields 100 Calories.
QUESTIONS
Find the number of Calories produced by one ounce of milk.
Find the number of Calories produced by one ounce of egg.
Weigh out 100-Calorie portions of flour, butter, and sugar.
Measure these quantities, using a cup for the flour, a tablespoon for the
butter, and a teaspoon for the sugar.
Compute 100-Calorie portions of milk and the edible portion of eggs, then
weigh these portions.
Measure this portion of milk in a cup. How many eggs make a standard
portion?
Why are water, salt, and yeast not considered when the fuel value is
computed?
Compute the fuel value of 1 pint of Soft Custard.
Find the 100-Calorie portion of Soft Custard.
NOTE.--Forms A and B given on the following pages will be found convenient
in recording the results of these calculations.
LESSON CXVII
PLANNING, COOKING, AND SERVING A DINNER
Plan a plain dinner. [Footnote 89: See footnote 72.] Use seasonable foods.
Follow the suggestions given in Lesson CV. Plan the menu so that the cost
of the materials used does not exceed 25 cents per person. Analyze the
menu and see that it meets the requirements stated in Lesson CV.
Cook and serve the dinner. Follow the English or family style of serving.
Serve the meal without a maid.
[Illustration: FORM A: CALCULATION OF 100-CALORIE PORTIONS OF FOODS]
[Illustration: FORM B: CALCULATION OF FUEL VALUE OF RECIPES]
LESSON CXVIII
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cereal Griddle Cakes
Fruit Sirup
Coffee
_or_
Butterscotch Apples
Gingerbread
Tea
See Lesson XIV regarding suggestions for the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CXIX
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 90: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Prepare a quick bread such as Popovers or
Gingerbread in your home at least once a week.
If griddle cakes are served in your home, prepare cakes at least once a
week.
Calculate the cost of these breads.
Suggested Aims:
(1) To use various leavens in quick breads. To compare results secured by
using sweet milk or water with baking powder, and sour milk with baking
soda, or sour milk with baking soda and baking powder.
(2) To use different liquids in Gingerbread, viz., sour milk, water, sweet
milk. To compare results obtained by the use of each.
DIVISION ELEVEN
QUICK BREADS: DROP BATTERS
LESSON CXX
FINE AND COARSE FLOURS--MUFFINS
DIFFERENCES IN WHEAT FLOURS.--Examine white flour, whole wheat flour, and
graham flour. Notice the difference in color, grittiness, and quantity of
bran (cellulose).
As has been mentioned before, all cereals or grains have an outer hard
covering of cellulose (see _Cellulose_). Cereals also contain a germ
from which the young plant springs. In the preparation of fine flours, the
germ and most of the cellulose covering are removed. Whole wheat
(erroneously named) has part of the outer covering removed. Graham
[Footnote 91: Graham flour is so called because Dr. Sylvester Graham
advocated the use of the entire grain and devised a method of preparing
it.] flour, properly made, contains all the materials of the wheat grain.
The germ is rich in fat, protein, and ash. The outer part, called
_bran_, contains more ash, fat, and protein than does the center of
the grain. Hence with the removal of the germ and bran, much of the
protein and ash is lost (see Figure 85). However, much graham flour is a
mixture of inferior flour and bran.
THE MILLING OF FLOUR.--In the milling of fine flour, the wheat kernels are
passed through a series of rollers and sifters that crush the wheat and
separate the bran from the other materials. The greater the number of
times the flour is subjected to the rolling and sifting process, the more
thoroughly are the parts of the grain separated and the more finely are
they crushed. When the separation is complete, the resulting fine flour
consists almost entirely of the center of the crushed grains (called
_middlings_). Flour made with fewer rollings and siftings contains
more of the outer coats. In general, the term _patent_ is applied to
flour made from the middlings. The flour containing more of the outer
coats is called _baker's_ or family flour. Patent flour contains more
starch than does baker's flour while baker's flour contains more protein
than does patent flour. The terms _patent_ and _baker's_ vary in
meaning, however, in different localities.
[Illustration: _From Maine Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No.
103._ FIGURE 85.--LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF WHEAT GRAIN SHOWING BRAN
(outer coatings), FLOURY PART (interior of grain), AND GERM (base of
grain).]
VALUE OF COARSE FLOUR.--Analyses show that graham and whole wheat flours
contain more protein and ash than fine white flour. So it would seem that
breads made from these coarser flours furnish more body-building material.
But investigations have shown that the protein contained in the coarse
flours is not entirely assimilated and that about the same quantity of
protein is digested and absorbed from fine as from coarse flours.
The coarser grain products, however, have more available ash than the fine
flours. Indeed, experiments show that the bran of coarse cereals is a
valuable source of ash [Footnote 92: See "Chemistry of Food and
Nutrition," Second Edition, H. C. Sherman, p. 306, "Grain Products," and
p. 308.] and that whole wheat flour is a more complete food than fine or
bolted wheat flour. [Footnote 93: See "The Newer Knowledge of Nutrition,"
E.V. McCollum, p.140.] Doubtless, for many persons, whole wheat foods are
more beneficial than fine flour products.
PER CENT OF NUTRIENTS; NUTRITIVE VALUES.--The per cent of nutrients in a
food does not always indicate the quantity of nourishment it will yield.
The nutrient must be in a condition to be absorbed. Wheat grains contain
as much protein when whole as when ground into meal, yet uncooked whole
wheat grains yield little nourishment to the body. They pass through the
system with much nutriment unextracted. Even if the unbroken grains are
thoroughly cooked, they will not furnish as much nourishment to the body
as they will when in the form of meal.
In the consideration of nutritive value, the personal factor enters, for
some persons assimilate food much more easily or completely than others.
In summing up what has been said, it will be seen that three factors
determine the nutritive value of a food: (_a_) per cent of nutrients,
(_b_) form of nutrients, and (_c_) personal digestive
characteristics.
DROP BATTERS.--All batters can be stirred with a spoon. Drop batters are
somewhat stiffer than pour batters. They contain, approximately, _two
parts of flour to one part of moisture_. Compare the Plain Muffin
recipe below with that for Popovers. Note how the recipes differ in the
quantity of flour used. Why do muffins contain baking powder, while
popovers do not? Muffin mixture is a typical drop batter.
PLAIN MUFFINS
2 cupfuls flour
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls fat
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1 egg
1 cupful milk
Break the egg into a mixing bowl, beat it. Add the milk to it. Melt the
fat, add it to the egg mixture.
Measure the dry ingredients thoroughly. Add them (through a sifter) to the
other ingredients. Mix quickly and thoroughly, and drop into buttered
muffin pans. Bake in a hot oven (400 degrees F.) from 25 to 30 minutes.
_Whole wheat_ flour may be substituted for fine white flour.
For _graham_ muffins, use 1 cupful of fine white flour and 1 cupful
of graham flour.
1 1/8 cupfuls of _sour milk_ may be used instead of 1 cupful of sweet
milk. If this substitution is made, use 1/2 teaspoonful baking soda and
decrease the baking powder to 2 teaspoonfuls.
_Molasses_ may be substituted for sugar.
QUESTIONS
Account for the quantity of baking powder in the muffin recipes. What
determines the quantity of baking powder?
Write a recipe for muffins, using sour cream instead of milk. What
ingredients may be decreased in quantity if sour cream is used?
If all the cups in the muffin pan are not filled with batter, how should
the empty cups be protected while in the oven?
How many muffins will the recipes above make?
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of patent wheat flour, of graham flour, and of
"entire" wheat flour. Which contains the most protein and ash? Which
probably yields the most protein to the body? Account for the discrepancy
(see _Value of Coarse Flour_).
Tabulate the percentage composition of baker's flour and of a high grade
of wheat flour (patent roller process). Which contains the more protein?
Which, the more carbohydrates?
What is the weight of a barrel of flour? Of an ordinary sack of flour?
What is the present price per sack of baker's and of high-grade patent
flour?
How many cupfuls in a pound of flour?
In what quantity are whole wheat flour and graham flour usually purchased
for home use? What is the price per pound of each?
LESSON CXXI
COMPARISON OF WHEAT AND OTHER GRAINS--MUFFINS
SUBSTITUTING OTHER CEREALS FOR WHEAT FLOUR.--A resourceful worker in foods
is able to follow a standard recipe and make such substitutions as her
available materials permit. Such ability is most desirable. It enables one
to work more independently, to produce more varied foods, and to utilize
all materials, allowing none to waste.
During the wheat shortage of the World War, many valuable investigations
were made regarding the substitution of other grains for wheat flour. It
was found that _the substitution should be based upon the relative
weights of wheat flour and other flours or meals_ rather than upon
their relative measures.
By comparing the weight of 1 cupful of wheat pastry flour with the same
quantity of its substitutes, the following data have been obtained.
For 1 cupful of wheat flour substitute:
l 1/8 cupfuls barley flour
5/6 cupful buckwheat flour
1 1/6 cupfuls fine corn-meal
1 scant cupful peanut flour
7/8 cupful rice flour
1 1/2 cupfuls rolled oats
1 1/8 cupfuls rolled oats, ground
in food chopper
1/3 cupful tapioca flour
7/8 cupful soy-bean flour
3/4 cupful potato flour
1 cupful rye flour
Although _yeast breads_ are not so satisfactory if made
_entirely_ of a grain other than wheat, _quick breads of desirable
grain and texture may be made without wheat_. It has been found,
however, that a combination of two or more wheat substitutes gives more
satisfactory results than a single substitute.
When no wheat is used in quick breads, the following combinations of
substitutes are suggested by the _United States Department of
Agriculture, States Relation Service_.
Rolled oats (ground) _or_
Barley flour _or_
Buckwheat flour _or_
Peanut flour _or_
Soy-bean flour
and
Corn flour _or_
Corn-meal _or_
Rice flour _or_
Potato flour _or_
Sweet potato flour
Since the wheat substitutes contain little or none of the kind of protein
which when moistened forms a sticky and elastic substance, an increase in
the number of eggs in quick breads containing no wheat produces a
satisfactory texture. The albumin of eggs aids in holding the materials
together.
By scalding certain of the wheat substitutes before adding them to other
ingredients, a sticky starch paste is formed. This also aids in binding
materials together.
When using a wheat substitute instead of wheat (as suggested in
_Quantity of Baking Powder in Quick Breads_) it is advisable to
increase the quantity of _baking powder_,--1/2 _teaspoonful for
each cupful of the substitute_ used. Thus, if a muffin recipe calls for
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder and 2 cupfuls of corn flour are
substituted for wheat, the quantity of baking powder should be increased
to 4 1/2 teaspoonfuls.
WHY WHEAT IS POPULAR.--In this country, wheat is doubtless the most used
of all grains. Its white or creamy color and mild flavor which blends well
with that of many foods account in part for its popularity. From a
culinary standpoint, wheat flour is more satisfactory to use than any
other kind. It produces breads of pleasing texture,--tender but firm
enough to hold their shape. Yeast breads made of wheat flour are larger
than those made with other cereals.
Although wheat is generally used, its food value is not superior to that
of other grains. It is doubtless because we are "used to" wheat that we
have favored it more than other cereals.
COMPARING WHEAT WITH OTHER GRAINS.--Make a comparative study of the
composition of the following:
_Wheat Flour and Corn-meal_.--From _U.S. Department of
Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the percentage composition of
wheat flour and of corn-meal. Which contains the more fat? Which contains
the more ash?
Corn-meal does not contain as much protein as does wheat. The protein in
corn-meal differs from that in wheat; it does not have the elastic
property of the protein of wheat. It is this property which makes the
latter so satisfactory in bread making. For this reason, it is always best
to combine corn-meal with wheat flour or some other cereal in preparing
corn breads.
It should be noted that corn-meal contains more fat than wheat flour, and
it compares favorably in digestibility with wheat flour. There is a
difference in flavor, but no difference in the nutritive value of yellow
and of white corn-meal.
_Wheat Flour and Oatmeal_.--From _U.S. Department of
Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the percentage composition of
wheat flour and of oatmeal. Which contains the more protein, fat, and ash?
Which contains the more carbohydrates?
Oatmeal contains more protein, fat, and ash than any of the cereals
commonly used. It is a very tough cereal and requires long cooking in
order to make it palatable.
_Wheat Flour and Rice_.--From _U.S. Department of Agriculture_,
Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the percentage composition of wheat flour (all
analyses, average). Now tabulate the percentage composition of rice
(average). Which contains the more carbohydrates? Which, the more protein
and ash?
Polished rice contains the least ash and protein of all the common
cereals. It is also deficient in fat in comparison with the other cereals.
Unpolished rice, however, contains more than twice as much ash as the
polished cereal. It also contains more fat and protein. [Footnote 94:
Composition of unpolished rice: protein, 8.02;
fat, 1.96;
carbohydrates, 76.98;
ash, 1.15.] Hence it compares favorably with the composition of other
grains.
_Wheat Flour, Barley, Buckwheat, and Rye._--From _U. S. Department
of Agriculture,_ Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the percentage composition
of wheat flour, of barley, of buckwheat, and of rye. Note the quantity of
fat in barley and in buckwheat, and the small amount of protein in
buckwheat and in rye.
CORN MUFFINS
1 1/3 cupfuls flour
2/3 cupful corn-meal
4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1 to 2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1/3 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
1 1/4 cupfuls milk
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Mix as plain muffins, and bake in oiled muffin tins 25 to 30 minutes at
400 F.
_Rye meal_ may be substituted for corn-meal in this recipe.
RICE MUFFINS
1 1/3 cupfuls flour
3 3/4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
2/3 cupful milk
1/2 cupful cooked rice
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Beat the egg; add the milk and the cooked rice. Add the dry ingredients
(through a sifter) to the egg mixture; melt the fat; add it to the flour
mixture. Mix quickly and thoroughly, and bake in buttered muffin tins in a
hot oven (400 F.) for 25 to 30 minutes.
OATMEAL MUFFINS
Use the recipe for Plain Muffins as a basic rule. Substitute 1 cupful
rolled oats for 1 cupful of wheat flour. Scald the milk, pour it over the
rolled oats. Let the mixture stand for about 1/2 hour or until it is cool.
Then add the other ingredients and mix as plain muffins. Use 4
teaspoonfuls of baking powder instead of 3 1/2 teaspoonfuls.
QUESTIONS
Explain why corn-meal is not used alone for corn-meal muffins (see
_Wheat Flour and Corn-meal_).
Compare the quantity of milk used in Rice Muffins with that used in Plain
Muffins. Account for the difference.
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of boiled rice. Compare with the composition of the
uncooked food. How much nourishment is lost by boiling?
By what method can rice be cooked to retain the most nourishment?
Explain why the per cent of nutrients in a food does not always indicate
the quantity of nourishment that the nutrients yield to the body (see
_Per Cent of Nutrients; Nutritive Values_).
LESSON CXXII
BAKING POWDER LOAF BREADS
QUICK LOAF BREADS.--The making of yeast bread requires kneading and covers
a considerable period of time. A loaf of bread leavened with baking powder
or other leavens suitable for quick breads may be made in a short time.
The ingredients used for such a loaf, and the method of mixing it are
about the same as for muffins. Baking the mixture in a bread pan rather
than in muffin pans saves some effort in pouring the batter in the pan and
in washing them. For those whose time is limited for food preparation, the
making of baking powder loaf breads is recommended.
If it is necessary or desirable to use meals or flours other than wheat,
baking powder loaf breads are advisable. Such
grains can be used successfully in greater quantity (i.e. with the
addition of little or no wheat flour) in quick breads than in yeast
breads.
A quick bread baked in a loaf should be placed in a moderate oven,--about
300 degrees F. Moderate heat is applied so that the loaf will rise
sufficiently before a crust is formed. After 10 or 15 minutes, the
temperature of the oven should be increased. Some secure desirable results
by allowing a loaf of quick bread to stand 20 minutes before placing it in
the oven. Such a procedure is unnecessary if the loaf is placed in an oven
of proper temperature.
WHOLE WHEAT BAKING POWDER BREAD
3 cupfuls whole wheat flour
3 tablespoonfuls sugar
2 3/4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
7/8 teaspoonful baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls salt
1 egg
1 3/4 cupfuls sour milk
3 tablespoonfuls fat
Mix these ingredients in the same way as Plain Muffins. Pour into an oiled
bread pan. Bake in a moderate oven (325 degrees F.) 45 to 60 minutes.
The egg may be omitted. If this is done, increase the baking powder to 3
1/4 teaspoonfuls.
_Peanut Bread_ may be made by adding 1 cupful chopped peanuts. If
commercial salted peanuts are used, decrease the salt to 1/2 teaspoonful.
PRUNE BAKING POWDER BREAD
1 1/2 cupfuls whole wheat flour
1 cupful pastry flour
3/8 cupful sugar
5 3/4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
1 cupful prunes (measured before soaking and cooking)
1 cupful liquid (prune water and milk)
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Wash the prunes, soak, and cook them as directed previously. Drain, stone,
and cut in pieces or chop them.
Break an egg in the mixing bowl. Beat it and add the chopped prunes. Put
the water drained from the prunes in a measuring cup and fill up the
latter with milk. Add this liquid to the egg and prune mixture. Then
proceed as in making Plain Muffins. Turn into an oiled bread pan. Bake in
a moderate oven (325 degrees F.) 45 to 60 minutes.
_Raisins_ or _dates_ may be used instead of prunes. These fruits
may be cooked before adding to the other ingredients or they may be used
uncooked. If the latter plan is followed, use 1 1/4 cupfuls milk instead
of 1 cupful liquid.
QUESTIONS
Write a recipe for Prune Baking Powder Bread in which no eggs are used.
Write a recipe for Raisin Baking Powder Bread in which uncooked raisins
are used, and sour milk is substituted for sweet milk.
Use the recipe for Whole Wheat Baking Powder Bread as a basis, and write a
recipe for a loaf of quick bread in which fine white flour is used.
Decrease the sour milk to 1 1/2 cupfuls. If the latter change is made,
what ingredients will also require changing in quantity?
LESSON CXXIII
EGGS FOR QUICK BREADS--CREAM PUFFS
DRIED EGGS.--Eggs are a most valuable food, but they are extremely high in
price. In the packing and transportation of eggs, many are broken. To save
these cracked eggs, methods of drying them have been devised. If dried or
desiccated eggs are cooked or used in cooked foods, they are not
injurious. Their food value is high.
It has been found [Footnote 95: See Journal of Home Economics, Vol. XI, p.
108 (March, 1919), "The Use of Desiccated Eggs," by Lois Lhamon] that
desiccated eggs can be used successfully in custards, quick breads, cakes,
and salad dressings. _Use 1 slightly rounded tablespoonful of dried egg
for each egg desired_. To this amount of powder, _add 3
tablespoonfuls of water_. Cover the mixture and allow to stand from 30
to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. A solution is thus obtained, which
resembles eggs in which the whites and yolks have been beaten together.
Desiccated eggs should not be confused with the so-called egg-substitute
powders. The latter contain little and sometimes no dried egg. These
usually are composed of starch, coloring material, with a little
nitrogenous material in the form of gelatine, casein, or albumin. Their
food value cannot be compared with that of eggs. For the amount of
nutriment contained in egg-substitute powders, their price is high.
THE PREPARATION OF EGGS FOR DELICATE QUICK BREADS.--In all the quick
bread mixtures given thus far, the whites and yolks of eggs were beaten
together. It was shown in Experiments 41 and 43 that more air could be
inclosed in an egg mixture when the white and yolk were beaten separately.
It is well, therefore, to beat each part of an egg separately when a
delicate bread is desired.
The reason that meringues, unless cooked, fall after a time, is because
some of the inclosed air has escaped. From this it is apparent why eggs
used in quick breads should not be beaten until ready for use.
It is possible, also, by much stirring and careless mixing, to lose some
of the air inclosed in a beaten egg white. When the egg is to be
separated, the method of cutting and folding, as used in Foamy Omelet,
should be used for mixing the egg whites with the other ingredients of a
quick bread.
CREAM PUFF BATTER.--The flour of cream puff mixture is usually cooked
before baking so that a paste is formed. When the mixture containing the
flour paste is dropped on a flat surface, it does not spread to a great
extent and holds its shape. It is possible to mix Cream Puffs in the same
manner as Popovers. If this method is followed and uncooked flour is added
to the batter, it is necessary to bake the cream puff mixture in muffin
tins or gem pans.
The method of leavening Cream Puffs is similar to that used in leavening
Popovers, _i.e._ by means of steam and air inclosed in beaten eggs.
CREAM PUFFS
1/2 cupful water
3 tablespoonfuls vegetable oil
1 tablespoonful butter
5/8 cupful flour
1/4 teaspoonful salt
2 eggs
Mix the water and fat and heat the mixture until the water boils. Add all
of the flour and salt and mix thoroughly. Stir and cook until the
ingredients are well blended and the paste does not stick to the sides of
the pan. (Care should be taken not to cook the mixture too long. If the
fat separates from the other ingredients, the puffs will not be
successful.) While the mixture is hot, add the eggs, unbeaten, one at a
time. Beat until thoroughly mixed. Drop by tablespoonfuls on an oiled
baking-sheet, and bake at 450 degrees F., for 20 minutes, then at 325
degrees F., for 25 minutes. When cool slit one side open and fill with
Cream or Chocolate Filling or Whipped Cream.
Cream Puffs may also be filled with creamed chicken or veal, or a salad
mixture.
CREAM FILLING
1 cupful flour
3/4 cupful sugar
2 cupfuls scalded milk
1/2 tablespoonful butter
1 egg
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix the flour and sugar together. Slowly add the hot milk. Pour the
mixture into a double boiler and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
Beat the egg, add the egg and butter to the flour and milk mixture. Return
to the fire and cook over water until the egg is coagulated; then add the
salt. Cool, and add flavoring.
For economy the butter may be omitted.
_Chocolate Filling_ may be made by following the recipe for Cream
Filling, increasing the sugar to 1 cupful and adding a paste made by
cooking 1 square (or ounce) of chocolate with 1/4 cupful of water as
directed in Chocolate Corn-starch Pudding.
QUESTIONS
Note the quantity of flour and water used in cream puff mixture. What kind
of batter do these quantities of flour and moisture usually make? How do
you account for the consistency of the cream puff batter when it is ready
to bake?
From the difference in the methods of preparing Cream Puffs and Popovers
before baking, explain the difference in the stiffness of the mixtures.
By what gas is the mixture lightened? By what means is this gas introduced
into the mixture?
Why is it necessary to bake the mixture for so long a time?
What is the result of baking this mixture for too short a time?
In Cream Filling, what is the purpose of mixing the flour and sugar before
cooking (see Experiment 24)?
Give two reasons for cooking this mixture in the double boiler, rather
than directly over the flame.
How long a time does it take to thicken the flour mixture? Why is it
necessary to cook it for 20 minutes?
What is the use of eggs in the filling? Why are they not cooked as long as
the flour mixture?
Determine the number of Cream Puffs this recipe will make.
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of the edible portions of whole eggs (see Figure
75), of egg yolk, and of egg white. Compare the last two. Which contains
the more fat? Which contains the more protein? Which contains the more
water? Which contains the more nutriment?
Tabulate the percentage composition of milk (see Figure 64).
RELATED WORK
LESSON CXXIV
FOOD REQUIREMENT
DAILY ENERGY REQUIREMENT.--One hears much concerning working efficiency,
_i.e._ the ability to do the maximum amount of work of the highest
type with a minimum waste of effort. There is no doubt that the kind and
quantity of food that an individual consumes has much to do with his
working efficiency, and that it is consequently a matter worthy of serious
consideration. Enough gasoline is used in an automobile so that there is
produced sufficient power to move the car at the desired speed. So
sufficient food should be used by the individual that enough energy be
supplied to his body for its greatest usefulness.
Since foods furnish the body with energy, _the energy which the body
spends in doing its work is a measure of the fuel food needed_. If the
body requires a certain amount of energy for its needs, this energy,
measured in Calories, can be supplied by a definite quantity of
combustible food. Hence, daily energy requirements can be measured in
Calories.
Scientists have done much experimenting and investigating concerning the
quantity of food that individuals require. They have concluded that many
factors may be taken into consideration in determining daily food
requirements or _dietary standards_. Some of these factors are: (1)
weight; (2) occupation; (3) age.
(1) _Relation of Weight, Size, and Shape to Daily Energy
Requirement_.--In general the quantity of food required increases with
the size of an individual but not at the same rate as the body weight
increases. Two persons may be equal in weight, yet very different in
height and shape. A tall, slender person requires more food than a short,
fleshy person of the same weight. For this reason, size and shape rather
than weight are found more accurate in computing the daily food
requirement. However, for practical purposes, energy requirement is
generally based upon body weight.
(2) _Relation of Occupation to Daily Energy Requirement_.--From the
previous consideration of energy, it is obvious that muscular exercise,
even though very slight, requires some expenditure of energy. It has been
found that, even during sleep and rest, energy is required to carry on the
functions of the body (such as the beating of the heart, etc.). Since the
energy for both the voluntary and involuntary activities of the body is
furnished by the fuel foods, it is clear that one's occupation is an
important factor in determining the kind and quantity of food an
individual should use.
The man who is doing hard physical work needs more food than the man who
sits quietly at his employment.
The following table, showing the energy required for different conditions
of activity, has been formulated by scientists: [Footnote 96: Atwater and
Benedict, United States Department of Agriculture, Yearbook 1904, p. 215.]
Man sleeping requires 65 Calories per hour
Man sitting at rest requires 100 Calories per hour
Man at light muscular exercise requires 170 Calories per hour
Man at active muscular exercise requires 290 Calories per hour
Man at severe muscular exercise requires 450 Calories per hour
Man at very severe muscular exercise requires 600 Calories per hour
From these data, it is possible to compute the dietaries of people of
different occupations. For example, the energy requirement for a
bookkeeper (male) leading an inactive muscular life is:
8 hours sleep (65 Calories per hour) 520 Calories
9 hours work at desk (100 Calories per hour) 900 Calories
4 hours sitting at rest and reading (100 Calories per
hour) 400 Calories
3 hours walking (170 Calories per hour) 510 Calories
-------------
2330 Calories
The energy requirement for a man of severe muscular activity, such as
excavating, is:
8 hours sleep (65 Calories per hour) 520 Calories
8 hours excavating (450 Calories per hour) 3600 Calories
1 hour walking (170 Calories per hour) 170 Calories
7 hours sitting at rest (100 Calories per hour) 700 Calories
-------------
4990 Calories
Another authority [Footnote 97: "Textbook of Physiology," p. 141,
Tigerstedt.] gives these data pertaining to men engaged in muscular work:
Shoemaker requires 2001-2400 Calories per day
Weaver requires 2401-2700 Calories per day
Carpenter or mason requires 2701-3200 Calories per day
Farm laborer requires 3201-4100 Calories per day
Excavator requires 4101-5000 Calories per day
Lumberman requires 5000 or more Calories per day
The following data regarding the energy requirements of the average woman
in some of her common occupations have been formulated [Footnote 98: See
"Feeding the Family," p. 76, by Mary Swartz Rose, Ph.D.]:
At rest 1600-1800 Calories per day
Sedentary occupations 2000-2200 Calories per day
Milliners Teachers
Bookkeepers Seamstresses
Stenographers Machine operatives
Occupations involving standing, walking,
or manual labor 2200-2500 Calories per day
Cooks in family groups Chamber maids
General housekeepers Waitresses
Occupations developing muscular
strength 2500-3000 Calories per day
Laundresses Cooks for large groups
(3) _Relation of Age to Daily Energy Requirement._--Young children,
_i.e._ those under eight or nine years of age, do not require as much
food as adults. The food requirement of a child and of an adult is not
proportional to weight, however. In proportion to his weight a child
requires more food than an adult. The growing child needs food, not only
to give energy to the body and rebuild tissue, but to build new tissue. An
aged person needs less food to build new tissue. Furthermore, since an old
person's strength is somewhat lessened, he needs less food to carry on the
activities of the body. Hence, the aged person requires less food than the
adult of middle life. The following table [Footnote 99: From "Chemistry of
Food and Nutrition," Second Edition, by Henry C. Sherman, Ph.D., p. 197.]
gives the differences in energy requirement of children from one to
seventeen years inclusive. It is thought that after the age of seventeen,
food requirement will depend quite as much upon occupation as upon age.
Hence, the foregoing tables can be used to estimate energy requirement for
all ages above seventeen:
Children of 1-2 years inclusive 1000-1200 Calories per day
Children of 2-5 years inclusive 1200-1500 Calories per day
Children of 6-9 years inclusive 1400-2000 Calories per day
Girls of 10-13 years inclusive 1800-2400 Calories per day
Boys of 10-13 years inclusive 2300-3000 Calories per day
Girls of 14-17 years inclusive 2200-2600 Calories per day
Boys of 14-17 years inclusive 2800-4000 Calories per day
The fact that the energy requirement of the boy from 10 to 17 years is
greater than that of the girl of equal age is due probably to the greater
restlessness or muscular activity of the boy.
DAILY PROTEIN REQUIREMENT.--If a person's energy requirement were 2500
Calories, sufficient energy might be supplied by using butter or beef
steak for a day's ration. Yet this would be extremely unpalatable and
would not meet the needs of the body. The body should be nourished by all
the combustible foodstuffs,--carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Now the
question arises: How many of the required Calories shall be supplied by
each of these foodstuffs?
Too much or too little protein is often harmful and produces serious
results. As mentioned previously, too much protein may cause intestinal
disturbances, and an overtaxing of the excretory organs. On the other
hand, the use of too little protein may produce imperfect nourishment.
Concerning the quantity of protein used in diet, there has been much
difference of opinion. Atwater, an American authority, thought that there
should be a generous supply, i.e. a surplus of protein, to supply the
demands of body-building. Chittenden, another American authority, believes
in just enough protein to meet the demands of the body. However, the use
of sufficient protein food to produce from ten to fifteen per cent of the
total Calories has been found both practical and satisfactory.
Daily Carbohydrate and Fat Requirement.--Although protein may furnish the
body with energy, it should not serve as the principal source of fuel. Its
more essential function is to help build the body. If carbohydrates and
fat are present with protein, the former supply energy and allow the
protein to perform its more important function of body-building. There
should always be enough carbohydrates and fat to furnish energy to the
body, so that the protein can be used chiefly for body-building. In the
growing period of youth or after a wasting disease, it might seem that
"flesh" could be "put on" by increasing the quantity of bodybuilding food.
But such is not the case. The most effective work in building the body can
be accomplished by using a normal amount of food rich in protein and a
generous supply of foods rich in ash, carbohydrates, fat, and vitamines.
With such a combination, the protein can be used to best advantage for
body-building.
For practical purposes, the following general statement concerning the
carbohydrates and fat requirement is believed to be adequate: If the total
Calories and the number of Calories yielded by protein meet the
requirement of a dietary standard and the food composing the diet is
varied in composition, the carbohydrates and fat will exist in
satisfactory proportion.
DAILY ASH REQUIREMENT.--Since ash is not a combustible foodstuff, it
cannot be included in the foodstuffs whose energy requirement can be
measured. Although ash exists in small quantity in food, the use of
certain ash constituents is considered as necessary as the use of protein.
A diet may meet the total energy, the protein, the carbohydrate, and the
fat requirements, yet may be lacking in certain essential mineral
materials. It is especially necessary to include food containing
phosphorus, iron, and calcium in one's diet.
THE APPETITE AND FOOD REQUIREMENT.--The appetite is the most common
measure of daily food requirement. If one relies upon his appetite as an
index of the quantity of food he should consume, and if his health and
weight remain normal, the appetite may serve as a guide for daily food
requirement. But one may be a little over weight or under weight, and yet
have normal body functions.
There can be no doubt, however, that the whims of the appetite often lead
to unwise selection of food. A study of food composition is absolutely
essential in overcoming this fault. Lack of energy or loss of flesh may be
due to improper feeding. If the needs of the body and the kind and
quantity of food that will supply these needs are understood by the home-
keeper, she may do much in maintaining the health, happiness, and
usefulness of the members of the family.
WEIGHT AS AN INDEX TO PROPER NOURISHMENT.--It has been found that the diet
of an individual has a most decided effect upon his weight. Dr. Thomas D.
Wood has prepared tables showing the normal height and weight of girls and
boys of various ages. These tables are most valuable in determining
whether or not a girl or boy is of the proper weight for his height. If
the weight of a girl or boy is less than it should be, he is likely to be
malnourished.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE FOR GIRLS
HEIGHT 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
INCHES YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS YRS
39 34 35 36
40 36 37 38
41 38 39 40
42 40 41 42 43
43 42 42 43 44
44 44 45 45 46
45 46 47 47 48 49
46 48 48 49 50 51
47 49 50 51 52 53
48 51 52 53 54 55 56
49 53 54 55 56 57 58
50 56 57 58 59 60 61
51 59 60 61 62 63 64
52 62 63 64 65 66 67
53 66 67 68 68 69 70
54 68 69 70 71 72 73
55 72 73 74 75 76 77
56 76 77 78 79 80 81
57 81 82 83 84 85 86
58 85 86 87 88 89 90 91
59 89 90 91 93 94 95 96 98
60 94 95 97 99 100 102 104 106
61 99 101 102 104 106 108 109 111
62 104 106 107 109 111 113 114 115
63 109 111 112 113 115 117 118 119
64 115 117 118 119 120 121 122
65 117 119 120 122 123 124 125
66 119 121 122 124 126 127 128
67 124 126 127 128 129 130
68 126 128 130 132 133 134
69 129 131 133 135 136 137
70 134 136 138 139 140
71 138 140 142 143 144
72 145 147 148 149
ABOUT WHAT A GIRL SHOULD GAIN EACH MONTH
Age Age
5 to 8 6 oz. 14 to 16 8 oz
8 to 11 8 oz. 16 to 18 4 oz
11 to 14 12 oz.
Weights and measures should be taken without shoes and in only the
usual indoor clothes
CHILD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
156 Fifth Avenue, New York
Courtesy of _Child Health Organization_. Prepared by _Dr. Thomas
D.
Wood_.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE FOR BOYS
HEIGHT 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
INCHES Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs
39 35 36 37
40 37 38 39
41 39 40 41
42 41 42 43 44
43 43 44 45 46
44 45 46 46 47
45 47 47 48 48 49
46 48 49 50 50 51
47 51 52 52 53 54
48 53 54 55 55 56 57
49 55 56 57 58 58 59
50 58 59 60 60 61 62
51 60 61 62 63 64 65
52 62 63 64 65 67 68
53 66 67 68 69 70 71
54 69 70 71 72 73 74
55 73 74 75 76 77 78
56 77 78 79 80 81 82
57 81 82 83 84 85 86
58 84 85 86 87 88 90 91
59 87 88 89 90 92 94 96 97
60 91 92 93 94 97 99 101 102
61 95 97 99 102 104 106 108 110
62 100 102 104 106 109 111 113 116
63 103 107 109 111 114 115 117 119
64 113 115 117 118 119 120 122
65 120 122 123 124 125 126
66 125 126 127 128 129 130
67 130 131 132 133 134 135
68 134 135 136 137 138 139
69 138 139 140 141 142 143
70 142 144 145 146 147
71 147 149 150 151 153
72 152 154 155 156 157
73 157 159 160 161 162
74 162 164 165 166 167
75 169 170 171 172
76 174 175 176 177
ABOUT WHAT A BOY SHOULD GAIN EACH MONTH
AGE AGE
5 to 8 6 oz 12 to 16 16 oz
8 to 12 8 oz 16 to 18 8 oz
Courtesy of _Child Health Organization_ Prepared by
_Dr Thomas D Wood_
Dr. Wood's tables also indicate the proper rate of increase in weight. The
rate of increase in weight is thought to be quite as important as is the
correct proportion between weight and height. The use of scales in the
home and school is to be recommended. They furnish a means of determining
whether the proper amount is being eaten.
QUESTIONS
Compute the energy requirement of at least two members of your family.
Compute your own energy requirement from this table.
Determine your height and weight. How does your weight compare with the
normal weight given in the table for one of your height? If you are under
weight, discuss with your teacher the kind and quantity of food needed to
increase your weight. At the end of a month, again determine your weight.
How does the gain compare with that given in the table for one of your
age?
LESSON CXXV
PLANNING, COOKING, AND SERVING A DINNER
Plan a dinner. [Footnote 100: See footnote 72.] Use seasonable foods and a
meat-substitute. Follow the suggestions given in Lesson CV.
Plan the menu so that the cost of the materials used does not exceed 25
cents per person. Analyze the menu and see that it meets the requirements
stated in Lesson CV.
Cook and serve the dinner. Follow the Russian or Compromise style of
serving. Serve the dinner with a maid, provided the pupils find it useful
to know how to serve with a maid either in their own homes or in the homes
of others. [Footnote 101: See Suggestions for Teaching, Appendix),
regarding service with and without a maid.]
LESSON CXXVI
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Potato Soup
Lettuce Salad with French Dressing
Muffins
See Lesson XIV regarding suggestions for the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CXXVII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 102: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Prepare muffins, baking powder biscuits, or
baking powder loaf breads at least twice a week.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To learn to work quickly. Note the time required to
mix these quick breads. Strive to lessen the number of minutes each time
you prepare them.
(2) To use available materials. Use the food-materials you have on hand,--
such as sour or sweet milk, left-over cooked cereals, and different kinds
of flours or meals.
DIVISION TWELVE
QUICK BREADS: SOFT DOUGHS
LESSON CXXVIII
METHOD OF MIXING FAT IN QUICK BREADS--DROP BISCUIT
MIXING FAT.--What method is used in mixing the fat in all batter quick
breads (see previous lessons on _Batters_)?
In making quick breads, it is desirable to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Fat is mixed in a quick bread most easily and thoroughly by melting it and
stirring it into the other ingredients, provided only that the quick bread
mixture is thin, _i.e._ a batter.
When the quick bread is a stiff mixture, _i.e._ a dough, this method
of mixing the fat is not considered satisfactory, although it has been
found that biscuits of good quality can be made by adding melted fat,
provided the dough is beaten thoroughly. Fat is usually added to doughs by
working it, in solid form, into the dry ingredients, either with a knife
or with the fingers. (In which method of mixing--with the knife or with
the fingers--can the mixture be kept cooler? Which is the cleaner method?)
If the fingers are used for mixing the fat, it is well to work it into the
flour with the tips of the fingers rather than to rub the ingredients
between the palms of the hands.
SOFT DOUGHS.--Doughs are most easily mixed by using a knife instead of a
spoon. A soft dough contains approximately _three parts of flour to one
part of moisture_. Baking Powder Biscuit is a typical soft dough
mixture.
DROP BISCUITS
2 cupfuls flour
4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Milk or water, about 3/4 cupful
Mix the dry ingredients; then work the fat into the mixture with the tips
of the fingers, or cut it in thoroughly with a knife. With a knife mix the
liquid with the dry ingredients. The mixture is of proper consistency when
it may be dropped from the spoon without spreading. Drop by spoonfuls on
an oiled pan, or into oiled muffin tins. Bake in a hot oven (475 degrees
F.) from 12 to 15 minutes.
FRUIT PUDDING
Place sliced fruit--fresh, canned, or dried--in an oiled baking-dish.
Cover the fruit with a biscuit mixture, made by using the ingredients in
the same proportion as for Drop Biscuits. Two or three times as much fat
as the given quantity may be used. Bake until the fruit is tender and the
batter is firm and brown, usually from 15 to 30 minutes. Serve with cream
or fruit sauce. Plain cream may be used, or the cream may be whipped, or
sweetened and flavored with a little nutmeg or vanilla.
WHIPPED CREAM SAUCE
1 cupful whipped cream
1 egg white
1/3 cupful powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Chill the cream; add the unbeaten egg; then beat with an egg beater (for
method of whipping cream see Lesson XLVIII). Add the sugar and vanilla.
QUESTIONS
Explain why the fat in Drop Biscuit is not added in the same manner as in
pour batters.
If the fat is to be mixed with the dry ingredients, why rub the
ingredients together between the fingers rather than between the palms of
the hands?
Compare as to taste and appearance the biscuits made with lard or
vegetable fat with those made with butter.
Why should not a tin pan be used for the fruit pudding?
Mention at least four kinds of fruit that could be used for the pudding
and tell how the use of some kinds of fruit would modify the time of
baking.
Why does the quantity of liquid given in Drop Biscuits vary (see _Pour
Batter_ and _Gluten_)?
Why is it necessary to surround the cream with ice water while whipping it
(see _Whipping Cream_)?
LESSON CXXIX
QUANTITY OF FAT IN QUICK BREADS--SHORT CAKE
"Shortening."--The tenderness of a quick bread is an important
consideration. It is dependent upon the quantity of fat in the bread. Oil
and water do not mix (see Experiment 35). Hence when much fat is used in a
quick bread, particles of dough or batter, which contain both fat and
moisture, do not adhere firmly. Quick bread containing much fat becomes
tender, that is, it crumbles readily.
In preparing modified biscuit mixtures,--short cakes, fruit dumplings,
etc.,--in which the quantity of fat is increased, make very careful
comparisons between the "rich" or "short" breads and those containing the
standard quantity of fat. In making observations, note the following:
(_a_) ease or difficulty in removing from the pan without
breaking,
(_b_) tenderness or toughness,
(_c_) difference in flavor.
FRUIT SHORT CAKE
Make a biscuit mixture, containing two or three times the quantity of fat
used in biscuit mixture. Place one half of the mixture in an oiled cake
pan, then spread it with a scant quantity of melted butter or substitute.
Add the remainder of the mixture and bake at 450 degrees F., for 20
minutes. Remove from the pan, and place on a cake cooler for a few
minutes. Split the cake open and fill with crushed and sweetened fruits.
Place uncrushed fruits on the top, and serve with plain cream or Whipped
Cream or Fruit Sauce; or cover the cake with a meringue, garnish with
whole fruit, and serve with a Soft Custard Sauce.
1/4 cupful of sugar may be added to the dry ingredients of Short Cake.
QUESTIONS
What general statement can you make with regard to the effect of
increasing the fat in quick breads?
Knowing the change that takes place in a quick bread, when the quantity of
fat is increased, state the effect of adding too much fat.
What is the purpose of using _melted_ butter or substitute in the
Short Cake mixture?
Mention some fruits, or fruit combinations, that would be palatable in a
Short Cake.
How many persons can be served with a Short Cake made with 2 cupfuls of
flour?
LESSON CXXX
"CUT" BISCUIT
USE OF THE ROLLING PIN.--When dough is to be rolled and cut into biscuits,
it needs to be a little stiffer than for Drop Biscuits. It should,
however, be a soft dough. Biscuit dough should not be pressed down with a
rolling motion, but should be deftly and gently "patted" out with several
successive "touches" with the rolling pin.
In using the rolling pin for stiff doughs, when more pressure should be
exerted, the pin should be lifted up at the end of each stroke.
BAKING POWDER BISCUITS
2 cupfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
2 tablespoonfuls fat
Milk or water, about 2/3 cupful
Mix as in drop biscuits, using less milk, so that the dough is just stiff
enough to roll out. Roll gently to 1/2 inch thickness on a slightly
floured board, and cut into small biscuits. If any dry flour clings to the
top of the biscuits, moisten it with a little milk or water. Place on a
slightly oiled pan, and bake in a hot oven (475 degrees F.) from 12 to 15
minutes. Serve hot. They may be placed on a folded napkin or doily.
APPLE DUMPLINGS
Make Baking Powder Biscuit dough. Roll until 1/4 inch thick and cut into
pieces. Place an apple (cored and pared) in the center of each piece. Fold
the dough over the fruit and bake (375 degrees F.) or steam for 1/2 hour,
or until the apples are soft. The dumplings may be browned in the oven
after steaming.
Rich biscuit dough or pastry may be used for Apple Dumplings. Other fruits
may be used instead of apples.
FRUIT ROLLS
Make a biscuit mixture, using 4 tablespoonfuls of fat instead of 2
tablespoonfuls, as given in the recipe for Baking Powder Biscuits. Gently
roll to 1/4 inch thickness, and spread the following ingredients over it:
1 tablespoonful butter or substitute
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1/2 teaspoonful cinnamon
Fruit
For the fruit use:
1/2 cupful dried currants, or
1/3 cupful raisins and 2 tablespoonfuls citron, or
2 cupfuls chopped apples
Roll as jelly roll, then cut into pieces 3/4 inch thick and place (cut
side down) on buttered tins. Bake in a hot oven (450 degrees F.) 15 to 30
minutes. If apples are used, serve the roll with cream and sugar as a
dessert. If the dried fruits are used, serve the roll in place of a hot
bread or cake.
QUESTIONS
Compare recipes for "drop" and "cut" biscuits. How do they differ?
Why should biscuits be "patted" out rather than rolled out with the
rolling pin?
If dry flour clings to the top of the biscuits after cutting, what is the
result after baking? How can this be remedied?
How can the biscuit cutter and rolling pin be prevented from sticking to
the dough?
Why are biscuits sometimes served on a napkin or doily?
Write a recipe for Baking Powder Biscuits, using 3 cupfuls of flour as the
basis.
How many apples of medium size are required for Apple Dumplings, when 2
cupfuls of flour are used?
Why do Apple Dumplings require a longer time for baking than Baking Powder
Biscuits?
How should citron be cut for use in cooking?
If apples are to be used for the fruit of Fruit Rolls, give in order the
measuring, the preparation, and the mixing of the materials.
RELATED WORK
LESSON CXXXI
MEASUREMENT OF THE FUEL VALUE OF FOOD APPLIED TO DAILY FOOD REQUIREMENT
Practical Method of Diet Calculation.--The 100-Calorie portions can be
used in a very practical way for computing the fuel value of one's daily
diet. In Lesson CXVI the weights of 100-Calorie portions of flour,
butter, sugar, etc., were determined, then these portions were weighed and
measured. In much the same way, tables have been prepared containing the
weight and measure of 100-Calorie portions. If such a table is read and
the quantity of the various ordinary foods that will produce 100 Calories
of heat is kept in mind, the computation of the meal becomes very simple.
If a person knows his energy requirement, he can select such quantities of
food for the day as will conform with the ideal standard. The quantity of
food to be used at each meal is a matter of personal choice. The important
point is to have the food of the entire day conform to the standard.
However, in computing the energy value of the foods of each meal, some
find it convenient to divide the day's ration. The following is a
convenient division: One third for breakfast, one fourth for luncheon, and
five twelfths for dinner.
But the division may vary with individual needs. Ascertaining one's energy
requirement and deciding upon a certain division for the three meals, one
can very easily select such quantities of foods for each meal as will
conform with the ideal standard. If the energy requirement of a girl of
fourteen years is 2200 Calories, her breakfast may yield approximately 750
Calories, her luncheon 550 Calories, and her dinner 900 Calories. A
luncheon consisting of an omelet made with one egg (50), one medium slice
of homemade bread (100), orange marmalade (100), butter for bread (100),
large banana (100), and a small glass of milk (100) would yield sufficient
nourishment according to the requirement above.
If it is desired to compute the Calories produced by the protein of a
meal, data can be obtained from the table also (see _Calories Derived
from Protein_).
The calculation of the protein content of the luncheon above is:
Number of Calories derived from protein of egg 18.2
Number of Calories derived from protein of bread 13.8
Number of Calories derived from protein of marmalade 0.7
Number of Calories derived from protein of butter 0.5
Number of Calories derived from protein of banana 5.3
Number of Calories derived from protein of milk 19.1
----
Number of Calories derived from protein of entire meal 57.6
If one tenth of the total energy requirement is taken as the desired
protein requirement, the above luncheon approaches the ideal.
The Form C given below will be found convenient to use in calculating the
fuel value of menus from 100-Calorie portions.
QUESTIONS
Calculate your own breakfast, luncheon, and dinner energy requirement, and
those of at least two members of your family.
From the table of 100-Calorie portions estimate the fuel value of all your
meals served either at your home or at school for several days. Compare
the result with the ideal energy requirement obtained above. If the
results vary greatly, strive to select the proper kind and quantity of
foods so that the total Calories and Calories derived from protein
approach the ideal.
FORM C: CALCULATION OF 100-CALORIE PORTIONS
Meal:
Number Served:
Food Quantity Number Total Calories Total Cost Total
of 100- Calories Produced Calories of 100- Cost
Calorie by Protein Produced Calorie
Portions in 100- by Protein Portion
Calorie
Portion
Total
Total
for One
Person
Percent of Total Calories produced by calories derived from Protein:
Signature:
Date:
TABLE OF 100-Calorie PORTIONS
[Footnote 103: The approximate measure of 100-Calorie portions is based in
part upon "Table of 100 Food Units," compiled by Dr. Irving Fisher. The
weight in ounces of 100-Calorie portions and Calories derived from protein
are based upon data found on p. 410 of "Chemistry of Food and Nutrition,"
by Henry C. Sherman, Ph. D. Items marked "*" are from "Feeding the
Family," by Mary Swartz Rose, Table III, p. 355.]
EDIBLE PORTIONS APPROXIMATE MEASURE WEIGHT CALORIES
OF 100-CALORIE IN OUNCES DERIVED
PORTION OF 100- FROM
CALORIE PROTEIN
PORTION
Almonds 15 average 0.5 12.6
Apples 2 medium 5.6 2.5
Apricots, fresh 2 large 6.1 7.7
Asparagus, cooked 2 servings 7.5 17.9
Bacon, smoked
(uncooked) 1 thin slice, small 0.6 6.7
Bananas 1 large 3.6 5.3
Beans, baked, canned 1 small serving
(1/2 cupful) 2.8 21.5
string, canned 5 servings 17.2 21.5
lima, canned 1 large saucedish 4.6 20.8
Beef, corned 1.2 21.2
dried, salted,
and smoked 4 large slices 2.0 67.2
*loaf Slice 4in.x6in.x1/8in. 1.4 40.0
porterhouse steak 1 serving 1.3 32.4
ribs, lean 1 average serving 1.9 42.3
ribs, fat 0.9 15.6
round, free from
visible fat 1 generous serving 3.1 80.7
rump, lean 1.7 41.0
rump, fat 0.9 17.5
*stew with
vegetables 2/5 cupful 3.0 16.0
sirloin steak 1 average serving 1.4 31.0
Beets, cooked 3 servings 8.9 23.2
*Biscuits, baking
powder 2 small 1.3 11.0
*Blanc Mange 1/4 cupful 1.9 8.0
Brazil nuts 3 average size 0.5 10.2
Bread, graham 1 thick slice 1.3 13.5
toasted 2 medium slices
(baker's) 1.2 15.2
white homemade 1 medium slice 1.3 13.8
average 1 thick slice 1.3 14.0
whole wheat 1 thick slice 1.4 15.9
Buckwheat flour 1/4 cupful 1.0 7.4
Butter 1 tablespoonful(ordinary
pat) 0.5 0.5
Buttermilk 1 1/4 cupfuls (1 1/2 9.9 33.6
glasses)
Cabbage 2 servings 11.2 20.3
*Cake, chocolate Piece 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" 0.9 8.0
x 7/8"
*Cake, one egg Piece 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" 1.0 8.0
x 1 3/4"
Calf's-foot jelly 4.1 19.8
Carrots, fresh 2 medium 7.8 9.7
Cauliflower (as
purchased) 11.6 23.6
Celery 19.1 23.8
Celery soup, canned 2 servings 6.6 15.7
Cheese, American pale
(as purchased) 1 1/2 cubic inches 0.8 26.5
American red
(as purchased) 1 1/2 cubic inches 0.8 20.0
Cheddar (as
purchased) 1 1/2 cubic inches 0.8 24.4
Cottage 4 cubic inches (1/2 cupful) 3.2 76.1
Neufchatel 1 1/2 cubic inches 1.1 23.2
(1/4 cupful) (1/2 small package)
Roquefort (as
purchased) 1.0 25.3
Swiss (as purchased) 1 1/3 cubic inches 0.8 25.4
Chicken, broilers 1 large serving 3.3 79.1
Chocolate "generous half" square 0.6 8.3
*Chocolate (beverage
half milk and half
water) 1/2 cupful (scant) 4.1 10.0
Cocoa 2 1/2 tablespoonfuls 0.7 17.3
*Cocoa (beverage,
half milk and half
water) 3/4 cupful 5.5 14.0
Cod, salt 2 1/2 tablespoonfuls 3.4 97.5
*Cookies 2, 2 1/4 in. diameter 0.9 6.0
Corn, green (as
purchased) 1 side dish 3.6 11.4
Corn-meal 2 tablespoonfuls 1.0 10.3
Crackers, graham.. 3 crackers 0.9 9.6
soda 3 crackers 0.9 9.4
water 3 crackers 0.9 10.3
Cranberries(as
purchased) 1 cupful (cooked) 7.5 3.4
Cream 1/4 cupful 1.8 5.0
Cucumbers 2 large 20.3 18.4
*Custard, cup 1/3 cupful 3.3 17.0
Dates, dried 4 medium 1.0 2.4
Doughnuts 1/2 doughnut 0.8 6.2
Eggs, uncooked 1 1/2 medium
or 2 small 2.4 36.4
Farina 1.0 12.3
Figs, dried 1 large 1.1 5.5
Flour, rye 1/4 cupful 1.0 7.9
wheat, entire 1/4 cupful 1.0 15.5
wheat, graham 1/4 cupful 1.0 14.9
wheat, average high
and medium 1/4 cupful 1.0 12.8
Gelatine 4 tablespoonfuls 1.0 98.7
*Gingerbread Piece 1 in.
x 2in. x 2 in. 1.2 8.0
Grapes 1 large bunch 3.7 5.4
Haddock 4.9 96.3
Halibut steaks 1 average serving 2.9 61.8
Ham, fresh, lean 1.5 44.0
fresh, medium 1 average serving 1.1 19.0
smoked, lean 1.3 30.1
Herring, whole 2.5 54.6
Hominy, uncooked 1/4 cupful 1.0 9.3
*Ice cream, vanilla 1/4 cupful 2.0 6.0
Lamb, chops, broiled 1 small chop 1.0 24.3
leg, roast 1 average serving 1.8 41.0
Lard, refined 1 tablespoonful
(scant) 0.4 (--)
Lemons 3 medium 8.0 9.0
Lettuce 50 large leaves 20.4 25.2
Liver, veal, uncooked 2 small servings 2.9 61.6
*Macaroni and cheese 1/3 cupful 2.1 17.0
Macaroni, uncooked. 1/4 cupful(4 sticks) 1.0 15.0
Macaroons 2 0.8 6.2
Mackerel, uncooked 1 large serving 2.5 53.9
salt 1.2 29.5
Marmalade, orange 1 tablespoonful 1.0 0.7
Milk, condensed,
sweetened 1 1/16 cupfuls 1.1 10.9
skimmed 1 1/4 cupfuls (scant) 9.6 37.1
whole 5/8 cupful (generous half
glass) 5.1 19.1
Molasses, cane 1/8 cupful 1.2 3.4
*Muffins, corn-meal 3/4 muffin 1.2 13.0
*Muffins, wheat 4/5 muffin 1.2 12.0
Muskmelons 1/2 average serving 8.9 6.0
Mutton, leg 1 average serving 1.8 41.2
Oatmeal, uncooked 1/8 cupful 0.9 16.1
Olives, green 7 to 10 1.2 1.5
Onions, fresh 2 medium 7.3 13.2
Oranges 1 very large 6.9 6.2
Oysters, canned 5 oysters 4.9 48.6
Parsnips 1 large 5.4 9.9
Peaches, canned 1 large serving 7.5 6.0
fresh 4 medium 8.5 6.8
Peanuts 10 to 12 (double kernels) 0.6 18.6
Peas, canned 2 servings 6.3 25.9
Peas, dried, uncooked 2 tablespoonfuls 1.0 27.6
green 1 generous serving 3.5 28.0
Pies, apple 1/3 piece 1.3 4.6
custard 1/3 piece 2.0 9.4
lemon 1/3 piece 1.4 5.6
mince 1/4 piece 1.2 8.1
squash 1/3 piece 2.0 9.9
Pineapples, fresh 5 slices 8.2 3.7
canned 1 small serving 2.3 1.0
Pork, chops, medium 1 very small serving 1.1 19.9
fat, salt [Footnote
104: As purchased.] 0.5 1.0
*Potatoes, creamed 2/5 cupful 2.7 9.0
Potatoes, white,
uncooked 1 medium 4.2 10.6
Potatoes, sweet,
uncooked 1/2 medium 2.9 5.8
Prunes, dried 3 large 1.2 2.8
Raisins 1/8 cupful 1.0 3.0
(packed solid)
Rhubarb, uncooked 3 1/2 cupfuls (scant) 15.3 10.4
*Rice Pudding 1/4 cupful 2.2 12.0
Rice, uncooked 2 tablespoonfuls 1.0 9.3
Salmon, whole 1 small serving 1.7 43.1
Sauce, white 1/4 cupful 2.4 8.0
*Salmon, loaf 1/4 cupful 2.1 37.0
Shad, whole 1 average serving 2.2 45.9
Shredded wheat 1 biscuit 1.0 11.3
*Soup, corn 1/2 cupful 3.9 12.0
potato 1/2 cupful (scant) 4.2 15.0
cream of tomato 3/8 cupful 3.2 11.0
Spinach, fresh 3 ordinary servings 14.7 35.0
[Footnote 105: as (after cooking)
purchased]
Succotash, canned 1 average serving 3.6 14.7
Sugar 3 lumps, 5 teaspoonfuls
granulated 0.9 (--)
6 1/2 teaspoonfuls
powdered sugar
Tapioca, apple 1/4 cupful 3.6 0.7
Tomatoes, fresh 4 average servings 15.5 15.8
canned 1 3/4 cupfuls 15.6 21.3
Turkey 1 serving 1.2 28.7
Turnips 2 large servings 9.0 13.3
(2 turnips)
Veal, cutlet 2.3 53.6
fore quarter 2.3 52.8
hind quarter 2.3 53.0
Walnuts, California 4 whole nuts 0.5 10.3
Wheat, cracked 1.0 12.4
White fish 2.4 61.4
Zwieback 1 thick slice 0.8 9.4
LESSON CXXXII
PLANNING, COOKING, AND SERVING A DINNER
Plan a dinner. [Footnote 106: See Footnote 72.] Use seasonable foods.
Follow the suggestions given in Lesson CV. Plan the menu so that the cost
of the materials does not exceed 30 cents per person. From the Table of
100-Calorie Portions estimate the total Calories and the Calories derived
from protein produced by the foods of your menu. How do the total Calories
compare with the dinner energy requirement of an average man or woman? Are
the Calories derived from protein from 10 to 15 per cent of the total
Calories? If necessary, change your menu so that its total Calories meet
the dinner energy requirements of an average man or woman and its Calories
derived from protein are from 10 to 15 per cent of the total Calories. The
pupil should note that the Calorific value of meals is usually correct if
the suggestions for menu-making given in Lesson CV are followed.
Cook and serve the dinner. Follow the Russian or Compromise Style of
serving. Serve the dinner with a maid. [Footnote 107: See Footnote 101.]
LESSON CXXXIII
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Rolled Beef Steak
Stuffed Baked Potato
Drop Biscuits
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CXXXIV
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 108: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Plan and cook meals.
From the Table of 100-Calorie Portions estimate the fuel value of the
meals you prepare.
SUGGESTED AIMS: To compare the fuel value of the meals with the energy
requirements secured in answering the _Questions_ in Lesson CXXXI. To
use these comparisons as a basis on which to plan meals more nearly
approaching the desired energy requirements.
DIVISION THIRTEEN
YEAST BREADS: STIFF DOUGHS
LESSON CXXXV
YEAST--LOAF BREAD
EXPERIMENT 77: CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH OF THE YEAST PLANT.--(_a_) Mix 1
tablespoonful of flour, 1 tablespoonful of sugar, 3/4 cake compressed
yeast, and 5 tablespoonfuls of cold water. Put 1 tablespoonful of the
mixture in a test tube and mark the tube "_a_." Fill the tube nearly
full of lukewarm water and stand in a warm place for 15 minutes. Examine,
noting especially the appearance at the top of the test tube. What kind of
substance (gas, liquid, or solid) has been formed by the growth of the
yeast plants?
(_b_) Put 1 teaspoonful of the yeast mixture in a test tube, and fill
nearly full of boiling water. Label it "_b_" and after 15 minutes
examine. Is there any change in the contents of the tube? What has
happened to the yeast plants?
(_c_) Put 1 teaspoonful of the yeast mixture in a test tube, fill
nearly full of cold water, and label it "_c_." Surround it with
cracked ice or, if the weather is cold, place it out of doors. After 15
minutes examine. Is there any change in the contents of the tube? Why do
not the yeast plants grow?
(_d_) Surround the tube marked "_c_" with lukewarm water and
stand in a warm place. After 15 minutes examine. Are the yeast plants
growing? Does freezing kill yeast plants?
(_e_) Mix 1/8 cake yeast with a little lukewarm water. Stand in a
warm place and after 15 minutes examine. Will yeast grow in water alone?
(_f_) Mix 1/8 cake yeast, 1 tablespoonful of sugar, and a little
lukewarm water. Set aside in a warm place so that the yeast plants may
grow. Then examine under the microscope. Are there any budding yeast
cells? Make a drawing of the plants as they appear under the microscope.
Draw at least two practical conclusions from these experiments as to the
use and care of yeast for bread making
[Illustration: From _Farmers' Bulletin 398_ FIGURE 86--GROWING YEAST
PLANTS]
PROPERTIES OF YEAST.--Yeast consists of a mass of microscopic plants (see
Figure 86). When placed under proper conditions these plants grow rapidly,
and in so doing they separate the sugar that exists in flour into carbon
dioxide and alcohol. The carbon dioxide lightens dough. The alcohol passes
off as vapor in baking.
Plants need moisture, warmth, light, and the food that is furnished by the
air and soil for their growth. Yeast plants require all of these except
light. They are not green plants, hence they need no light. Moisture is
obtained from the water, milk, or other liquids used in bread dough. Yeast
thrives at a temperature of 90 degrees F. It is killed by a temperature
above 130 degrees F. Hence the yeast is mixed with lukewarm water. The
other liquids that are added to it are of the same temperature. Also, the
dough is placed in a warm place while it is rising, or while the yeast
plants are growing. The food required for the rapid growth of the yeast
is obtained from the protein and carbohydrates in the flour.
_Compressed yeast cakes_ which are wrapped in tinfoil and received
fresh at the market every day or two are the most satisfactory to use.
This yeast must be fresh for successful bread making. It is fresh when it
is of a light color, is free from dark streaks, and is crumbly in texture.
Stiff Dough.--_Approximately four parts of flour to one of moisture are
used for stiff doughs._ When sufficient flour has been added to stiff
dough, it should not cling to the sides of the mixing bowl. This is an
indication to the pupil of the proper stiffness of the dough. The test
applies, however, only when there is no coating of flour over the dough.
One should remember that the softest dough will not "stick," if covered
generously with flour.
General Suggestions for Bread Making.--Use wheat bread flour, or a
combination of wheat bread flour with whole wheat, or graham flour, or
with flour or meal made from other grains, in making bread. Flour should
be kept in a dry place. It is well to warm flour for bread before using.
If milk is used, scald or boil it to prevent it from souring. Water should
be boiled and then cooled (see _Why Foods Spoil_).
With 1 pint of liquid 1/2 to 1 cake of yeast should be used. When it is
desired to mix and bake bread in a few hours, a greater quantity of yeast
may be used. If the yeast is fresh, most satisfactory results are secured
when this is done. The use of much yeast, however, adds to the cost of
bread. The less quantity of yeast (1/2 cake) is used when the dough is
allowed to rise overnight. Mix 1 yeast cake in 1 cupful of lukewarm water
before adding the rest of the liquid.
It is desirable to use sufficient yeast and to subject it to desirable
conditions so that the dough will rise quickly. If the rising process
occupies much time, certain kinds of bacteria which may be present in the
yeast or other materials may act upon the alcohol present in the risen
dough and convert it into acid. This produces sour dough and consequently
bread of sour taste and odor.
Although it is customary to allow bread to rise twice, tasty bread may be
secured by one rising. Bread raised only once, however, is usually of
uneven grain, because the carbon dioxide bubbles formed during rising are
uneven in size or are unevenly distributed. By kneading bread, the larger
bubbles are broken or distributed more evenly through the dough. Since
considerable gas is pressed out by kneading, it is necessary to allow the
dough to rise a second time. It is well to make the dough into small
loaves, and place them in small pans, so that the bread will be baked
through.
Loaves of bread should bake at least 1 hour at a temperature varying from
375 degrees F. to 400 degrees F. During the first 20 minutes they should
rise but slightly and just begin to brown; during the second 20 minutes
they should continue to brown; during the last 20 minutes they should
shrink from the sides of the pan, while still continuing to brown.
_To soften the crust_, rub it with a bit of butter or substitute a
few minutes before taking from the oven and again after removing from the
oven. After baking, place the loaves of bread on a bread cooler, or
arrange them in such a way that the air may reach them on all sides. When
cool, place in a covered tin box.
BREAD (2 loaves)
2 cupfuls hot water _or_ milk and water
2 teaspoonfuls salt
2 teaspoonfuls sugar
1/2 tablespoonful fat
1/2 to 1 cake compressed yeast
1/2 cupful lukewarm water
Bread flour (7 to 8 cupfuls)
Boil the water or milk and water. Pour it into a bowl and add the salt,
sugar, and fat. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, and the fat
is melted. Mix the yeast with lukewarm water. When the first mixture is
cooled to lukewarm temperature, add the yeast mixture to it. Then add
flour enough to make it of the proper consistency (see _Stiff
Dough_), using a knife for mixing. Turn out on a floured board, and
knead until soft and elastic. Return the dough to the bowl, moisten,
cover, and let rise until doubled in bulk. Then divide it into loaves,
or shape into biscuits. Cover and allow the loaves or biscuit to rise in
the pan in which they are to be baked until they are doubled in bulk.
Bake the biscuits 30 minutes in a hot oven and the bread about 60 minutes
in a moderate oven (see _Oven Thermometers and Temperatures_).
QUESTIONS
Why should the flour for bread be warmed before using?
What should be the temperature of all materials mixed with yeast? Why?
What should be the difference in the temperature of the oven for loaf
bread and for biscuits? Explain.
Why should bread be stored in a covered tin box?
At what temperatures should biscuits and loaf bread bake? Why are these
foods baked at different temperatures?
For how long a time should biscuits and bread bake? Explain the difference
in the length of time of baking each.
LESSON CXXXVI
WHEAT FLOUR--BREAD SPONGE
EXPERIMENT 78: PROTEIN IN FLOUR.--Make a stiff dough, using 2
tablespoonfuls of bread flour and about 1/2 tablespoonful of water. Knead
well, and allow to stand for 20 minutes. Then tie the dough in cheese-
cloth, place it in a bowl of water, and knead for a few minutes.
Pour a little of the water in a test tube; drain the remainder of the
water from the dough. Add more water to the bowl. Again knead the dough
under the clean water.
Examine the material in the cloth. What is its color? Feel and pull it.
Put a little on a plate to dry, and bake some in the oven. Examine after
drying and baking. How has it changed in size by heating?
Test the water in the test tube for starch.
GLUTEN.--The material left in the cloth consists largely of protein. If
flour is mixed with water, _gluten_ is formed from the two kinds of
protein that are to be found in all wheat flours. Gluten is yellowish gray
in color, is extremely elastic and sticky, and, if moistened and heated,
expands to many times its original bulk. These qualities of gluten are
most desirable for good yeast bread; hence, the more protein that flour
contains, the better it is for bread making. As has been stated, some
flours contain more protein than others. The protein of wheat as well as
of other grains is incomplete, hence grains need to be supplemented with
other kinds of protein food.
WHEAT FLOUR.--The quantity of protein in flour is not only dependent upon
the portion of the wheat kernel used in making the flour (see
_Difference in Wheat Flours_), but also upon the kind of wheat from
which the flour is made. Spring wheat, the seeds of which are sown in the
springtime, usually contains more protein than winter wheat, the seeds of
which are sown in the fall. The flour made from spring wheat is called
_hard wheat flour_ or _bread flour_. This flour is creamy in
color, rather gritty in feeling, and when pressed in the hand does not
retain the impression of the fingers. Flour made from winter wheat is
called _soft wheat flour_ or _pastry flour_. This is white, very
fine and velvety in feeling, and easily retains the impression of the
fingers.
On account of the greater quantity of protein in bread flour, this flour
absorbs more moisture than pastry flour. Less bread flour than pastry
flour, therefore, is required for the bread mixture. If bread flour is
substituted for pastry flour, its quantity should be decreased,--2
tablespoonfuls for each cupful.
DRY YEAST SPONGE.--It is generally agreed that compressed yeast is more
satisfactory for bread making than dry yeast. By the use of the former,
the method is shorter, and the "rising" can take place during the daytime
and be checked at the proper time. The use of dry yeast, however, is
necessary under some conditions. For this kind of yeast cake, the yeast is
made into a stiff dough by mixing it with starch or meal, and is then
dried. In the dry state, yeast plants do not grow, but remain inactive
until they are subjected to conditions favorable for growth. In order that
dry yeast may begin to grow, it is necessary to make a _sponge_ of
the materials used in bread making. A sponge is a batter containing half
as much flour as is required for the stiff dough. A thin mixture rises
more quickly than does a stiff dough; hence the advantage of "starting"
dry yeast in a sponge.
The growth of yeast is somewhat retarded by salt and spices. Sugar in
small quantity aids rapid growth; much sugar delays the rising of bread.
Much fat and many eggs also make the process slower. In the preparation of
buns, when much fat and sugar and many eggs are to be used, it is
advisable to make a sponge. These materials are not to be added, however,
until the sponge is stiffened. The yeast thus gets a good "start" before
the eggs, etc., are added.
BREAD (made with dry yeast) (2 loaves)
2 cupfuls water
1/2 cake dry yeast
2 teaspoonfuls salt
2 teaspoonfuls sugar
1 tablespoonful fat
6 cupfuls (or more) bread flour
Soak the yeast in the water (lukewarm) until softened. Then add the salt,
sugar, and fat. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, and the fat
is melted. Add one half the given quantity of flour. Beat until the
mixture is smooth; cover. Let rise until very porous and foamy. Add enough
flour to make a stiff dough; knead; and allow to rise until doubled in
bulk. Proceed as for bread made with compressed yeast.
SCORE CARD FOR BREAD [Footnote 109: "Selection and Preparation of Food,"
by Bevier and Van Meter, p. 82.]--DETERMINING ITS QUALITY
Flavor 35
Lightness 15
Grain and texture 20
Crust (color, depth, texture) 10
Crumb (color, moisture) 10
Shape and size 10
---
Total 100
QUESTIONS
Under what conditions would dry yeast be used in bread making?
For what reason is bread dough kneaded?
What is the test for sufficient kneading of bread dough?
In what part of the country is spring wheat grown? Winter wheat?
How are the flours distinguished that are made from these different kinds
of wheat?
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of winter and of spring wheat flour.
Which contains the more protein; which, the more carbohydrates? Compare
the quantity of ash in each.
Knowing the method of leavening, the time required for raising, and the
properties of gluten, explain why spring wheat flour is better adapted to
yeast breads than to quick breads.
What is the price per sack of pastry and of bread flour?
What is the price per cake of compressed yeast? What is the price per
package of dry yeast? How many cakes in a package?
LESSON CXXXVII
MODIFICATIONS OF PLAIN WHITE BREAD
BREADS OTHER THAN WHEAT.--As mentioned previously, wheat is the most
popular grain in this country, largely because we are most used to it, not
because it is a better food than other cereals. The use of different
starchy materials and grains, especially the whole cereals, is advised to
give variation not only in flavor, but in nutritive content. Yeast breads
containing cereals other than wheat are more satisfactory in texture and
in size of loaf when they are made by combining some wheat with the other
grains.
The housekeeper of olden days considered the potato most essential for
bread making. It is possible to make good bread by using 1/3 as much
mashed potato as wheat flour. Potato bread is moist; it keeps better than
bread made entirely with wheat. It has been observed that bread containing
potatoes or potato water rises quickly. It is possible that the growth of
the yeast is stimulated by potato. Although bread containing potatoes is
light, it is not as delicate or "fluffy" as plain wheat bread.
Since potatoes contain much moisture, the quantity of liquid used in
making potato bread should be lessened. Because bread dough containing
potatoes softens as it rises, sufficient flour should be added to make it
very stiff or more flour added while kneading.
Much experimenting with bread during the World War showed that bread
containing cereals other than wheat is more satisfactory when potatoes are
used in making it. It was found that less of wheat and more of the other
grains could be used when potatoes were added to the dough.
Bread made of grains other than wheat requires a greater quantity of yeast
than wheat bread. The following explanation may account for this fact:
Some recent scientific investigations point out the fact that the activity
of yeast is increased when vinegar or other weak acid material is added to
bread dough. Since the proteins of cereals other than wheat absorb more of
the free acid of the dough than do the proteins of wheat, the acidity of
the dough is lessened. Hence more yeast is required to leaven dough
containing grains other than wheat.
GRAHAM BREAD
Use one half white bread flour and one half graham flour in the recipe
given for Bread in order to make Graham Bread. One fourth cupful of
molasses may be substituted for the sugar. Mix and bake as white bread.
Some consider that it is much more satisfactory to make a sponge when
using graham flour. If this is done, first make a sponge using only one
half the given quantity of flour. Let the mixture rise, then add the
remainder of the flour, and proceed as in making white wheat bread.
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
Follow the recipe for Bread, substituting whole wheat for the fine wheat
bread flour, but make a soft, not stiff dough.
_Raisin Bread_ may be made by adding 2 cupfuls of seeded raisins to
whole wheat bread mixture and increasing the sugar to 1/4 cupful or
substituting 1/3 cupful molasses for the sugar. Use the greater quantity
of yeast. Add the raisins to the mixture before adding the flour.
POTATO BREAD (2 loaves)
2 cupfuls dry mashed potatoes
1 cupful water in which potatoes were cooked
1 tablespoonful salt
1/2 cupful lukewarm water
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1 tablespoonful fat
1/2 to 1 cake compressed yeast
5 1/2 to 6 cupfuls wheat bread flour
Pare 6 medium-sized potatoes. Cut into pieces and cook in boiling water
until tender. Drain the water from the potatoes, but save the potato water
to use as moisture for the dough, and for mixing with the yeast. Mash the
potatoes; add the potato water, salt, sugar, and fat. Then proceed as
directed for Bread.
OATMEAL-POTATO BREAD (2 loaves)
1 1/2 cupfuls potato water
2 cupfuls rolled oats
1 tablespoonful salt
2 teaspoonfuls sugar
Wheat bread flour, about 6 cupfuls
1 tablespoonful fat
2 cupfuls dry mashed potatoes
1 cake compressed yeast
1 tablespoonful lukewarm water
Heat the liquid to boiling point. Pour it over the rolled oats. Add the
salt, sugar, and fat. Stir and let stand until the mixture is lukewarm.
Add the potatoes, then proceed as for plain bread. Let the dough rise in
the pans until it is from 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 times its original bulk.
QUESTIONS
From _U.S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of white, of graham, and of whole wheat bread.
Under what conditions should a sponge be made when compressed yeast is
used?
What kind of bread is most satisfactory in high altitudes, _i.e._
where the climate is dry? Explain.
Why is potato water a more valuable liquid for bread making than water?
What is the purpose of adding boiling water to rolled oats in making
Oatmeal-Potato Bread (see _Substituting Other Cereals for Wheat
Flour_)?
Compare the quantity of yeast used in Oatmeal-Potato Bread with that used
in plain wheat bread. Account for the difference.
LESSON CXXXVIII
ROLLS AND BUNS
PLAIN ROLLS OR BISCUITS
For rolls or biscuits use the recipe for Bread, adding twice the quantity
of fat, and using milk for part of the liquid. Or they may be made by
kneading more fat into any bread dough. Knead well after the first rising;
then cut into pieces half the size of an egg, and shape into balls. Place
the balls some distance apart in a pan or place the balls so that one
touches another. The latter plan of placing in the pan produces biscuits
having a small amount of crust. Allow the biscuits to rise to double their
bulk; then bake in a hot oven.
PARKER HOUSE ROLLS
2 cupfuls hot milk and water
3 tablespoonfuls fat
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1 teaspoonful salt
1 yeast cake
1/4 cupful lukewarm water
Bread flour
Make a sponge of the ingredients, using 3 cupfuls of flour. Beat
thoroughly, cover, and let rise until light. Then add enough flour to
knead. Knead, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk. Knead again
slightly, and roll out on a floured board until 1/3 of an inch in
thickness. Cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter; put a bit of butter or
substitute near the edge of the biscuit; fold; and press the edges
together. Place in an oiled pan; cover. Let rise until double in bulk, and
bake at 425 degrees F. from 20 to 30 minutes.
The crust may be _glazed_ with a mixture of milk and sugar a few
minutes before removing the biscuits from the oven. Use 1 part sugar to 2
parts milk. Diluted egg white also may be used for glazing.
A corn-starch paste is sometimes used for _glazing_. It is made as
follows: Mix 2 teaspoonfuls of corn-starch with the same quantity of cold
water. Add 3/4 cupful of boiling water; stir and cook for 5 minutes. Brush
this over the top of the rolls, sprinkle with sugar. Return the rolls to
the oven and continue baking until the crust is browned.
POTATO YEAST ROLLS
Use the recipe for Parker House Rolls as a basic rule. In preparing the
sponge, use 2 cupfuls of dry mashed potatoes instead of flour. Decrease
the liquid to 1 cupful. Increase the quantity of salt to 1 tablespoonful.
When the sponge is light, add sufficient wheat flour to make the dough of
the proper consistency. Proceed as for plain wheat rolls.
_Rye flour_ may be used instead of wheat in preparing these rolls.
CINNAMON BUNS
Use one half of the recipe for Parker House Rolls. After the dough has
risen, roll until 1/4 inch thick, and spread with the following:
1/2 cupful butter or butter and other fat softened
2 tablespoonfuls cinnamon
1 cupful currants or raisins
1 cupful brown sugar
Roll the dough as for Jelly Roll or for Fruit Rolls and cut into slices 1
inch thick. Place in well-oiled pans or muffin tins, with a cut surface
resting on the pan. When very light, bake in a moderate oven about 30
minutes. The buns may be basted with molasses or sugar, or with a milk and
sugar mixture (see _Parker House Rolls_). Add 1 teaspoonful of the
basting material to each bun 15 minutes before removing from the oven.
BISCUITS WITH PRUNE OR RAISIN FILLING
1 cupful milk
1 cupful water
2 tablespoonfuls sugar
1 teaspoonful salt
3 tablespoonfuls fat
1 to 3 eggs
2 cakes compressed yeast
1/4 cupful lukewarm water
Bread flour (about 7 cupfuls)
Heat the milk and water. Turn into a bowl and add the sugar, salt, and
fat. Let the mixture stand until it is lukewarm in temperature. Mix the
yeast with the lukewarm water and add it to the lukewarm milk mixture.
Break the egg; beat the white and yolk separately. Add the egg to the
other ingredients.
Through a sifter, add enough flour to knead. Knead and roll out on a
floured board until about 1 inch in thickness. Cut into rounds with a
biscuit cutter. Make a depression in the center of each biscuit, fill with
prunes or raisins prepared as directed below.
Place the biscuits on greased pans, let them rise (in a warm place) until
doubled in bulk; bake in a hot oven.
PRUNE OR RAISIN FILLING
1 pound dried prunes _or_ 1 1/2 cupfuls seeded raisins
1 teaspoonful cinnamon
1/8 teaspoonful cloves
2 tablespoonfuls lemon juice
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Sugar
Soak the fruit in enough water to cover overnight or for several hours.
Cook as directed on until the fruit is tender and the water is almost
evaporated. If prunes are used, remove the stones. Add the spices, lemon
juice, and salt. Also add sugar "to taste."
QUESTIONS
Why should a sponge be made when eggs are to be added to the yeast
mixture?
What would be the disadvantage in adding them to a dough, after the dough
had stiffened?
What must be done to produce biscuits having much crust rather than little
crust?
What care should be taken in regulating the temperature of the oven when
baking Cinnamon Buns, especially if they are to be basted during baking?
How many times are Biscuits with Prune or Raisin Filling allowed to rise?
How does yeast bread made with one rising differ from that made with
several risings?
Why is it necessary to cook the fruit used for filling for biscuits until
the water is almost evaporated? What would be the effect on the biscuits
of much moisture in the filling?
RELATED WORK
LESSON CXXXIX
FOOD FOR GIRLS AND BOYS
THE YOUNG GIRL.--Adolescence is a period of great activity and growth.
Much physical development characterizes the years of youth.
During the time of rapid growth, it is very easy to acquire craving not
only for sweets, but for condiments and highly seasoned and spiced foods
and for foods of decided and contrasting flavor. As previously explained,
such foods used excessively are harmful. It is especially necessary that a
girl growing into womanhood use foods which furnish building and energy-
giving nutrients in sufficient quantity as well as materials to promote
growth.
Going without breakfast may be the cause of headaches, poorly prepared
lessons, and in some cases irritability or bad dispositions. When the
morning meal is omitted, an undue quantity of food is apt to be eaten at
noon. In many schools, work is resumed immediately or shortly after
luncheon. The digestion of a large quantity of hearty food interferes with
mental effort.
THE HUNGRY BOY belongs to the period of adolescence. It is perfectly
natural for the growing boy to be hungry. Indeed during the time from
twelve to seventeen years, more food is consumed by the average youth than
by an adult. If three meals a day are to satisfy the hungry boy, a
nourishing diet must be eaten. Concentrated, but easily digested foods,
such as eggs, cereals, meat, starchy and nitrogenous vegetables for
building and energy as well as foods which supply mineral matter such as
fruits and succulent vegetables, are needed.
The use of milk and cocoa rather than tea and coffee should be encouraged.
It is especially necessary that milk with its growth-promoting materials
and valuable proteins be included in the diet of a growing youth. If
coffee must be used, let it be cereal coffee.
For the boy who would "make the team" and excel in athletics the matter of
a proper food selection is most important. The athlete must give serious
consideration to his diet.
FOOD PLANS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS.--According to the table given on
previously, the diet of a girl from fourteen to seventeen should supply
Calories averaging 2400, while that of a boy of the same age should supply
Calories averaging 3400. [Footnote 110: The reason why the energy
requirements of a boy exceeds that of a girl of the adolescent period is
stated on previously.]
The following plans for a day's diet for the girl and boy of fourteen to
seventeen years are offered as suggestions for wholesome food
combinations:
FOODS APPROXIMATE CALORIES
Breakfast. Fruits, fresh or cooked 75-100
Cereal with Whole Milk and Sugar 200-250
Toast and Butter (2 to 3 slices) 300-450
Cocoa or Whole Milk 120-150
Luncheon. Cream Soup 150-175
Meat Substitute 200-300
Bread and Butter (1 to 2 slices) 150-300
Rice or Tapioca Pudding or Blanc Mange 150-200
Cocoa or Whole Milk 120-150
Dinner. Egg-dish or Meat 200-300
Starchy Vegetable or Cereal 100-125
Succulent Vegetable or Salad 50-150
Bread and Butter (1 to 2 slices) 150-300
Baked Custard or Ice Cream with
Chocolate Sauce 250-300
Cereal Coffee (with Sugar, and Top Milk) or
Whole Milk 125-150
---------
2340-3400
THE SCHOOL LUNCHEON.--Girls and boys of high school age invariably lunch
at school, or a luncheon is brought from home and eaten at school. If a
pupil buys his luncheon at school, hot, wholesome, nourishing foods such
as cream-soup vegetables, eggs, cereal puddings, cocoa, and milk should be
purchased. It is unfortunate if pastry and sweets are chosen to the
exclusion of the foods just mentioned.
In case the plainer foods are selected, it is a mistake for the pupil to
narrow his purchase to a very few foods such as meat, potatoes, and
pastry. Too often pupils get in the habit of choosing foods which furnish
too little variety in composition. Learning to like many different foods
is a characteristic one should strive to develop. When one abolishes food
prejudices and "eats everything" that is wholesome, the possibility of
securing a well-balanced meal to meet the needs of the body is increased.
LUNCHEON MENUS.--The quantity and kind of food that should be eaten at
luncheon depends largely upon the kind and quantity of foods eaten at
breakfast and dinner or supper. Some eat more breakfast than luncheon
while others follow the reverse plan. It has been found, however, that a
luncheon yielding from 750 to 1000 Calories furnishes adequate nutriment
for the average youth, provided of course the foods are well balanced in
composition. Suggestive luncheon menus for school girls and boys follow.
(The luncheon which is carried from home is discussed in Lesson CXLIX.)
FOOD CALORIES DERIVED TOTAL
FROM PROTEIN CALORIES
1 serving macaroni and cheese (1 cupful) 34.0 200.00
1 slice bread and butter 14.2 150.00
1 portion gingerbread (2 ounces) 14.0 200.00
1 medium baked apple with whole milk 6.8 128.00
1 serving cocoa (3/4 cupful) 16.1 118.40
---- ------
85.1 796.40
1 serving vegetable soup (1 cupful) 21.28 148.22
1 cheese and peanut sandwich 43.47 270.00
1 large orange 6.20 100.00
1 portion cake (2 ounces) 14.00 200.00
1 glass milk (7/8 cupful) 26.60 140.00
------ ------
111.55 858.22
1 serving cream of tomato soup (1 cupful) 25.07 178.4
3 soda crackers 9.4 100.0
1 ham sandwich 51.1 316.4
1 portion ice cream (1/8 quart) 7.66 199.2
1 large banana 5.3 100.0
1 glass milk (7/8 cupful) 26.6 140.0
------ ------
125.13 1034.0
QUESTIONS
Plan a week's series of school luncheons containing foods which may be
obtained at home or at school or at any other place where you eat your
luncheon. Calculate the total Calorific value of the menus. Also determine
the per cent of Calories derived from protein.
LESSON CXL
PLANNING A DAY'S DIET--COOKING AND SERVING A MEAL
Plan [Footnote 111: See Footnote 72] a day's diet containing the kinds of
foods suitable for you and other members of your class and furnishing
sufficient Calories to meet the energy-requirement of girls of your age.
(Follow the suggestions given in Lesson CV and CXXXIX.) Determine the per
cent of the total Calories produced by Calories derived from protein.
Compute the cost of the meal.
Cook and serve one of the meals of the day's diet. Follow the English or
family style of serving,--either with or without a maid.
LESSON CXLI
REVIEW: MEAL COOKING
MENU
Bread (or Raised Biscuits)
Cranberry Jelly (or Fruit Sauce)
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CXLII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 112: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Bake yeast bread or raised biscuits at your
home at least once a week.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To improve the quality of the bread. Score your
products each time you prepare them. By careful observation and by
consultation with your teacher, determine the cause of any undesirable
quality your breads may have and then strive at the next baking to correct
your mistakes.
(2) To compare homemade and baker's bread. Determine the weight and cost
of a loaf of homemade and baker's bread. Compute the cost per pound of
each. Compare the flavor and satisfying qualities of each. Consult other
members of your family regarding these two qualities. Name the advantages
and disadvantages of baking bread at home.
DIVISION FOURTEEN
CAKE
LESSON CXLIII
CAKE WITHOUT FAT--SPONGE CAKE
COMPARISON OF SPONGE CAKE AND POPOVERS.--See the recipe for Popovers.
Compare it with the recipe for Sponge Cake I.
SPONGE CAKE NO. I
4 egg yolks
1 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful lemon juice
Grated rind of 1/2 lemon
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 cupful flour
What two ingredients are similar in these recipes? What ingredients does
Sponge Cake contain which do not exist in Popovers? What ingredients in
Popovers are omitted in Sponge Cake? Note the number of eggs in each. What
is the wetting material in Popovers? In Sponge Cake? By what means are
Popovers lightened? Sponge Cake? How do you account for the difference in
the number of eggs?
NOTE.--A typical Sponge Cake contains no baking powder or moisture except
that contained in the eggs and flavoring material. To make a cheaper cake,
the following modification may be made: Instead of 4 eggs, 2 eggs with 1/4
cupful of water and 1 teaspoonful of baking powder may be used.
METHOD OF MIXING SPONGE CAKE. Beat the yolks of the eggs until thick and
lemon-colored. Add the sugar and continue beating; then add the flavoring
and any other liquid that the recipe may call for. Beat the mixture well.
Add the salt to the egg whites and beat until the whites are stiff. Sift
the flour (and baking powder if used) several times. Add part of the dry
ingredients through the sifter to the yolk mixture, then add some of the
egg whites. Repeat until all the dry ingredients and the egg whites have
been added. Mix by cutting and folding the ingredients. Turn at once into
an unoiled pan. Bake in a moderate oven (325 degrees F.) for 50 or 60
minutes.
BAKING SPONGE CAKES.--_The baking of a cake, as well as the manner of
mixing the ingredients_ and the quality of the ingredients themselves,
determines the success of the cake. A practical test for the temperature
of the oven is the placing of a bit of flour or white paper in the oven.
If at the end of 5 minutes the paper or flour is slightly browned, the
oven is of proper temperature for sponge cakes or cakes without fat. The
time required to bake a cake should be divided into quarters. During the
first quarter the cake should begin to rise; during the second quarter it
should continue to rise and begin to brown; during the third quarter it
should continue to brown, and the fourth quarter it should finish baking.
If the mixing and the baking have been successful, failure may result
after removing the cake from the oven. It should not be placed in a cold
place or in a draft. Invert the cake pan on a wire rack and allow the cake
to remain until cool. Remove the cake from the pan, and store in a covered
tin box.
SPONGE CAKE NO. II
2 or 3 egg yolks
l 1/2 cupfuls sugar
1 tablespoonful lemon juice
3/4 cupful water
2 cupfuls flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
2 or 3 egg whites
Mix and bake according to the directions given above. It is advisable to
oil the pan for this cake.
WASHINGTON PIE
Sponge Cake with Cream Filling is termed Washington Pie. Follow the recipe
for Cream Filling and put it between the layers of Sponge Cake, or as a
filling between split sheets of a loaf or thick sheet of Sponge Cake.
QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of cutting and folding the egg whites and the dry
ingredients into a sponge cake mixture?
Why is it necessary to add moisture and baking powder to Sponge Cake No.
II?
What is the effect of too cool an oven on Sponge Cake?
LESSON CXLIV
CAKE CONTAINING FAT--ONE-EGG CAKE
CLASSES OF CAKES.--Cakes are commonly divided into two classes: (_a_)
Cakes without fat and (_b_) Cakes containing fat. Sponge Cake is an
example of the first class and the One-egg Cake given below is an example
of the second class. The method of mixing cakes containing fat differs
from the method of mixing cakes without fat. The temperature of the oven
and the length of time required for baking also differ for the two classes
of cakes.
COMPARISON OF ONE-EGG CAKE AND MUFFINS.--See the recipe for Plain Muffins.
Compare it with the following recipe.
ONE-EGG CAKE [Footnote 113: NOTE TO THE TEACHER.--If a richer cake is
desired, follow the Plain Cake recipe given in Lesson CXLV.]
2 cupfuls flour
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
3/4 to 1 cupful sugar
1 egg
1 cupful milk or water
1 teaspoonful flavoring
2 to 4 tablespoonfuls fat
What ingredient does cake contain that is not present in muffins? What two
ingredients exist in greater quantity in cake than in muffins?
THE INGREDIENTS OF A CAKE CONTAINING FAT.--Materials of the best quality
should be used for cakes. Pastry flour and the finest granulated sugar are
necessary ingredients.
In determining the kind of fat to use in a cake, one should consider all
of the ingredients in a recipe, and then decide which one will give the
most pronounced flavor to the combined materials. If a cake contains so
much fat that the fat will be one of the predominating flavoring
ingredients, table butter should be used alone or combined with some bland
fat. When but little fat is used in Plain Cake, there is little difference
in the flavor of cake made with butter or substitutes. Oleomargarine,
tried-out chicken fat, suet, lard, or vegetable fat may be used for spice
cakes or other highly flavored cakes. Cake is one of the foods whose
ingredients require the greatest accuracy and care in measuring. When a
cake contains much fat, the latter can usually be more easily and
accurately weighed than measured.
METHOD OF MIXING CAKE CONTAINING FAT.--Since cakes contain much more fat
and sugar than muffins, a different method of mixing the fat with the
other ingredients of the cake has been used quite generally. The fat and
sugar have usually been blended by creaming them.
However, many experiments in the mixing and baking of cakes have been
made. These show that a cake of good quality may be made by following the
method of mixing fat in a muffin mixture, _i.e._ melting the fat and
adding it to other ingredients. The following is the method of mixing cake
when melted fat is used:
Beat the eggs, add the sugar, liquid, and flavoring. Melt the fat and add
it to the other ingredients. Mix the dry ingredients, _i.e._ the
flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these through a sifter to the egg and
sugar mixture. Beat from 1 to 2 minutes.
In cake mixing, the yolks and the whites of the eggs are often separated.
When this is done, the yolks and sugar are blended, the moisture,
flavoring, melted fat, and dry ingredients are added, the mixture beaten,
and finally the beaten whites are folded in.
In combining cake ingredients, great care must be taken to mix all
ingredients _thoroughly_. Cakes, except those containing very little
moisture and much fat, such as Jumbles or Pound Cake, can be made
satisfactorily by adding melted fat. It has been estimated that half as
much time is required for mixing a cake in which melted fat is used as one
in which the fat is creamed. It has been found [Footnote 114: See Journal
Home Economics, Vol. X, pp. 542-7, December, 1918.] that the amount of
mixing and the preparation of ingredients in a cake are much more
important factors than the manner of combining the ingredients. Too little
beating makes a cake of coarse, crumbly mixture. Too much beating makes it
compact in texture with "tunnels" through it.
PREPARING THE PANS FOR CAKES CONTAINING FAT.--The pans for cakes that
contain fat should be well oiled. It is well to line the pans with paper
and to oil the paper thoroughly, or to oil the pans well and to sprinkle a
little flour over them before adding the cake batter.
BAKING LAYER AND LOAF CAKES.--If a bit of flour or white paper is
delicately browned after being placed for 2 minutes in the oven, the oven
is of proper temperature for layer cakes containing fat. For a loaf cake
the oven should be cooler, since a longer time for baking is required. It
is especially important that a crust does not form over the top of a cake
before the cake has risen, or before it has been in the oven one fourth of
the time required (see _Baking Sponge Cakes_). To avoid this, the
temperature of the oven should be quite low when a thick loaf cake is
first placed in it. Some housekeepers find it most satisfactory to cover
the top of a pan containing loaf cake with paper until the cake has risen.
In general, layer cakes require 20 to 35 minutes for baking and loaf cakes
from 40 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Shortly after taking from the oven, cake
containing fat may be removed from the pan, and placed on a wire cake
cooler or towel until cold. In a heat-regulated oven, bake layer cakes at
375 degrees F., and loaf cakes at 350 degrees F.
THE QUALITY OF CAKE.--Desirable cake is tender and light, but of fine
grain. The quantity of eggs, sugar, fat, and moisture affects these
qualities. Too much sugar makes a cake of coarse grain and of waxy or
tough texture. On the other hand, a cake containing too little sugar is
not as fine grained as one having "just enough."
A cake in which there is too much fat is crisp or crumbly,--i.e. it will
not hold its shape. Too little fat may make it tough in texture. Generally
the more fat a cake contains the smaller the quantity of moisture needed.
Note that the One-egg Cake recipe contains 1 cupful of liquid, but when
the fat is increased to 1/2 cupful, the moisture is decreased to 2/3
cupful (see Plain Cake recipe).
Many eggs without a proportionate quantity of fat and sugar produce a
tough cake. The toughness occasioned by eggs, may be offset, of course, by
the tenderness produced by fat. It is a most interesting study to compare
cake recipes. Some are well proportioned, others could be greatly improved
by variations in the quantity of ingredients.
The flavor of a cake is largely affected by the proportion of ingredients
in a cake. For the sake of economy, however, certain ingredients,
especially fat and eggs, must be decreased even though texture, grain, and
flavor are sacrificed. The matter of wholesomeness must also be taken into
consideration. Many persons can eat with comfort plain cakes, i.e. those
containing little fat and a moderate quantity of sugar, while rich cakes
distress them.
SCORE CARD FOR CAKE,--DETERMINING ITS QUALITY
Flavor 40
Lightness 20
Grain and texture 15
Baking (crust and color) 15
Appearance (shape and icing) 10
---
Total 100
QUESTIONS
How should cake batter be spread in the pan to prevent it from rising
higher in the center than at the edges?
What is the purpose of placing the warm cake on a cake cooler or on a
cloth? Mention some substitute other than a cloth for a wire cake cooler.
Why not place the warm cake _inverted_ on the cake cooler?
Explain why a hot cake should not be placed in a cool place or in a draft.
Why store a cake in a tightly covered tin box?
Give two reasons for the cracking of the crust of a cake.
What is the effect of using too much fat in a cake? Too much sugar? Too
much moisture?
If the quantity of fat is increased, what ingredient in a cake recipe
should be decreased?
If the number of eggs in a cake is reduced, what ingredient should be
increased?
LESSON CXLV
CAKE CONTAINING FAT--PLAIN CAKE AND ITS MODIFICATIONS (A)
The "Conventional" method of mixing cake is as follows: Cream the fat;
then gradually add the sugar. Cream the mixture. Add egg yolks that have
been beaten until light. Add the flavoring. Then add some of the milk and
part of the dry ingredients. Repeat until all the milk and dry ingredients
have been added. Beat the mixture thoroughly. Cut and fold in the whites
of the eggs quickly; then turn into oiled pans. Bake layer cakes at
375 degrees F., and loaf cakes at 350 degrees F.
PLAIN CAKE
2 cupfuls flour
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 eggs
1 cupful sugar
2/3 cupful liquid
1 teaspoonful flavoring
1/4 to 1/2 cupful fat
Mix according to the directions above or according to _Method of Mixing
Cake Containing Fat_.
_Compare_ this recipe with that for One-egg Cake. Note that the eggs
and fat are increased, while the baking powder and moisture are decreased.
Can you account for these variations?
WHITE CAKE
Follow the Plain Cake recipe, using 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs and the
greater quantity of fat. Vanilla or almond flavoring are pleasing in White
Cake. If almond extract is used, add only 1/2 teaspoonful.
White Cake is mixed according to the general directions, except, of
course, that the egg yolks are omitted; the egg whites are beaten until
stiff and folded into the other ingredients.
A cheaper but tasty white cake may be made by following the recipe for
One-egg Cake and using 2 egg whites instead of 1 whole egg.
FRESH COCONUT CAKE
Break open a fresh coconut, save all the milk and use it as part of the
liquid for a White Cake. Add milk to the milk of coconut to make the 2/3
cupful of liquid in the plain cake recipe. Prepare a White Cake in two
layers.
CAKE
Break the coconut into pieces, pare these and put them through a food
chopper or grate them. Prepare Boiled Frosting. When the frosting is ready
to spread on the cake, add about 3/4 of the chopped coconut. Spread the
mixture on the cake layers and sprinkle the remainder of the coconut over
the frosting on the top layer of the cake.
A fresh coconut cake will keep moist for a week.
WATER FROSTING
1 cupful confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoonful hot water, milk, or cream
Salt
1 tablespoonful lemon juice
Stir the hot water into the sugar and add the salt and lemon juice. If too
stiff, add a little more boiling water.
3 tablespoonfuls of _cocoa_ or 1 ounce of _chocolate_ may be
mixed with 3 tablespoonfuls of water, cooked for a few minutes, and used
in place of the moisture and lemon juice. 1/2 teaspoonful of vanilla
should be added when these materials are used. When cocoa is used the
addition of 1 tablespoonful of butter improves the flavor.
_Mocha frosting_ may be made by mixing the cocoa or chocolate with
strong coffee instead of water.
EGG FROSTING
1 egg white
1 tablespoonful lemon juice
1 cupful confectioner's sugar
Salt
Put the unbeaten egg white into a bowl; add the lemon juice, then the salt
and sugar. Mix thoroughly. Spread on warm cake.
The lemon juice may be omitted, and _chocolate_ (or cocoa) and
vanilla added, as in Water Frosting.
GOLD FROSTING
2 egg yolks
Confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoonful lemon juice or vanilla
Salt
Add the flavoring and salt to the unbeaten yolks. Add enough
confectioner's sugar to the mixture to make it thick enough to spread. Use
on White Cake when it is warm.
BOILED FROSTING
3/4 to 1 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful vinegar
1 teaspoonful flavoring
1/3 cupful water
1 egg white
Salt
Mix the sugar, water, and vinegar in a saucepan. Cook _gently_ until
the sirup (when dropped from a spoon) "spins a thread" 3 inches long.
Remove from the fire, and gradually pour the sirup over the egg white to
which a pinch of salt has been added and which has been beaten stiff.
Continue to beat the mixture; when it begins to stiffen, add the
flavoring, and spread over cooled cake.
The less quantity of sugar produces a more delicate and less dense
frosting than the greater quantity.
CHOCOLATE-MARSHMALLOW FROSTING
1 cupful sugar
1/4 cupful boiling water
1/8 teaspoonful salt
12 marshmallows
2 ounces chocolate
3 tablespoonfuls water
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
In a saucepan stir the sugar, boiling water, and salt. Then place over a
low flame and heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Cut the marshmallows in halves, add to the sugar mixture, and beat until
the marshmallows have melted. Cut the chocolate in pieces and mix with 3
tablespoonfuls water. Stir and cook over a low flame until a thick, smooth
paste is formed. Add to the sugar mixture. Beat until the frosting is of
proper consistency to spread, then stir in the vanilla.
QUESTIONS
Give the reason for the greater quantity of fat in cake when egg yolks are
omitted.
If the conventional method of mixing cake is followed, what can be done in
cold weather to hasten the creaming of fat? What is the result of
insufficient creaming?
Why is the cake mixture beaten thoroughly before the whites of eggs are
added?
What is the purpose of cutting and folding in the whites of eggs in the
cake mixture?
What kind of fat should be used for white cake? Why?
Why use hot water rather than cold water for Water Frosting (see
Experiment 11)?
When egg whites alone are used in cake, give at least three uses for the
yolks of the eggs.
Why is Egg Frosting used on warm cake, rather than on cold?
What is the use of vinegar in Boiled Frosting (see Christmas Candy)?
Why should the white of egg be beaten while the hot sirup is being poured
over it?
LESSON CXLVI
CAKE CONTAINING FAT--PLAIN CAKE AND ITS MODIFICATIONS (B)
CHOCOLATE CAKE
2 cupfuls flour
3 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoonful salt
2 ounces chocolate _or_
1/3 cupful cocoa
1/2 cupful water
1/4 teaspoonful baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 cupfuls sugar
1/2 cupful milk
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1/3 cupful fat
Cook the chocolate or cocoa in the water until a smooth paste is formed,
stirring constantly while cooking. Cool, and add the baking soda.
Beat the egg yolks and whites separately. Mix as plain cake, adding the
chocolate mixture after the egg yolks have been mixed with the sugar. Use
the less quantity of salt if butter is used for the fat.
Bake in layers at 375 degrees F., placing Chocolate Filling between the
layers and Boiled Frosting on the top layer.
Sour milk may be substituted for the sweet milk. When this is done,
increase the baking soda to 1/2 teaspoonful and decrease the baking powder
to 2 teaspoonfuls.
Baking soda is used with chocolate to neutralize a small quantity of acid
(tartaric) contained in it. Its use with chocolate will also darken the
cake.
CHOCOLATE FILLING
1/2 cupful sugar
1/3 cupful flour
1 cupful milk
1 ounce chocolate
3 tablespoonfuls water
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix all ingredients except the egg yolk and flavoring in the same manner
as Chocolate Corn-starch Pudding. When sufficiently cooked, add the egg
yolk as directed for Butterscotch Tapioca. Continue cooking until the egg
is coagulated. Remove from the fire, cool, add vanilla.
3 tablespoonfuls of cocoa may be substituted for the chocolate. When this
substitution is made, mix the cocoa with the flour and sugar and omit the
water.
The egg yolk may be omitted. When this is done add 1/2 tablespoonful of
corn-starch to the flour and sugar mixture.
Compare the recipes for chocolate and plain cake. How do you account for
the difference in the quantities of sugar (see _Chocolate Corn-starch
Pudding_)?
Does the water used for making the chocolate paste change in quantity
during the cooking? Explain. What ingredient do both chocolate and cocoa
contain which aids in thickening the cake? From this can you account for
the greater quantity of moisture used in Chocolate Cake?
Would it be advisable to use a greater quantity of fat (1/2 cupful) for
Chocolate Cake? Why?
NUT CAKE
Follow the recipe for Plain Cake, use the smaller quantity of fat, and add
1 cupful of chopped nuts. A convenient way of chopping nuts is to put them
through the food chopper, using the coarse knife.
CAKE CONTAINING FRUIT
Follow the recipe for Plain Cake, but add 1 cupful of raisins or currants.
Clean the fruit, then dry, and sprinkle it with flour. Raisins may be
chopped, or cut in two pieces (see _To Prepare Raisins for Cooking_).
Citron may also be added. It should be cut in thin slices or put through
the food chopper.
When light brown sugar is used instead of white sugar, dates make a
pleasing addition. These should be cleaned, stoned, cut into pieces, and
added as are the raisins or currants.
Spices give pleasing flavor when dried fruits are used. 1 teaspoonful each
of cinnamon and nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoonful of cloves make desirable
flavoring.
QUESTIONS
Mention the kinds of fat that could be used for spice cakes and for
Chocolate Cake. Give the reason for the selection made. From _U. S.
Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin 28, tabulate the percentage
composition of some common nuts. Of chocolate and cocoa.
Explain why the minimum quantity of fat should be used for Nut Cake.
Why are the dried fruits floured?
Why are nuts not floured?
Compare cakes made with the least and the greatest quantity of fat. Which
is the more tender? Which has the better taste?
Calculate the cost per pound of Sponge Cake. Calculate the cost per pound
of cake containing fat (see _Plain Cake_).
LESSON CXLVII
CAKE CONTAINING FAT--COOKIES
CLASSES OF COOKIES.--Cooky mixture may be thin like a drop batter and
dropped by spoonfuls on to a pan or it may be about as stiff as a soft
dough and rolled and then cut into rounds or other shapes. Hence cookies
may be classified as:
(1) Drop Cookies.
(2) Cut or Rolled Cookies.
TEXTURE OF COOKIES.--Drop cookies may or may not contain fat. Cut or
rolled cookies usually contain fat. Since a dough is prepared in making
the latter kind of cookies, fat is needed to make the mixture sufficiently
tender. A dough containing little or no fat usually produces a tough cut
cooky. A skilled cooky maker, however, can secure a soft cut cooky
containing little fat by making a very soft dough.
If crisp, cut cookies are desired, the dough should be rolled thin. To
secure soft cookies roll the dough to at least 1/4 inch thickness. If
cookies containing fat are stored in a tightly covered box, they become
softer after several days.
COMPARE the recipe for Sugar Cookies with that for Plain Cake. Account for
the difference in the quantity of milk. Explain why the quantity of milk
is decreased rather than the quantity of flour increased.
SUGAR COOKIES
2 cupfuls flour
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
1 cupful sugar
1/2 cupful fat
Milk or water (about 3/8 cupful)
1 teaspoonful flavoring or spice
Mix as for Plain Cake (do not separate the eggs), adding just sufficient
milk to make the dough stiff enough to be rolled out. Put the dough in a
cool place to chill. Roll out in small portions; then sprinkle with sugar.
Cut and bake at 375 degrees F. 10 minutes or until browned.
SOUR MILK OR CREAM COOKIES
Follow the recipe for Sugar Cookies, using 1/2 cupful of thick sour milk
or cream in the place of sweet milk and adding 1/4 teaspoonful of baking
soda. If sour cream is used, only 1/3 cupful (instead of 1/2 cupful) of
fat is needed. Nutmeg--1/2 teaspoonful--is a pleasing flavoring material
for these cookies.
For _Ginger Cookies_, vary the recipe for Sour Cream Cookies as
follows:
Use 1/2 cupful sugar and 1/2 cupful molasses instead of 1 cupful of sugar.
Increase the baking soda to 1/2 teaspoonful.
For flavoring use 1 teaspoonful ginger and 1 teaspoonful allspice.
Since the molasses furnishes some moisture, it is usually necessary to add
more flour or decrease the sour milk or cream.
COOKIES WITH RAISIN FILLING
Prepare Sour Cream Cooky dough. Roll the dough into a thin sheet and cut
it into rounds. Spread half of the rounds with a thin layer of Raisin
Filling (see below). Then cover each round with another piece of dough.
Press the edges together. Place on an oiled baking sheet and bake in a
moderate oven.
RAISIN FILLING
1/2 cupful corn sirup
1 cupful seeded raisins
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Cook these ingredients until the mixture is thick enough to use as cake
filling.
One fourth cupful of chopped nuts may be added. One egg may also be added
to the mixture just before removing from the fire.
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
2 1/2 cupfuls flour
3 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 egg
1 cupful sugar
3/4 cupful peanut butter
1 cupful sour milk
Mix and bake as Sugar Cookies. It is especially necessary to make the
dough for these cookies very soft. It requires skilful handling.
CORN-MEAL COOKIES
1/2 cupful melted fat
1/2 cupful molasses
1/2 cupful corn sirup
1 egg
6 tablespoonfuls sour milk
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
2 cupfuls corn-meal
1 cupful wheat flour
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Combine the melted fat, molasses, sirup, beaten egg, and milk. Sift the
dry ingredients and combine with the liquid. Drop from a teaspoon on to a
greased pan and bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees F.) for 15 minutes.
This makes 55 to 60 cookies about 2 inches in diameter.
(Adapted from _United States Food Administration Bulletin_.)
QUESTIONS
How does the method of preparing cooky mixture differ from that of
preparing cake mixture?
Why should cooky dough be chilled before rolling out?
What can be done to the cooky cutter to prevent it from sticking?
Why is less fat required for Sour Cream than for Sour Milk Cookies (see
Figure 64)?
From the _United States Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28,
find the per cent of fat in peanut butter. What is the per cent of fat in
butter (see Figure 63)? If butter were substituted for peanut butter in
Peanut Butter Cookies, how much would be needed to furnish the same
quantity of fat?
LESSON CXLVIII
CAKES WITHOUT EGGS
OMITTING EGGS IN CAKE.--It was previously stated that 2 teaspoonfuls of
baking powder are required to leaven 1 cupful of flour when no eggs are
used. The statement was also made that the quantity of baking powder is
reduced when eggs are used. Hence cakes made with eggs require less than
the proportionate quantity of leavening given above.
When eggs are omitted in a cake, it is necessary to use 2 teaspoonfuls of
baking powder (or its equivalent) for each cupful of flour.
The flavor of cakes is usually improved when eggs are used. In eggless
cakes, it is advisable to use spices or other materials of pronounced
flavor.
Since eggs are highly nutritious, their omission in cake decreases
considerably the food value of the cake. Leavens and flavoring materials
(except chocolate) used in eggless cakes have practically no food value.
APPLE SAUCE CAKE
2 cupfuls flour
1/8 teaspoonful cloves
1 1/2 teaspoonfuls cinnamon
1 teaspoonful nutmeg
1 teaspoonful baking soda
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1 cupful sugar
1 cupful apple sauce (unsweetened)
1/3 cupful fat
1 cupful raisins, cut in halves
Mix the sugar and apple sauce; add the fat. Mix the dry ingredients.
Through a sifter, add them to the apple sauce mixture. Flour the raisins
and stir them into the batter. Turn into a greased loaf-cake pan or into
two layer-cake pans. Bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees F.). If the
cake is baked in layers, put Raisin Filling between them, but omit the
raisins in the cake batter.
CHOCOLATE CAKE
2 cupfuls flour
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1 teaspoonful salt
1/3 cupful cocoa
1/3 cupful water
1/4 cupful fat
1/2 teaspoonful baking soda
1 cupful sugar
3/4 cupful sour milk
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Mix the cocoa and water. Stir and cook until a thick smooth paste is
formed. Add the fat. If solid fat is used stir until it is melted. Set
aside to cool.
Add the baking soda and mix well. Then add the sugar and sour milk.
Through a sifter, add the dry ingredients. Then add the vanilla. Beat
well. Bake in two layers (375 degrees F.) or in one sheet (350 degrees
F.). Use frosting or Chocolate Filling made without eggs between the
layers and frosting on the top layer.
If it is desired to save sugar, a thin layer of Chocolate Filling may be
used between the layers and on the top layer.
SPICE CAKE
1 cupful brown sugar
1/4 cupful molasses
1 cupful seeded raisins
3/4 cupful water
1/2 cupful fat
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful nutmeg
2 teaspoonfuls cinnamon
1/8 teaspoonful cloves
2 1/2 cupfuls flour
1/4 teaspoonful baking soda
3 1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
In a saucepan mix all the ingredients except flour and leavening
materials. Stir and cook the mixture at boiling temperature for 3 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
Through a sifter, add the leavening materials and flour. Beat well. Turn
into an oiled loaf-cake pan and bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F.)
from 45 to 60 minutes.
Chopped nuts--1/2 cupful--may be added to this cake. This addition,
however, increases the cost. For economy the raisins may be omitted.
NOTE.--Various changes occur when certain of the ingredients of this cake
are cooked, viz.,
(_a_) The sugar is dissolved
(_b_) The raisins are softened
(_c_) The fat is melted
(_d_) The spices are improved in flavor.
QUESTIONS
What materials in Apple Sauce Cake leaven it?
What ingredient usually present in cake recipes is omitted in this cake?
What takes the place of this ingredient?
In Chocolate Cake, how much baking soda is required to neutralize the acid
of the sour milk? For what purpose is the additional quantity used?
What is the purpose of cooking the cocoa and water (see _Cocoa and
Chocolate_)?
Determine the difference in the cost of Chocolate Cake with and without
eggs.
What ingredient in Spice Cake contains a small quantity of acid? Explain
why baking soda is an ingredient of this ingredient.
Why should the cooked mixture of Spice Cake be cool before the remaining
ingredients are added?
RELATED WORK
LESSON CXLIX
THE LUNCHEON BOX
The luncheon box most commonly used is of pasteboard or tin. Both these
materials have advantages and disadvantages. Bread and cake are prevented
from drying out when placed in a tightly covered tin box. On the other
hand, food odors are retained and one pronounced odor may permeate all of
the foods. But since dry bread is unpalatable, the tin box is considered
more satisfactory. It should be kept clean and free from odors, should be
emptied of its contents every day, washed (scalded often), and allowed to
remain open all night. The collapsible box is the most convenient.
For most lunches, a teaspoon, jelly glass, and in some cases a drinking
cup are all the "dishes" needed. The jelly glass may serve for many
purposes. Cup custard may be steamed or baked in it, or it makes an
admirable mold for an individual steam pudding. Small fruits and fruit
sauces may also be carried in jelly glasses.
MENU MAKING FOR THE LUNCHEON BOX.--A luncheon box may be made a source of
pleasure to the school child or everyday worker. To bring this about, the
foods must be varied on successive days. It is not necessary that each
luncheon consist of various foods. Indeed, many kinds of food or foods in
great quantity are not desirable for a child who sits quietly at study
much of the day or for a person of sedentary occupation. It is both
possible and necessary, however,--if the luncheon box is not to become
monotonous,--to have different foods for each day of the week. As in any
meal, all of the foodstuffs should be represented in the food of a
luncheon box.
FOODS FOR THE LUNCHEON BOX.--(1) _Sandwiches_.--Bread is the basis of
almost all box luncheons. Since sandwiches furnish the most convenient way
of carrying foods that are to be eaten with bread, they invariably form a
part of every luncheon. Because they are used so frequently they should be
varied. Different kinds of bread, such as graham, Boston brown, and nut
bread, may be used. Variety may be had by serving bread sometimes in the
form of muffins or rolls. The slices of bread may be cut thin or thick to
suit the appetite of the eater. It is often desirable to leave the crusts
on the bread. Butter should be creamed before spreading it on the bread.
If the sandwiches are to be cut extremely thin, spread the bread before
cutting it into slices. If sandwiches are prepared some time before they
are served, they can be kept moist by wrapping in a dry towel, covered
with a towel wrung out of hot water.
The fillings for sandwiches offer many variations. They may be divided
into two classes, seasoned and sweet. _Seasoned fillings_ may include
meat, eggs, cheese, vegetables. If meat is used, it may be cut in slices,
or chopped and mixed with a sauce. If sliced meat is used, it is well to
tear it into pieces. (This applies also to lettuce.) If it is desired to
lessen the quantity of meat in a diet, the meat should be chopped, for it
has been found that only half as much meat is required when it is chopped
and mixed with a dressing. Either Salad Dressing or White Sauce may be
combined with meat. A French Dressing made of vegetable oil, lemon juice,
and seasonings is better, so far as ease of digestion is concerned, than
Cream or "Boiled" Salad Dressing. If oil is not palatable, learn to like
it. Any of the seasoned fillings may be mixed with Salad Dressing. Sliced
tomatoes spread with Mayonnaise or Cream Salad Dressing, chopped peanuts
mixed with salad dressing, sardines or cold chicken with lemon juice and
paprika make tasty sandwich fillings.
_Sweet fillings_ for sandwiches include: preserved or dried fruits,
bananas, nuts. Sandwiches made with a sweet filling are most popular among
children. Some of them make good substitutes for cake, and are much more
easily digested. The dried fruits such as dates, figs, and prunes, cooked
and combined with bread and butter, make excellent foods. The growing
child is apt to become anemic. Since prunes contain iron, they should be
frequently used in children's diet. Cooked prunes--seeded and flavored
with lemon juice--make palatable sandwiches, especially when brown bread
is used or a few chopped nuts are added. Breads containing sugar or
molasses are most pleasing when used with a sweet filling. Banana
sandwiches are much improved by the addition of lemon juice or Salad
Dressing. Nuts are often combined with both sweet and seasoned materials;
their use gives opportunity for variety. Chopped raisins and nuts may be
moistened with grape juice and used as sandwich filling. Chopped dates,
apples, and nuts mixed with salad dressing make a pleasing filling.
Crushed maple or brown sugar mixed with cream or butter and used with
whole wheat bread is a favorite sandwich among children.
(2) _Relishes_.--Celery, olives, and radishes serve as relishes for
the luncheon box. Celery and olives (especially those stuffed with
pimentos or nuts) are pleasing as a sandwich filling. Most relishes,
however, are more suitable for the luncheon box of a mature person than
for that of a child.
(3) _Desserts_.--Cake is a common constituent of the luncheon box.
Not all cakes, however, are suitable for luncheons. For children, only the
plainer cakes, _i.e._ those containing little fat, should be used.
Plain cake and cookies, sponge cake, lady fingers, and gingerbread (if not
too highly spiced) are also desirable for the school luncheon. Cookies or
cakes baked in muffin pans are more suitable for packing than cut pieces
of cake.
Most fresh fruits can be easily packed in the luncheon box. As has been
mentioned, grapes, the small fruits such as strawberries and raspberries,
sliced pineapple, or fruit sauces may be carried in jelly glasses.
Cup custards and simple puddings may be used as desserts. If a child is
permitted to have sweets, a little candy may be placed in the luncheon
box; it is better for a child to have candy at the end of a luncheon than
after school (see _Use of Candy in Diet_).
PACKING THE LUNCHEON.--Neatness is an essential in an inviting luncheon
box. All foods should be wrapped separately in paraffin paper, and placed
neatly in the box. Since some foods crush readily, it is not always
possible to place the foods to be eaten first on top, but it is desirable
to arrange the foods so that not all of them will have to be removed
before beginning to eat the luncheon. The paper napkin should always be
placed on top. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that foods should not come
in direct contact with newspapers or any printed matter.
QUESTION
Plan menus for five school luncheons, making them as varied as possible.
If you carry your luncheon to school, follow these menus in preparing your
luncheon box.
LESSON CL
PLANNING AND PREPARING BOX LUNCHEONS
Plan [Footnote 115: See Footnote 72.] box luncheons. Make sandwiches and
other foods for the luncheon box. Fill one or more luncheon boxes
according to plans.
LESSON CLI
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cake (for Cottage Pudding)
Vanilla Sauce
Cocoa
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CLII
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 116: See Lesson IX]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Bake cake or cookies at least once a week. If
eggs are high in price, bake cake without eggs or bake One-egg Cake.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To improve the quality of cake. As suggested in a
previous Home Project, score your product, determine the cause of any
undesirable quality, and then avoid your error at the next baking.
(2) To compare homemade and baker's cake. Determine the weight and cost of
homemade and baker's cake. Compare like kinds of cake, _i.e._ plain,
chocolate, etc. Compute the cost per pound of each. If possible compare
the flavor, grain, and texture of each. What are the advantages of
homemade over baker's cake?
DIVISION FIFTEEN
PASTRY
LESSON CLIII
PIE WITH UNDER CRUST
PASTRY.--Good pastry is: (_a_) light, (_b_) flaky or friable,
and (_c_) tender. The _lightness_ of pastry is largely dependent
upon the temperature of the ingredients. All the materials should be cold,
so that the expansion in baking may be as great as possible. In order to
keep the ingredients cold and the fats solid, a knife (instead of the
fingers) should be used in mixing. It is well to chill pastry by placing
it on the ice before rolling out. The lightness of pastry is dependent
somewhat upon quick and deft manipulations. A little baking powder also
increases the lightness of pastry.
_Flaky_ pastry results when the ingredients are mixed so as to form
layers. To accomplish this, solid fat is used and it is not cut fine into
the dry ingredients, but is left in pieces. Thus, when rolled, there are
layers of flour and fat. Pastry is sometimes made by cutting part of the
fat into the flour mixture, then moistening and rolling it out; adding the
remainder of the fat in small bits, folding and rolling out again.
_Friable_ pastry usually results when oil is used instead of solid
fat. The following fats may be used alone or in combination: butter,
oleomargarine, lard, vegetable oil or fat, lard substitutes.
To make pastry _tender_ and not tough, the least possible moisture
should be used. The quantity of fat used also determines its tenderness.
The more fat used, the less the amount of water required. Less moisture is
required when oil rather than solid fat is used. For this reason, many
persons can produce more tender pastry by using a cooking oil. The fact
that the moisture is decreased when oil is used may also account for the
decreased quantity of oil given in the recipe for pastry. Less oil than
solid fat will produce the same degree of tenderness, provided less water
is used.
PIE WITH THE UNDER CRUST.--Pastry is somewhat difficult of digestion; but
a crust that is brittle and easily crumbled is more readily digested than
one that is moist and pasty. Pie crust should crumble as finely as a
cracker. To prevent moist and pasty pie crust, it is advisable to bake
"one crust" pie. If an under crust only is used, it should be baked before
adding the filling. The filling should be cooked and sweetened before
adding it to the crust.
PLAIN PASTRY (2 crusts)
1 1/2 cupfuls flour
1 teaspoonful baking powder
1/2 teaspoonful salt
1/4 to 1/2 cupful fat _or_ 1/6 to 1/3 cupful oil
Ice water
Mix the dry ingredients, cut in the fat slightly; then add just enough
water to hold the ingredients together. Chill; then roll out (one crust at
a time).
Pastry should be baked in a hot oven. A pastry shell containing no filling
should be baked at 400 degrees F., for 15 to 20 minutes.
Bake a one crust pie on the outside of a pie pan; it should be pricked
with a fork before baking.
The pastry trimmings should be utilized. They may be made into tarts or
cheese straws.
LEMON PIE
3 tablespoonfuls flour
3 tablespoonfuls corn-starch
1 cupful sugar
2 cupfuls boiling water
2 egg yolks
Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
1 tablespoonful butter
1/4 teaspoonful salt
MERINGUE
2 egg whites
2 tablespoonfuls powdered sugar
Mix the sugar, flour, and corn-starch, add the boiling water. Stir and
cook on the back of the range, or over an asbestos mat, for 15 minutes.
Add the egg yolks and cook at simmering temperature, until the eggs
thicken. Add the remaining ingredients. Cool and place in a baked crust.
Cover with a meringue. Bake until the meringue is a light brown,
_i.e._ at 300 degrees F., 10 to 15 minutes.
Note that the lemon is added to the mixture after cooking. Cooking a
starchy material with a small amount of acid, dextrinizes the starch.
Since dextrin has less thickening power than starch, the starch mixture
would become thinner if cooked for some time with lemon.
SCORE CARD FOR PIE,--DETERMINING ITS QUALITY
Flavor 30
Tenderness 20
Lightness 10
Flakiness 10
Appearance (color and thickness) 10
Filling (flavor and consistency) 20
---
Total 100
QUESTIONS
Why should not the fingers be used to mix the fat with the dry ingredients
in pastry making?
Why is it easier to roll out pastry, if it has been chilled after mixing?
Why should a lower crust, when used alone, be baked before adding the
filling?
What is the purpose of pricking the lower crust with a fork before baking?
Compare the filling for Lemon Pie with that for Cream Puffs. How do they
differ in moisture, method of preparation, and length of time in cooking?
Give the reason for these differences.
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of butter (see Figure 63), oleomargarine, lard,
lard substitute, and vegetable oil. What is the price per pound of each?
Which furnishes more fat,--a pound of butter or a pound of lard? If lard,
lard substitute, or vegetable oil were substituted for butter in a cake or
other quick bread, should the same quantity be used? Explain.
LESSON CLIV
PIES WITH UPPER CRUST
DIGESTION OF PASTRY.--As previously mentioned (see _Frying and
Digestion_), when fats are heated to a high temperature, they
decompose. The products of this decomposition are less readily digested
than is fat before it is decomposed. Hence in fried foods, the fat is made
somewhat indigestible. Thus it is much better to spread uncooked fat over
hot potatoes than to combine the two foods by frying the potatoes.
Fat is the most slowly digested of all foodstuffs. Hence a combination of
fat and carbohydrates is more slowly digested than carbohydrate. For this
reason, foods consisting of fat and flour such as pastry may remain in the
digestive tract for a long time and cause disturbances. Distressing
effects are less likely to result, however, when a person's work is out of
doors. Since fatty foods remain in the stomach longer than others, they
may serve to allay the feeling of hunger which is caused by the
contracting of an empty stomach.
PIE WITH THE UPPER CRUST.--In the previous lesson (see _Pie with Under
Crust_), it was mentioned that "pasty" pie crust was not readily
digested. For this reason, fresh fruit pie may be made with an upper crust
only. Such pie should be baked in a pan of granite, glass, or similar
material. The fruit is placed in the pie pan, then a half-inch strip of
pastry is placed over the rim of the pie pan; the strip is moistened and
the crust placed over the top. The strip of pastry and the upper crust are
pressed together, then the edges of the latter are trimmed. The upper
crust should be cut in several places for the escape of steam.
RHUBARB PIE
2 cupfuls rhubarb, cut in small pieces
1 egg
4 tablespoonfuls flour
1 cupful sugar
Salt
Lemon rind
Mix the sugar, salt, lemon rind, and flour; beat the egg. Add the rhubarb
and flour mixture to the egg. Turn into an earthenware dish or a granite
pan, and cover with pastry as directed above. Bake until the rhubarb is
tender and the crust is brown, i.e. at 425 degrees F., 35 to 45 minutes.
Rhubarb contains such a large percentage of moisture that it is well to
use but one crust.
QUESTIONS
Explain why it is that baked potatoes and butter are more readily digested
than fried potatoes.
What is the advantage of using only a top crust for fresh fruit pie?
What is the purpose of egg and flour in Rhubarb Pie? Why is it desirable
to use these ingredients with rhubarb?
Why should the flour in Rhubarb Pie be mixed with sugar?
How much water is there in apples and rhubarb (see _U. S. Department of
Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28 and Figure 70)?
LESSON CLV
TWO-CRUST PIES
TWO CRUSTS.--If both upper and lower crusts are used in making a pie, the
lower crust should be placed inside the pan. The filling should be added,
the edge of the crust moistened, and the upper crust placed over the pie
and pressed around the edges. Then the edges should be trimmed. As was
mentioned before, upper crusts should always be cut in several places for
the escape of steam.
Sometimes a half-inch strip of pastry is placed around the edge of the
under crust before placing the upper crust. This is thought to aid in
preventing the escape of the moisture of the filling.
APPLE PIE
Cut 4 or 5 apples into slices, and for each apple use 2 tablespoonfuls (or
more) of sugar. If the apples are not juicy, add from 1/2 to 1
tablespoonful of water for each apple. Flavor with 1 teaspoonful each of
lemon juice and rind, 1/4 teaspoonful cinnamon or nutmeg, and 1/8
teaspoonful salt. Line the inside of a pie pan with pastry, pour in the
apple mixture. Add bits of butter, and cover with pastry as directed
above. Bake until the apples are soft and the crust is brown, i.e. at 425
degrees F., 35 to 45 minutes.
Apple sauce may be used as a filling for a baked crust. Such a pie is
sometimes covered with meringue or strips of pastry.
FRUIT PIE WITH TWO CRUSTS
2 cupfuls fruit
1/2 to 1 cupful sugar
3 tablespoonfuls flour
If the fruit is fresh, wash and drain it well. Mix the sugar and flour.
Line the inside of a pie pan with pastry, add half of the sugar and flour
mixture. Add the fruit, and then the remainder of the sugar and flour.
Cover with a top crust according to the directions above.
QUESTIONS
Explain why pie with only one crust, if properly made, is more desirable
than that with two crusts (see _Pie with Under Crust_).
Why should fresh fruit, for fruit pie with two crusts, be well drained
after washing?
Give three ways of preventing the juice from boiling over, in a pie with
two crusts.
Compare pastry that is made with lard, lard substitutes, vegetable oils
and butter, as to taste, appearance, flakiness or friability, and
tenderness.
RELATED WORK
LESSON CLVI
INFANT FEEDING
PERFECT FOOD FOR INFANTS.--Nature in her wisdom provides ideal food for
the infant,--mother's milk. No perfect substitute has been found for it.
It is most unfortunate when a child is denied this food.
It has been found [Footnote 117: See "Feeding the Family," by Mary Swartz
Rose, Ph.D., p. 98.] that babies fed with mother's milk are much less
likely to contract disease and much more apt to grow to maturity. A
mother's milk is adapted to the needs of her child. It agrees with the
infant and nourishes it well. A practical advantage of a healthy mother's
milk is that it is sterile and of the proper temperature.
MODIFIED MILK.--In case it is necessary to give the infant artificial
diet, the greatest care should be taken to provide clean, easily digested
food. Cow's milk is the basis of the food generally chosen. The way babies
digest cow's milk shows the necessity of changing or _modifying_ it
to meet the needs of an infant. Cow's milk is modified sometimes by
diluting it to make it digest easier and adding other ingredients to it.
In order to increase the fuel value of diluted milk, carbohydrate food of
some soluble, easily digested kind is added. Sometimes gruel or cereal
water is used as one of the constituents of modified milk.
Formulas for modified milk vary with the individual infant. A physician
should be consulted regarding the formula for food for a baby.
(_a_) _Utensils_ for measuring and preparing the ingredients of
modified milk should be kept very clean. Before using, all glass and metal
utensils used for measuring and holding the milk should be covered with
cold water, then the water should be heated and allowed to boil for twenty
minutes. Just before using rubber nipples, place them in boiling water for
a few minutes. After using, they should be rinsed in cold water and then
carefully washed inside and out with soap and water. When not in use,
nipples should be kept in a clean covered jar or jelly glass. (The jar and
cover should be sterilized daily.) After using the milk bottles (have as
many bottles as there are feedings a day), rinse them in cold water, and
then fill them with water and add a pinch of baking soda. Before filling
the bottle with milk, wash with soap and water--using a bottle brush--and
then sterilize in boiling water for twenty minutes (as directed above).
Bacteria cannot pass through cotton, hence it is used for stoppering the
filled milk bottles. It should be clean, however. Paper caps are also
used.
(_b_)_ Ingredients_.--(1) _Milk_.--The selection of milk
for an infant is an important consideration. _Clean milk_ is most
essential. Milk is considered clean when it comes from dairy farms where
clean milkers work under sanitary conditions, approved by a medical milk
commission (see _Care of Milk_). Such milk contains few bacteria and
is called _certified milk_. This is by far the safest milk for infant
diet, but it is expensive. It usually costs almost twice as much as
ordinary milk. Milk is _pasteurized_ commercially by heating it to
150 degrees F., keeping it at that temperature for about thirty minutes,
and then quickly cooling it. While pasteurizing kills most of the
disease-producing germs, it does not destroy all the spores (see
_Microorganisms in theSpore Form_). The taste of milk is not affected
by pasteurizing. Milk is _sterilized_--all germ life destroyed--by
heating at 212 degrees F. from one to one and one half hours.
Since the value of milk as an infant food depends upon its cleanliness, it
is difficult to state just how old milk may be before it is unsafe for
infant feeding. It is safest to use only _fresh_ milk. Bacteria in
milk may develop so rapidly that it is unfit to use a few hours after it
has been drawn from the cow. Unless milk is certified, it should not be
used in summer after it is twenty-four hours old, and in winter, after it
is forty-eight hours old. _Bottled_ milk should be used for infants.
According to most plans for modifying milk, _whole milk_ is used.
(2) _Sugar._--Several kinds of sugar are used in modified milk. These
are:
Milk sugar or lactose.
Malt sugar combined with dextrin or dextrimaltose.
Granulated sugar or cane sugar.
The advice of a physician should be consulted regarding the kind of sugar
best suited to the needs of the particular infant. The first two kinds of
sugar can be obtained at a drug store. Granulated sugar is too sweet for
general use.
(3) _Water or Cereal Water._--If plain water is to be used with milk,
it should be boiled before adding to the other ingredients.
In some cases, gruel or cereal water is added. Usually rolled oats or
barley flour is the grain used. To prepare either of these use:
4 tablespoonfuls rolled oats _or_
3 tablespoonfuls barley flour
1 quart cold water
Mix and boil gently until the mixture is reduced to a pint. Then strain
through a fine wire strainer or muslin.
[Illustration: Figure 87.--Graduated Measure and Dipper for Measuring the
Ingredients of Modified Milk.]
(_c_) _Method of Mixing_.--Measure the sugar. This ingredient is
usually measured in ounces, tablespoonfuls, or teaspoonfuls. (1 1/2
dipperfuls (Figure 87) of milk sugar weigh 1 ounce.) In the graduated
measure (Figure 87), measure the water or cereal water for diluting the
milk and dissolve the sugar in it. Stir the mixture until the sugar is
completely dissolved. Then pour it into the mixing pitcher. Measure the
milk (and other ingredients if required) and pour into pitcher. Mix
thoroughly. While stirring, turn the proper quantity of food into as many
sterilized bottles as are required for a day's feeding. Stopper with
cotton or cap. If the milk used is certified, place in a clean
refrigerator until used for feeding. If the milk is not certified, it may
be pasteurized.
PASTEURIZING MILK AT HOME.--Place the bottles of milk in a wire basket.
Then place the basket in a kettle. Pour water in the kettle so that the
water is a little higher outside of the bottles than the surface of the
milk inside. Heat the water and let it boil for 5 minutes. (Do not begin
to count the time until the water reaches the boiling point.) At once cool
the milk by allowing a stream of cold water to displace the hot water. Do
not allow the cold water to run directly on the hot bottles. When the milk
is cooled, place the bottles immediately in a clean refrigerator.
PREPARATION OF MILK BEFORE FEEDING.--At feeding time, milk should be
heated to about 98 degrees F. Place the bottle in a pan of warm water.
Test the milk for proper temperature. Use the method described in
Junket "Custard", for testing the temperature of the milk. Shake the
bottle before feeding.
OTHER FOODS GIVEN TO INFANTS.--In addition to modified milk, boiled water
should be given to infants. A few other foods--egg yolk or vegetable
juices and orange juice--may often be given during the first year. The egg
yolk should be soft-cooked. This food supplies iron and increases the
Calorific value of the diet. Orange juice (strained through muslin) may be
usually given at five or six months of age. It is especially necessary to
give orange juice to infants whose milk is pasteurized or sterilized. Its
use prevents constipation and scurvy.
ENERGY REQUIREMENT OF AN INFANT.--The energy requirement of an infant is
greater than one would suppose. Growth and development are going on at a
rapid rate. Like the adult, a baby asleep needs energy to carry on the
involuntary activities of its body. When awake such muscular activities as
crying, kicking, and throwing of arms require energy. An infant's energy
requirement is usually based upon its body weight. According to generally
accepted standards [Footnote 118: See "Feeding the Family," by Mary Swartz
Rose, Ph.D., p. 103.] an infant's average energy requirement is:
1st to 3d months 50 Calories per pound per day
4th to 6th months 45 Calories per pound per day
7th to 9th months 40 Calories per pound per day
10th to 12th months 35 Calories per pound per day
QUANTITY OF FOOD.--When a baby must be given artificial food entirely or
as a supplement to natural food, it is safest and most satisfactory to
follow the advice of a physician. It is said, however, that an infant
requires an average of 1 1/2 ounces of milk per day for every pound of
body weight. After the eighth month, this quantity of milk is usually
decreased first to 1 1/3 and then to 1 1/4 ounces for every pound of body
weight per day.
The amount of artificial food found satisfactory for the infant during the
first few months of its life is usually not sufficient to yield as many
Calories as given in the table above. But while the baby is adjusting
itself to artificial feeding, it is especially necessary that the stomach
be not overtaxed. As the infant develops, the quantity of food can be
increased and the deficiency made up later.
QUESTIONS
Define certified, pasteurized, sterilized, modified, and top milk.
Give reasons for sterilizing utensils used for measuring and holding milk.
In preparing modified milk why is milk diluted? Why is sugar added?
What is the price per quart of certified milk?
LESSON CLVII
MODIFYING MILK
Modify cow's milk according to a formula secured from a physician or
baby's dispensary. Pasteurize milk.
LESSON CLVIII
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Baked Sweet Potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes
Apple Dumpling (made with pastry or biscuit dough)
See Lesson XIV, for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CLIX
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 119: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--If pies are served in your home, bake at least
one pie a week. In case pies are not used, bake cake in which different
quantities of fat are used.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To compare One- and Two-crust Pies. Prepare each kind.
Determine the difference in cost, time of preparation, and quality of the
crust of each. Which kinds of pies do you consider more successful in
regard to quality? Which is cheaper? Which kind meets the approval of
other members of your home?
(2) To compare Cake Containing Little and Much Fat. Follow the recipe for
One-egg or Plain Cake. Vary the quantity of fat from 1/8 to 1/2 cupful.
Make comparisons regarding cost, texture, grain, and flavor. Which amount
do you consider most successful from the standpoint of texture, grain, and
flavor?
DIVISION SIXTEEN
FROZEN DESSERTS
LESSON CLX
METHOD OF FREEZING--WATER ICE
EXPERIMENT 79: MIXTURES FOR FREEZING.--Prepare 2 cupfuls of cracked ice.
Place 1 cupful of the cracked ice in each of two bowls. To one bowl of ice
add 1/3 cupful of rock salt, and mix thoroughly. Insert thermometers into
both bowls and note temperature. What effect does the salt have upon the
temperature of the ice?
Allow the ice mixture to stand a few minutes, then observe the difference
in the condition of the ice in the two bowls. Besides lowering the
temperature, what does the salt do to the ice?
FREEZING WITH ICE AND SALT.--When a solid substance is changed to a
liquid, heat is absorbed from surrounding materials. When solid ice
liquefies, heat is absorbed from surrounding materials. Salt makes ice
liquefy at a lower temperature, thus absorbing more heat from its
surroundings. Since foods must be cooled, i.e. heat drawn from them, in
order to freeze them, a mixture of ice and salt rather than ice is used in
freezing.
If ice and salt surround a tin can containing substances to be frozen,
from what is the heat absorbed when the ice is changed to liquid form?
Explain why it is that a mixture of ice and salt, rather than ice alone,
is used to freeze a dessert.
CONDUCTORS OF HEAT.--In Experiment 2 and in, _The Principle of Fireless
Cookery_, it is shown that some materials are better conductors of heat
than others. Which is a better conductor of heat, wood or metal? Explain
why it is that most freezers consist of an inner can of metal and an outer
bucket of wood. A few freezers have an outside metal bucket. Such freezing
devices have been found more satisfactory when heavy paper is tied around
the outer metal bucket.
COOLING BY EVAPORATION.--If a few drops of alcohol, ether, or gasoline are
poured in the palm of the hand and allowed to evaporate, the hand feels
cold. During evaporation, the liquid takes heat from the hand. When any
liquid evaporates, heat is absorbed from surrounding materials. Water may
be cooled by placing it in a porous jar and hanging it in a breeze.
When there is no ice, this principle of cooling by the rapid evaporation
of a liquid may be applied to the cooling of butter and other foods. Wrap
butter in an oiled paper and place it in a flower crock or any porous jar.
Place the crock in a draft; put a bowl of water beside it. Wrap a wet
cloth about the crock and place one end of it in the bowl of water. The
continuous evaporation of the moisture keeps the food cool.
PREPARING AND PACKING THE FREEZER.--Scald the can, the cover, and the
dasher of the freezer; cool it before the mixture that is to be frozen is
placed in it. Adjust the can carefully in the bucket; put in the dasher;
pour in the mixture, cover; adjust the crank. Crush the ice for freezing
by placing it in a strong bag and pounding it with a wooden mallet. Mix
the ice with rock salt in the proportion given below. Then pour the ice
and salt mixture around the can of the freezer. The ice and salt mixture
should be higher around the can than the level of the mixture inside.
For _freezing_ ice creams and most ices use _three_ parts of
cracked ice to _one_ of rock salt. If ice of coarse grain is desired,
use a greater quantity of salt. The less salt in
proportion to ice used, the finer the grain; the process of freezing,
however, takes place very slowly when little salt is used.
For mixtures which are frozen by merely packing in ice and salt but are
not stirred, such as mousse or parfait, use _two_ parts of cracked
ice to _one_ of rock salt.
For packing frozen mixtures after freezing, use _four_ parts of
cracked ice to _one_ of rock salt.
FREEZING.--If a dessert of fine texture is desired, turn the crank slowly
and steadily until the mixture is rather stiff, then turn more rapidly. In
making water ices, it is considered advisable by some to turn the crank
steadily for 5 minutes, then allow to stand 5 minutes, turn again 5
minutes, and continue until freezing is completed. Do not draw off the
salt water while freezing the mixture, unless the salt water stands so
high that there is danger of its getting into the can.
When the mixture is frozen, remove the ice and salt around the top of the
can; wipe the cover and top; uncover; and remove the dasher. Then stir the
frozen mixture thoroughly; place thin paper or paraffin paper over the
can; cover; place a cork in the hole of the cover. Drain off all the water
which has collected in freezing; repack the freezer with ice and salt
mixture in the proportion given above; cover with carpet, blanket, or
newspapers; and allow to stand in a cold place several hours.
FRUIT ICE
4 cupfuls water
2 3/4 cupfuls sugar
3 oranges
3 lemons
3 bananas
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Make a sirup of the sugar and water, and then cool it. Extract the juice
from the lemons and oranges; crush the peeled and scraped bananas with a
wooden potato masher. Mix the fruits and salt immediately with the sirup.
Freeze _at once_. When frozen, remove the dasher and repack as
directed above.
A less expensive but more mildly flavored ice may be prepared by using 3
pints of water (instead of 4 cupfuls). When the greater quantity of water
is used, 3 1/4 cupfuls (instead of 2 3/4 cupfuls) of sugar should be used.
These recipes for Fruit Ice are modifications of the popular recipe termed
"Five Threes."
QUESTIONS
Explain why it is necessary to scald the can, cover, and dasher of an ice
cream freezer (see _Care of Milk_).
What harm sometimes results when an ice cream freezer has been carelessly
prepared?
Why should not the salt water be drawn from the freezer during freezing
(see Experiment 79)?
What is the purpose of placing paper over the can when packing the frozen
mixture?
What is the purpose of covering the packed freezer with carpet, blanket,
or newspapers (see _The Principle of Fireless Cookery_)?
Why is it well to tie heavy paper around an _outside metal_ bucket of
a freezer?
Why should "Fruit Ice" mixture be frozen _at once_ after preparing the
fruit?
Heat aids chemical action. Can you explain why acid mixtures are not acted
upon by the metal and consequently discolored when _frozen_ in a tin
or iron can?
LESSON CLXI
FROZEN CREAMS
Frozen desserts consist of:
1. CREAM MIXTURES:
(_a_) _Plain Ice Cream_.--Cream, sugar, and flavoring. This is
sometimes called Philadelphia Ice Cream.
(_b_) _French Ice Cream_.--Custard, cream, and flavoring. On the
continent, this frozen mixture is called Neapolitan Ice Cream. In this
country, three kinds of frozen mixtures served together make up what is
termed Neapolitan Ice Cream.
(_c_) _Mousse_.--Whipped cream, folded into various sweetened
and flavored mixtures, placed in a mold, and packed in ice and salt, but
not beaten.
2. WATER MIXTURES:
(_a_) _Water Ice._--Fruit juice, water, and sugar.
(_b_) _Sherbet._--Water ice with the addition of dissolved
gelatine or beaten whites of eggs.
(_c_) _Frappe._--Water ice of coarse texture.
(_d_) _Granite._--Water ice to which fruit is added after
freezing.
3. FROZEN PUDDINGS:
Various sweet mixtures.
METHOD OF MIXING FROZEN FOODS.--The sugar of a frozen dessert should
always be dissolved. To accomplish this a sirup should be made of the
sugar and water (see Experiment 11). For mixtures that contain no eggs,
but in which cream or milk is used, the cream or milk may be scalded, and
the sugar dissolved in the hot liquid. If eggs are used to thicken ice
cream, they should be combined with the sugar and cream and cooked as for
a soft custard.
In sherbets, whites of eggs are often used. They are usually beaten stiff,
and added uncooked to the mixture. If fruit juice is to be used with milk
or cream, the latter should be chilled before adding the fruit. Fruits
that are to be frozen with the other ingredients should be crushed
thoroughly. Small fruits, or large fruits cut in pieces, are
sometimes added to a dessert after it is frozen, thereby preventing the
fruit from freezing and becoming hard. All frozen mixtures should stand
several hours before serving, in order to ripen.
PLAIN ICE CREAM
1 quart cream
3/4 cupful sugar
1 tablespoonful vanilla
Prepare as directed in _Method of Mixing Frozen Foods._
CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM
1 quart cream
1 cupful sugar
2 ounces chocolate
1/3 cupful boiling water
Salt
1 teaspoonful vanilla
Scald the cream; add the sugar to it. Prepare the chocolate in the usual
way, by cooking it in the boiling water until a smooth paste is formed
(see _Chocolate_). Add the chocolate mixture to the hot cream. Cool,
add salt and vanilla, and freeze.
FRENCH ICE CREAM
1 quart cream
1 pint milk
3 egg yolks
Salt
1 cupful sugar
1 tablespoonful vanilla
Prepare as directed in _Method of Mixing Frozen Foods_.
FRUIT ICE CREAM
2 cupfuls fruit juice, _or_ 3 cupfuls crushed fruit
1 quart cream
2 cupfuls sugar
Prepare and freeze according to the _Method of Mixing Frozen Foods_.
For Frozen Fruit or Water Ice, use water instead of cream.
The flavor of most fruits is improved by adding 2 tablespoonfuls of lemon
juice to the water mixture.
QUESTIONS
For Fruit Ice Cream, why is it necessary to chill the cream before adding
the fruit juice or crushed fruit (see Experiment 61)?
Why is it necessary to crush the fruit for frozen fruit mixture?
How much sugar would be required to sweeten one and one half quarts of
custard, according to the recipe for Soft Custard? Compare this with the
quantity of sugar used for French Ice Cream. How do extremely cold
beverages affect the sense of taste? From this, account for the difference
in the quantity of sugar used in frozen and in cold desserts. Also compare
the quantity of sugar and vanilla used in Chocolate Ice Cream and
Chocolate Beverage. Account for the difference.
Approximately how much ice is required to freeze and pack one quart of Ice
Cream? What is the cost of ice per hundred pounds?
How many persons does one quart of ice cream serve?
RELATED WORK
LESSON CLXII
DIET FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
SELECTION OF FOOD FOR CHILDREN (2 to 12 years).--Although solid food is
included in the diet of a child after the first year, the baby is by no
means ready for the food of adults. Childhood differs essentially from
maturity in that it is a period of growth. In proportion to weight a child
is much more active than an adult. A child has not the reserve power of a
grown-up person. His organs of digestion and assimilation are delicate.
Because the activities and needs of the child differ greatly from those of
the adult, diet suitable for the adult is not adapted to the child. A
consideration of foods for young children follows:
(1) _Milk_.--Since milk is the food provided for young animals, it
should be used generously all through childhood. The nutritive value of
milk is high in proportion to the effort required to digest and assimilate
it. The average child with good digestion should take from one and one
half pints to one quart daily until the tenth year. In this amount is
included not only the milk that is used as a beverage, but the milk served
with cereals and vegetables and that used in soups, custards, blanc mange,
rice and bread puddings, and other easily digested desserts.
(2) _Cereals and Breads_.--Well-cooked cereals are among the
essential foods of childhood. "Ready-to-serve" breakfast cereals are
undesirable as staples for young children. Cereals should be _cooked_
from _one_ to _three hours_. For very young children (under
eighteen months) all cereals must be strained. For older children,
unstrained cereals may be used, provided they are thoroughly cooked.
Frequent use of the whole grains, as rolled oats and wheat, is
recommended. These cereals contain more protein and ash than the finer
cereals and hence may be better body-builders, but they also contain much
bran. Usually the latter does not prove irritating if thoroughly cooked.
But if these coarse cereals do cause irritation they should either be
strained or the cereals containing less bran, as cream of wheat, farina,
and arrowroot, should be used. Cereals should be served with milk or
cream, but with no sugar or sirup or not more than one teaspoonful to a
serving.
Carefully made toast, "zwieback," and stale bread may be given to young
children. On account of the difficulty in digesting fresh breads, they are
excluded from children's diet.
(3) _Eggs_ are especially good foods for children, provided they are
fresh and properly cooked. They should be cooked in some way which leaves
them soft such as soft-cooking or poaching. Only soft-cooked egg yolks
should be given to children under three years. One whole egg per day may
be included in the diet of older children.
(4) _Broth and Meat_.--There is some difference of opinion regarding
the use of meat in children's diet. Some authorities advise beef broth and
the more easily digested meats for young children. Others say that if a
generous amount of eggs and milk is included in children's diet, it is
well not to give them meat before eight years. In the diets for children
from two to eight years, neither broth nor meat is included. It is
possible to obtain sufficient protein from milk and eggs. Doubtless, as
with adults, most young children would be benefited by much less meat than
is generally given them or by none at all. If meat is given to young
children, it should be scraped (see Experiment 50) and pan-broiled (see
_Pan-Broiling_), as it is somewhat difficult to masticate.
(5) _Fresh Vegetables_ should be included in children's diet. For
very young children select mild vegetables such as spinach, asparagus
tips, string beans, and peas. Cook until very soft and press through a
sieve or mash. Later, such cooked vegetables as potatoes (baked or
mashed), beets, carrots, cauliflower, and squash may be added. No uncooked
vegetables should be given to young children.
(6) _Fruits and Sugar_.--Fruits are especially valuable for children.
Care should be taken, however, in selecting fruits. It is said that until
a child is five years old only cooked fruits and the juice of fresh fruits
should be given. For very young children the juice of orange or the pulp
of cooked prunes should be given daily, because they contain valuable
nutrients and possess laxative properties. For older children the cooked
food fruits (see _Kinds of Fruits_) such as dates, figs, and raisins
(without seeds), and bananas (baked) are desirable. Apples, peaches, and
apricots, baked or made into sauces, are also suggested.
Fruits should be cooked with little or no sugar. Sweets in the form of
sweet fruits rather than sugar and candy should be given to children under
six years. After six years, very little candy or sweet chocolate may be
given at the end of a meal, not between meals. It is a mistake to give
children candy just because they want it (see _The Use of Candy in
Diet_.)
(7) _Desserts_.--Fruits selected and prepared as given in the
previous section, very plain cakes--sponge cake and those containing
little fat--and easily digested desserts made of eggs, milk, cereals,
etc., are the only desserts suitable for young children.
(8) _Water and Other Beverages_.--"Pure" water in generous quantities
is needed for children. Water and milk are the only beverages (if milk can
be considered a beverage) that should be given to children under six
years. After that age, cocoa made with much milk may be given, but not
tea, coffee, or any carbonated drinks.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DIET FOR CHILDREN cannot be over-emphasized. It
is a child's right to be "hardy." Good food in proper quantity given at
the right time is essential for the sure and steady growth of the body.
The child's future health, usefulness, and happiness depend much upon the
nourishment he receives. If insufficient food, or food lacking in
foodstuffs for growth, is given to children, a wasting away of brain cells
and muscle may take place and stunted growth will result. The additional
care in preparing special menus for children is an effort well worth
making; its compensation is inestimable. If from babyhood a child is given
his own special diet, it is possible to satisfy him at the table with food
that differs from that of the rest of the family. Habits of eating plain
food should be established in childhood. Mrs. Richards says: "Habit rather
than instinct guides civilized man in the choice of food." Likes or
dislikes for food should not be discussed in the presence of children.
Such discussions may establish distaste for a food of decided nutritive
value.
_Regularity in feeding_ children is most important. There should be
no lunches between meals. It is important also that a child be taught to
_masticate_ food thoroughly.
ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGES.--It is difficult to
write definitely regarding the quantity of food that should be given to
children. As with adults, some children require more than others. The
personal factor enters largely into this question. In Lesson CXXIV the
energy requirements of children of different ages are given (see
_Relation of Age to Daily Energy Requirement_). As stated there,
these tables indicate the energy requirement of children of normal size,
development, and activity. Note that in the menus given below the Calories
derived from protein are approximately one seventh of the total Calories
(see _Daily Protein Requirement_).
The following menus [Footnote 120: Prepared by Mary Swartz Rose, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Nutrition, School of Household Arts, Teachers
College, Columbia University (see Teachers College Bulletin, "The Feeding
of Young Children," pp. 6-9).] for children from two to twelve years were
prepared for average children of moderate activity in a family of limited
income.
MEALS FOR ONE DAY
_Child 2-4 Years Old_
Breakfast: 7:30 A.M. Oatmeal Mush 0.8 ounce dry cereal
Milk 1 1/2 cupfuls
Stale Bread 1 slice
Orange Juice 4 tablespoonfuls
Lunch: 11 A.M. Milk 1 cupful
Stale Bread 1 slice
Butter 1 teaspoonful
Dinner: 1 P.M. Baked Potato 1
Boiled Onion (Mashed) 1
Bread and Butter 1 slice
Milk to Drink 1 cupful
Baked Apple 1
Supper: 5:30 P.M. Boiled Rice 1 cupful
Milk 3/4 cupful
Bread and Butter 1 slice
Fuel Value, 1313 Calories; Calories derived from protein, 191.2.
Substitutes or Additions:
For Rolled Oats or Rice: Other cereals, such as rolled wheat, wheaten
grits, farina, hominy, and corn-meal.
For Orange Juice and Baked Apple: Prune pulp or apple sauce.
For Onions: Spinach, strained peas, stewed celery, carrots, or cauliflower
tips.
An egg may be added every day, and should be included at least two or
three times a week.
These changes will alter the cost somewhat.
_Child 4-8 Years Old_
Breakfast: Oatmeal 1 1/2 ounces dry cereal
Top Milk 4 ounces
Stewed Prunes 4 or 5
Toast 1 slice
Milk to Drink 6 ounces
Dinner: Pea Soup 1 cupful
Croutons 1 slice bread
Boiled Onions 2 small
Baked Potato 1 large
Molasses Cookies 2
Supper: Cream Toast 2 slices bread
Rice Pudding with
Milk and Sugar 1 cupful
Milk to Drink 5 ounces
Fuel Value, 1892 Calories; Calories derived from protein, 261.6.
Substitutes or Additions:
For Rolled Oats: Other cereals, as suggested on previous page.
For Onions and Peas: Strained dried beans; other vegetables carefully
cooked; fresh lettuce.
For Prunes: Fresh ripe apples, baked bananas, other mild fruits well
cooked.
For Rice Pudding: Junkets, custards, blanc manges, bread puddings, and
other very simple desserts.
For Cookies: Gingerbread, sponge cake, or very plain cookies.
_Child 8-12 Years Old_
Breakfast: Oatmeal Mush 1 1/2 ounces dry cereal
Top Milk 6 ounces
Stewed Prunes 6 or 7
Toast 2 slices
Milk to Drink 6 ounces
Luncheon: Pea Soup 1 cupful
Boiled Onions 2 small
Baked Potato 1 large
Bread and Butter 2 slices bread
Molasses Cookies 3 cookies
Dinner: Baked Haddock small serving (2 ounces)
Creamed Hashed Potato 3/4 cupful
Spinach 1/2 cupful
Bread and Butter 2 slices
Rice Pudding--Milk
and Sugar 1 cupful
Fuel Value, 2420 Calories; Calories derived from protein, 345.6.
Substitutes or Additions:
For Rolled Oats: Other cereals thoroughly cooked.
For Haddock: Rare beefsteak, roast beef, or mutton chops; other fish,
especially white varieties.
For Prunes: Any mild ripe fruit uncooked or cooked.
For Onions: String beans, stewed celery, beets, squash. Peas or Spinach:
Turnips or cauliflower.
_Suggestive Dietary for Child who will not Drink Milk, Age 5 Years_
(1 quart milk concealed in the menu.)
Breakfast:
7 A.M. Oatmeal 1/4 cup cereal cooked in 1 cupful
milk
Creamy Egg on Toast 1 egg yolk with 1/2 slice bread
and 1/4 cupful milk
Cocoa 1 teaspoonful cocoa and 1/4 cupful
milk
10 A.M. "Zwieback" and Cream 1 piece "zwieback" and 1
tablespoonful cream
1:30 P.M. Spinach Soup 4 ounces
Baked Potato with 1 potato and 2 tablespoonfuls
Cream cream
Bread and Butter 1 slice
Caramel Junket 1 1/2 cupfuls
5:30 P.M. Rice and Prunes 2 tablespoonfuls rice cooked in
1/2 cupful milk, and 5 prunes
"Zwieback" 1 slice
Total Calories, 1431; Calories from protein, 207.6.
QUESTIONS
Give at least three reasons why young children should have different food
from adults.
Why are not ready-to-serve cereals suitable staple foods for young
children?
What are the advantages of using whole grains for children's food?
Why not serve sugar with breakfast cereals for children?
Why is not meat a desirable food for most young children?
Why are fresh vegetables and fruits such necessary foods for children?
LESSON CLXIII
PLANNING AND PREPARING MENUS FOR CHILDREN
Plan [Footnote 121: See Footnote 72.] a day's feeding for a child of five
years, meeting the total energy and the protein requirements. Prepare
these foods.
LESSON CLXIV
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Creamed Vegetable
Apricot Dainty
Coffee
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CLXV
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 122: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Plan a week's diet for a small sister,
brother, or other child in whom you are interested. (Follow suggestions
given in Lesson CLXII.) Calculate the total Calorific value and Calories
derived from protein. Does your menu consist of foods which furnish the
proper Calorific value and Calories derived from protein?
SUPPOSED AIMS: (1) If your menus do not conform to the requirements, to
change them so as to meet the requirements of the young child.
(2) If possible, to arrange to have your menus prepared and fed to the
child, assisting as much as possible in the preparation of the food and in
the feeding of the child.
DIVISION SEVENTEEN
FOOD PRESERVATION
LESSON CLXVI
THE PRINCIPLES OF PRESERVING FOOD
WHY FOODS SPOIL.--Most foods spoil or change readily,--fruits decay, milk
sours, butter becomes rancid, and meat putrefies. Knowledge concerning the
spoiling of foods makes it possible for the housekeeper to preserve foods
from one season to another; it gives her the assurance that her preserved
fruit will "keep."
The decay of foods is due largely to the existence of minute vegetable
organisms or microorganisms. These microorganisms are molds, yeasts, and
bacteria. The molds (see Figure 88) are visible to the naked eye, the
yeasts (see Figure 86) and bacteria (see Figure 89) are microscopic in
size. These plants exist everywhere, and in everything (except those
things in which the organisms have been destroyed and prevented from
reentering),--in the air, in and on foods, and all over our bodies. Like
all plants, these organisms require warmth, moisture, and food for their
most rapid growth. Oxygen is necessary for the growth of some of these
plants.
Many foods constitute nourishment for these organisms. It is because these
plants exist in foods and live upon them that changes in foods result. The
mold on bread and fruit, the odor from decaying meat and eggs, the
liquefaction of decayed eggs, and the gas from fermenting canned fruit are
caused by microorganisms existing and growing in these foods. The
following experiments show the growth of molds on food and other
materials:
EXPERIMENT 80: EFFECT OF AIR, LIGHT, AND DRYING UPON THE GROWTH OF MOLDS.
--Place a piece of bread on a saucer. Allow it to remain uncovered, in a
light place, at room temperature, for several days. Examine. What is the
condition (moist or dry) of the bread? Have molds grown upon the bread?
[Illustration: From Household Bacteriology, by Buchanan. FIGURE 88.--SOME
SPECIES OF MOLDS.]
EXPERIMENT 81: EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND LIGHT UPON THE GROWTH OF MOLDS.--
Sprinkle a thick piece of bread with water, place it on a saucer, and
cover with a jelly glass or any glass dish. Leave in a light place at room
temperature for several days. Examine. Is the bread moist or dry? Have
molds grown upon the bread?
From the results of Experiments 80 and 81 what would you say has caused
the molds to grow? What conclusion can you draw
from this concerning the growth of molds upon foods in damp and dry places
and in damp and dry weather? How should bread be stored in dry weather? In
damp weather? Give the reason for storing Dried Bread Crumbs as directed
in Lesson L.
EXPERIMENT 82: EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND DARKNESS UPON THE GROWTH OF MOLDS.--
Repeat Experiment 81, except the method of covering. Cover with an earthen
dish so that the light is excluded. Let it remain at room temperature for
the same length of time as given in Experiment 81. Have molds grown? How
does the growth compare in quantity with that of Experiment 81?
EXPERIMENT 83: EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND LOW TEMPERATURES UPON THE GROWTH OF
MOLDS.--Repeat Experiment 81, but place the bread on the lower shelf of
the refrigerator. After several days, examine. Have molds grown? How do
they compare in quantity with that of Experiment 81? What conclusion can
you draw from this concerning the temperature at which food liable to mold
should be kept?
EXPERIMENT 84: GROWTH OF MOLDS UPON CUT FRUIT.--Place pieces of apple,
banana, lemon, or other fruits on separate saucers and cover each with a
glass dish. Place some lemon or other fruit juice in a test tube and allow
it to stand. After two days examine. Have molds grown on all the fruits?
Do you notice any difference in the quantity of the molds on the different
fruits? Have molds grown on the fruit juice?
EXPERIMENT 85: GROWTH OF MOLDS UPON WHOLE FRUITS.--Place whole fruits,
such as apples and lemons, on saucers and cover with glass. After two days
examine. Have molds grown upon the whole fruits? If so, how do the molds
compare in quantity to those growing on cut fruit? Account for this
difference. Apply the results of Experiments 84 and 85 to the "keeping" of
fresh fruits.
EXPERIMENT 86: GROWTH OF MOLDS ON OTHER FOODS.--Place a piece of cheese
and a piece of meat on separate saucers and cover each with a glass dish.
After two days examine. Have molds grown upon these foods? Account for the
growth of molds upon these foods when no moisture was added to them.
Devise a method for keeping cheese free from mold. Give the reasons for
your method.
EXPERIMENT 87: GROWTH OF MOLD UPON WOOD.--Soak a bit of wood in water for
at least 15 minutes. Cover it with an earthen dish and let it stand at
room temperature for several days. Examine. Have molds grown upon the
wood? What has caused the molds to grow upon the wood? From this give
directions for the care of the wooden part of the dasher of an ice cream
freezer. Draw conclusions concerning the care of pastry and bread boards
and butter paddles after scrubbing. Draw conclusions concerning the
scrubbing, drying, and airing of wooden floors.
EXPERIMENT 88: GROWTH OF MOLDS UPON CLOTH.--Sprinkle a bit of cloth with
water. Cover with an earthen dish. Let stand a few days at room
temperature. Examine. Have molds (mildew) grown upon the cloth? What
caused the molds to grow? From this draw a conclusion concerning the care
of washed clothes, wet dish-cloths, towels, and wash-cloths.
EXPERIMENT 89: CONTAMINATION OF FRESH FOOD BY MEANS OF MOLDY FOOD.--Dip a
piece of bread in water and place it on a saucer. With a knitting needle,
place bits of mold at several points on the surface of the bread. Cover
with a glass dish. After several days examine. At what points on the bread
have the molds started to grow? What conclusion can you draw from this
concerning the placing of moldy food with fresh food? When fruit is
falling to the ground, tell how an orchard should be cared for. Explain.
The following experiments show the growth of bacteria on food:
EXPERIMENT 90: GROWTH OF BACTERIA.--Into test tubes put one of the
following foods: (1) bit of uncooked meat; (2) small quantity of egg; (3)
piece of bread; (4) crushed peas or beans; (5) sugar or syrup. Add a
little water to each tube. Set aside in a warm place. After several days,
examine. What change in appearance do you note? What has caused the foods
to spoil?
EXPERIMENT 91: EFFECT OF BOILING ON THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA.--Place a
little chopped meat in two test tubes. Add lukewarm water to each. Boil
the contents of one of the tubes for several minutes. Set both aside.
After 24 hours, examine. What difference is there in the condition of the
meat in each tube? Explain this difference. From the result of this
Experiment draw conclusions regarding the boiling of food to prevent
spoiling.
EXPERIMENT 92: EFFECT OF PRESERVATIVES ON THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA.--Beat
slightly an egg white. Add to it 1/2 cupful of water. Pour a little of
the diluted egg white into four test tubes. To three of the test tubes add
one of the following: (1) salt; (2) sugar; (3) vinegar. Put all of the
tubes in a warm place. After several days, examine. What is the condition
of the egg white in each tube? Explain. Draw inferences regarding the use
of "safe" preservatives to prevent foods from spoiling.
THE PRINCIPLES OF PRESERVING FOOD.--Food may be preserved by opposing the
growth of microorganisms or by destroying them. Low temperatures, certain
preservatives, and drying destroy microorganisms or retard their growth.
[Illustration: From Household Bacteriology, by Buchanan
FIGURE 89.-THE FOUR TYPES OF BACTERIA. A, cocci; B, bacilli; C, spirilla;
D, branched filamentous organism.]
Drying is effective in preserving such foods as fruits, certain
vegetables, fish, and meats. The drying of fruit and vegetables may be
done in the home. This process of food preservation is often advisable
when there is an excessive supply of fruit or vegetables in the orchard or
garden.
Substances known as _preservatives_ are used in food preservation.
Some of these are harmless, as sugar, salt, vinegar, and spices. Others
are harmful, as formaldehyde, boric, salicylic, benzoic, and sulphurous
acids, with their related compounds. Saltpeter and smoke are also
preservatives. There is some doubt concerning the harmlessness of these
latter preserving agents. Foods preserved with harmful materials should
never be used. Good food materials can be preserved without the use of
harmful preservatives.
The destruction of microorganisms by _heat_ is the basic principle of
preserving much food, especially fruit and vegetables. In order to
preserve fruits it is necessary to _process_ them, _i.e._ to
apply heat in such a way as to insure preservation and secure the maximum
of good quality. To do this, the fruit must be cooked well, packed in cans
which have been boiled, and sealed to exclude the air from them. It is
necessary, also, to sterilize all utensils which come in contact with the
foods in the processes of cooking and sealing.
If canned fruits do not "keep," some microorganisms either in the fruit,
on the can, or on the utensils used in canning, have not been destroyed,
or the can has not been securely sealed. Slight flaws in the can or
rubbers which were not detected at the time of sealing may cause the
spoiling of carefully canned fruit. In the preservation of fruit, every
effort should be made to secure sound fruit, perfect jars, and good
rubbers, and to have the fruit and utensils perfectly processed, and the
jars securely sealed. Failure to accomplish these ends may result in much
loss of materials and time.
KINDS OF SPOILAGE.--As mentioned previously, canned foods spoil either
from imperfect processing or sealing. Different organisms growing in
preserved foods cause different kinds of spoilage. A discussion [Footnote
123: Adapted from Journal of Home Economics, Vol. X (July, 1918), pp. 329-
331, "A Consideration of the Canning Problem," by Elizabeth F. Genung.] of
the various kinds of spoilage follows:
(_a_) FERMENTATION OR "SWELL."--When canned foods spoil with a
production of gas, fermentation of the food is taking place. The visible
indications of such spoilage are gas bubbles in the jar and a bulging of
the lid of a jar or a distending of the top and bottom of a can. Because
of the latter condition, the term "swell" is used in the commercial
canning industry to designate this kind of spoilage. When fermentation
takes place, the lid of a jar may become loosened instead of bulged.
This type of spoilage is caused by the action either of yeast or of a
certain kind of bacterium which thrives best without air. It is usually
due to imperfect sterilization. Fermentation can usually be detected by
the presence of bubbles of gas in the jar and a loosening of the sealed
cover.
(_b_) Flat Sour is a kind of spoilage in which no gas is formed, but
acid is produced, giving the food a sour taste. In some cases of flat
sour, a milky deposit appears in the bottom of the jar which can be
detected if the container is glass. In other cases, no change in the
appearance of the jar and its contents takes place.
Little is known of the kind of organism producing flat sour. Whether or
not food thus spoiled is injurious also has not been determined.
Flat sour is probably due to imperfect sterilization.
(_c_) PUTREFACTION.--When putrefaction takes place, food decays and
disintegrates, or decay takes place with the production of a gas of a
disagreeable odor. This type of spoilage is readily detected. Food thus
affected is unfit for use.
Putrefaction is usually caused by imperfect sealing. It may result,
however, from imperfect sterilization.
(_d_) BOTULISM.--A bacillus termed _botulinus_ sometimes grows
on canned foods, especially those rich in protein or lacking in acid. This
organism produces a violent poison in the food. But fortunately, the
poison may be destroyed by boiling the food for ten minutes. Hence, it is
advisable to _boil_ canned food at least 30 minutes before using.
This should be done even though the food is to be served cold. It may
easily be cooled after boiling. When there is the least suspicion that
food is spoiled, it should be discarded.
QUESTIONS
Explain why boiled milk keeps sweet for a longer time than uncooked milk.
Why do foods need to be sealed to preserve them?
Why does cooked meat "keep" longer than uncooked meat?
LESSON CLXVII
PROCESSING WITH LITTLE OR NO SUGAR--CANNED FRUIT
JARS FOR CANNED FRUIT.--There are many types of fruit jars. Glass jars
rather than metal cans should be used for home canning. Jars should be
constructed so that there is no contact of the fruit with metal, hence a
jar having a glass cover is desirable. A large opening, simple
construction, ease in cleaning, and perfect sealing are characteristics of
good fruit jars.
Glass jars should be _tested_ before using: Partly fill the jar with
water, adjust the rubber and cover, seal, invert the jar. Examine
carefully for leakage.
RUBBER RINGS.--Soft, elastic rubbers should be chosen. It is poor economy
to use old rubbers. Rubber after usage becomes hard and inelastic; it may
cause imperfect sealing and hence decay of the fruit.
In certain processes of canning, it is necessary to subject the jars
provided with rubber rings and covers to long periods of boiling or to the
intense heat of a pressure or steam cooker. When such a method is followed
it is especially necessary that rubber rings of good quality be used. To
meet this requirement, the United States Department of Agriculture advises
that rubber rings conform to the following:
1. Inside diameter of 2 1/4 inches (for the jar of standard size).
2. Width of ring or flange from 1/4 to 12/32 of an inch.
3. Thickness of 1/12 of an inch.
4. Tensile strength sufficient to "stretch considerably and return
promptly to place without changing the inside diameter."
5. Firm enough so that no crease or break shows after it has been tightly
folded.
SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF FRUIT FOR CANNING.--Select solid, and not
over-ripe, fruit. It is better to have underripe than over-ripe fruit.
Fresh fruits--if possible picked on the same day they are to be used--are
desirable for canning.
Most fruits should be washed before using. Quinces should be rubbed with a
coarse towel before they are washed. Berries and small fruits should be
washed before they are hulled or stemmed. Most small fruits contain so
much water that it is not necessary to add water for cooking. Hence such
fruits should be drained thoroughly after washing. If there are any
decayed or bruised spots on fruit, the damaged portion should be removed
completely.
Peaches and tomatoes may be peeled instead of pared. This is done by
placing the fruit in a wire basket and then immersing the basket in a
kettle of boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove the basket of fruit from the
hot water and plunge it for a moment in cold water. Drain, then peel the
fruit. If desired, cut into halves, quarters, or slices. After fruit is
peeled or pared, it can be kept from discoloring by covering with cold
water.
METHODS OF CANNING FRUIT
Several methods may be used for canning fruit:
(_a_) OPEN KETTLE.--This method consists of cooking the fruit in
water or sirup and pouring it into jars and sealing. The entire process of
sterilization takes place in the kettle before the food is poured into the
jars. Hence the name of the process,--_Open Kettle_.
For this method it is necessary to _boil the jars and rubbers_ before
placing the food in them. This is done as follows:
Fill and surround jars with cold water. Cover lids and rubbers with cold
water. Gradually heat the water and allow it to boil for at least 15
minutes. Allow the jars, covers, and rubbers to remain in the boiling
water until just ready to use them. Do not touch the inside of the jars
and covers with your fingers. Immerse spoons, cups, knives, skewers, or
knitting needles used for testing fruits, in boiling water before using
them in contact with the foods. If corks are used for sealing bottles,
scald them also.
[Illustration: Courtesy of _Merrill School _ FIGURE 90--CANNING
FOODS.]
If small juicy fruits are preserved by the open kettle method, no water
should be added. Add the sugar to them and allow them to stand until some
of the juice is drawn from them, then cook.
If tough fruits are canned by this method, first steam, then cook in
sirup, or first cook them in clear water, add the sugar, and finish
cooking.
Fruit may be canned with or without sugar. Usually some sugar is used.
However, some housekeepers contend that the fresh-fruit flavor is retained
better by reheating the fruit and adding the sugar just before it is
served. Different quantities of sugar may be used. If the fruit breaks
into pieces readily, cook in a thick sirup. The quantity of water used
with the sugar varies with the juiciness of the fruit. _For each pound
of fruit use from 1/2 to 1 cupful of sugar with from 1/8 to 1 cupful of
water_.
After cooking the fruit, adjust the rubber on the sterilized jar, fill the
jar (to overflowing) with the hot fruit and sirup, cover at once, and
seal. Invert the can and let it stand until cool.
(_b_) COLD PACK.--This method is followed by placing the prepared
food in a clean, tested, hot jar, covering the food with water or sirup,
adjusting the rubber ring and cover to the jar, and processing both the
jar and its contents in boiling water or steam.
Before placing the food in the jar, it may be _blanched_, _i.e._
subjected to boiling water or steam. After blanching, the food is _cold-
dipped_, _i.e._ plunged into cold water. After the preliminary
steps, such as washing, paring, and cutting into pieces, foods may be
_blanched_ and _cold-dipped_ as follows:
Place the food in a cheese-cloth bag or in a wire basket and immerse it in
boiling water. Certain fruits are allowed to remain in the water from 1 to
5 minutes (see Table). (The time is dependent upon the kind of fruit.)
Then remove the product from the boiling water, dip it immediately in cold
water, remove at once, and drain for a few minutes. These two processes
are used for large firm fruits. Berries and all soft fruits are canned
without blanching and cold-dipping.
Whether the fruit is blanched and cold-dipped or not, place it in hot jars
to 1/2 inch of the top. If a sirup is desired, it may be made by using 1/4
_to_ 1 _cupful of sugar for each quart jar with from 2 to 3 cupfuls
of water._ Adjust a new, wet rubber on the jar; fill the jar to 1/4
inch of the top with sirup or with boiling water. Place the cover on the
jar, but do not seal it tightly. If a screw top jar is used, screw on the
lid by grasping it with the thumb and little finger. If the jar has a bail
top, adjust the top bail only,--not the lower bail. Then process the jars
and their contents by placing in:
[Illustration: FIGURE 91.--RACK FOR HOLDING JARS. Note that the rack is
shaped to fit a wash boiler.]
(1) Kettle or clothes boiler provided with a rack (see Figure 91) or some
sort of false bottom such as strips of wood, straw, paper, or wire-netting
of one half inch mesh.
(2) Steam cooker (see Figure 18).
(3) Pressure cooker (see Figure 17).
If the kettle or wash boiler is used, rest the jars on the rack in the
container, fill the latter with enough hot water so that it extends to a
depth of one inch above the covers of the jars. Then boil the water. Count
the time of processing when the water begins to boil. Keep the water at
boiling temperature for the length of time given in the Table below.
If the steam cooker is used, place the filled jars in the cooker and steam
for a few minutes longer than when the jar is immersed in boiling water
(see Table below).
If the pressure cooker is used, process according to the length of time
stated in the Table given below.
After sterilizing fruit by any of these methods, remove the jars from the
container, seal, invert, and set them aside to cool in a place free from
draft. When cool, wash the outside of the jars, and label. Store in a
cool, dark cupboard. Wrapping each jar in paper before storing is advised.
Bail top jars may be tested for perfect sealing by loosening the top bail,
and lifting the jar by grasping its lid with the fingers. If the jar is
securely sealed, the lid will not come off, because of internal suction.
In case the lid comes off, remove the rubber, replace it with a new, wet
one, adjust the cover and again process for at least 1/3 of the original
processing period or not less than 10 minutes.
A DISCUSSION OF METHODS OF CANNING.--(_a_) While the open kettle is
not as safe a method of canning as the cold pack from the standpoint of
perfect processing, it is desirable for small watery fruits, especially
strawberries, since evaporation of some of the water takes place. It is
also generally used for fruits preserved with much sugar, such as
preserves, jams, conserves, etc. Many housekeepers find this method
desirable for canning tomatoes and beets. The skins may be removed from
the latter after cooking, thereby losing less coloring of the vegetable.
(_b_) The cold pack method of canning is very satisfactory for most
fruits and all vegetables. It is especially desirable for whole fruits or
for fruits in large pieces. The shape of the fruit may be preserved better
by this method than by the open kettle process. It is also a safer method
as far as satisfactory processing is concerned. Many housekeepers find it
easier than the open kettle method.
The blanching and cold-dipping of vegetables and fruits which may be one
of the steps in the cold pack method is thought to accomplish several
things:
1. To remove objectionable acids and flavors.
2. To make the foods more pliable for packing in the jars.
It was formerly thought that blanching and cold-dipping of vegetables
destroyed some of the bacteria and aided in processing the food. Recent
experimentation shows that these processes do not affect the bacteria and
have no value as far as the preservation of the food is concerned.
TABLE FOR CANNING FRUITS BY ONE PERIOD OF PROCESSING [Footnote 124:
Adapted from Farmers' Bulletin 1211, "Home Canning of Fruits and
Vegetables," Revised August, 1922.]
TIME OF PROCESSING IN PINT OR
FOOD TIME OF QUART JARS IN:
BLANCHING (_a_) (_b_)
Water Bath at Pressure
12 degrees F. or Steam Cooker 5 Pounds
Cooker
Minutes Minutes Minutes
Apples,
cut in pieces 1 1/2 20 to 30
Apricots 1 to 2 30 10
Blackberries,
Blueberries None 10 to 20 10
Cherries 1/4 25 10
Currants,
Dewberries,
Gooseberries None 10 to 20 10
Pears 4-8 in boiling sirup 20 to 30 10
[Footnote 125: Do not cold dip after blanching in boiling sirup.
Use the longer time of processing in the water bath for large
pears.]
Peaches 1 or until skin
is loosened 20 to 30 10
Plums None 20 to 30 12
Pineapples None 30 10
Raspberries None 10 to 20 10
Rhubarb None 20 to 30 10 to 15
Strawberries None 10 to 20 10
NOTE.--Use only fresh, sound fruits for canning.
Do not begin to count the time of processing in a water bath until the
water reaches the boiling point.
When different times of processing are given, as 20 to 30 minutes, use the
longer time for quart glass jars and the shorter for tin cans.
For altitudes higher than 1000 feet, increase the time of processing 10
per cent for each additional 1000 feet. For very high altitudes it may be
best to use a pressure cooker for certain fruits.
If fruits are packed tightly, time of processing should be increased.
DISCUSSION OF THE DIFFERENT DEVICES USED IN THE COLD PACK PROCESS.--(1)
The kettle or wash boiler provided with a rack is an inexpensive device.
It is satisfactory for processing fruits and acid vegetables; there is a
question whether non-acid vegetables may be processed in the hot water
bath even though they are processed on three successive days. It is
thought by some that the flavor of foods canned at low temperature,
_i.e._ not above 212 degrees F., is superior to that canned at a
higher temperature.
(2) The steam cooker is a convenient and satisfactory equipment to use for
canning fruits and some vegetables. It is more expensive, however, than
the kettle having a rack, but less fuel is required when using it.
(3) The pressure cooker is the most satisfactory from the standpoint of
processing. It is especially satisfactory for vegetables and meat, since a
much higher temperature than that of boiling water is maintained during
the processing period. The higher temperature also makes it possible to
process foods in a shorter time. However, it is thought by some that the
flavor of foods canned above 212 degrees F. is inferior to that canned at a
lower temperature. Moreover, the pressure cooker is a more expensive device
than either of the other two.
QUESTIONS
Why should processed jars, covers, and rubbers remain in boiling water
until just ready for use?
Why not touch the inside of jars and covers with the fingers?
Why should berries and small fruits be washed before hulling or stemming?
Why should decayed or bruised spots on fruits be removed completely before
canning the fruit?
Why is it that the cold pack method of canning is safer from the
standpoint of processing than the open kettle method?
Why should the jar containing fruit that is to be processed by the
cold pack method be filled to 1/4 inch of the top with sirup rather than
to overflowing?
Why should the covers of jars not be sealed tightly before placing in the
kettle or steamer used for processing?
Why is it unnecessary and undesirable to dislodge air bubbles in jars
containing food processed by the cold pack process?
When food is processed by immersing the jars in boiling water, why should
the water extend above the covers of the jars to a depth of one inch?
LESSON CLXVIII
PROCESSING WITH MUCH SUGAR--PRESERVES, JAMS, AND CONSERVES
EXPERIMENT 93: THE USE OF SUGAR AS A PRESERVATIVE.--Place 2 thin slices of
fresh fruit in a sauce dish. Sprinkle one of the slices generously with
sugar. Set the sauce dish aside for at least 24 hours. Examine. What
change has taken place in the fruit without sugar? What has caused the
change? Compare the sugared fruit with that without sugar. What conclusion
can be drawn concerning the use of sugar in preserving fruit?
PRESERVES
Sugar was mentioned as one of the preservatives used in the preservation
of food (see _The Principles of Preserving Food_). Sugar in large
quantity is unfavorable to germ life and hence is a most effective
preservative. _Preserves_ are made by cooking fruit in a thick sirup
as in the _Method of Canning_ (_a_) Open Kettle. A large
quantity of sugar is desirable as far as preservation is concerned; but
for flavor less sugar is usually to be preferred. Only a few fruits are
better when preserved with considerable sugar. Fruits best adapted for
preserving are strawberries, sour cherries, sour plums, quinces, currants,
and raspberries. For preserves, use 3/4 to 1 pound of sugar for 1 pound of
fruit. The less quantity of sugar should be used for peaches, plums,
quinces, currants, and raspberries; the greater quantity, for strawberries
and cherries. Use the quantity of water given in _Method of Canning_
(_a_) Open Kettle. Cook and seal as canned fruit.
JAMS
Jam is made as follows: Clean the fruit. If large fruits are used, pare or
peel them and cut into small pieces. If small fruits,--berries or grapes,
--are used, mash them. Cook the fruit in as little water as possible. When
the fruit is soft, measure it and add the sugar,--use 3/4 to 1 part of
sugar to 1 part of cooked fruit. Cook until thick, stirring to prevent
burning. Test the thickness by dropping from a spoon. If it falls in heavy
drops, the jam is sufficiently cooked. Pour into sterilized jelly glasses.
Cover the glasses with clean cloth or paper and set aside to cool and
stiffen. Melt paraffin. Pour it (hot) over the cold jam. Allow the
paraffin to harden and then cover the glasses with the lids. Wipe the
outside of the glasses, label, and store.
Fruit that is too soft or too ripe for canning or preserving may be used
for making jam.
MARMALADES
Marmalades are made much as jams. However, usually only the pulp and
juices of fruits are used. The fruit is first cooked, and the skins and
seeds removed before adding the sugar. In Orange Marmalade, the rind is
used.
CONSERVES
Conserves consist of a combination of two or more fruits. Nuts and other
materials are sometimes added. Conserves may be prepared as preserves,
_i.e._ cooking the ingredients with sugar, until thick; or as jam,
_i.e._ cooking the ingredients until tender, then adding the sugar
and cooking until thick. It is thought by some that the latter method
produces a finer flavor; it makes a product less tough and less sticky. In
the special recipes for conserves given in this text, the latter method is
followed.
ORANGE MARMALADE (I)
1 dozen oranges
1 grapefruit
6 lemons
Sugar
Weigh the fruit, slice it. To each pound of fruit add 1 quart of cold
water. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours. Then cook slowly for 2 hours.
Weigh the cooked fruit. Add an equal weight of sugar. Cook for 1 hour or
until it stiffens. Pour into sterilized jelly glasses, seal, and cover as
directed for Jams.
ORANGE MARMALADE (II)
1 dozen oranges
3 pounds sugar
2 quarts rhubarb
Rind of 6 oranges
Wash the fruit. Slice the oranges and cut the rhubarb into pieces. (Do not
peel the rhubarb.) Cook the oranges and rhubarb for 30 minutes. Add the
sugar and cook slowly for 2 hours or until thick. Pour into sterilized
glasses. When cool, seal and cover as directed for Jams.
CARROT MARMALADE
1 pound carrots
3 cupfuls sugar
2 lemons
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Wash, scrape, and chop the carrots. Extract the juice from the lemons. Put
the carrots and lemon rinds through a food chopper, cover them with water,
and cook until tender. Add the lemon juice, salt, and sugar to the cooked
mixture. Cook until it is thickened. Turn into sterilized jelly glasses.
Let stand until cool. Then cover with melted paraffin.
STRAWBERRY AND PINEAPPLE CONSERVE
Use equal quantities of strawberries and shredded pineapple. Cook the
shredded pineapple in the least possible quantity of water. When tender,
add the strawberries and cook until they are soft. Measure the fruit and
add three fourths as much sugar as fruit and a small quantity of salt.
Cook until thick (see _Jams_). Pour into sterilized glasses. Seal and
cover as directed for Jams.
CRANBERRY CONSERVE
1 quart cranberries
1 1/2 cupfuls water
1/4 pound raisins
1/2 pound California walnuts, chopped
1 orange,--juice and grated rind
1 1/2 pounds sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Wash the fruit. Cook the cranberries in the water until the berries burst.
Strain. Add the remaining ingredients and cook 25 minutes or until the
mixture is thick (see _Jams_). Pour into sterilized glasses. When
cool, seal and cover as directed for Jams.
GRAPE CONSERVE
1/2 peck grapes
2 oranges,--juice and rind
2 lemons,--juice and rind
1 cupful chopped nuts
Sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Wash the fruit. Remove the grapes from the stems; remove the skins from
the pulp. Cook the pulp until soft; strain, to remove the seeds. Place the
strained pulp and skins in a preserving kettle. Extract the juice from the
oranges and lemons, then put the rinds through a food-chopper. Add the
lemon and orange juice and rind to the grape mixture and cook for 1 hour.
Measure the mixture. Then add an equal quantity of sugar and the nuts and
salt. Continue cooking until thick (_see Jams_). Pour into sterilized
glasses. When cool, seal and cover as directed for Jams.
APRICOT CONSERVE
1 pound dried apricots
1 1/2 quarts water
Sugar
2 pineapples _or_
1 large can shredded pineapple
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Wash the dried apricots and soak them in the water. In the water in which
they were soaked, cook the apricots until tender. Press through a
colander. If fresh pineapples are used, shred them and cook, in as little
water as possible, until tender. Combine the cooked fruits and measure.
Add 1/2 as much sugar and the salt. Cook until thick (see _Jams_).
Pour into sterilized glasses. When cool, seal and cover as directed for
Jams.
PLUM CONSERVE
1 pound (1 1/2 dozen) plums
1/4 cupful chopped nuts
1 cupful seeded raisins
2 oranges
1 cupful water
1 1/4 cupfuls sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Wash the plums, stone, and cut into pieces. Extract the juice from the
oranges. Put the rind through a food chopper. Mix the plums, raisins,
orange rind, and water. Simmer until the fruits and peel are tender. Add
the orange juice, sugar, nuts, and salt, and continue cooking until the
mixture has the consistency of marmalade. Pour into sterilized glasses.
When cool, seal and cover as directed for Jams.
QUESTIONS
How do Preserves differ from Canned Fruit?
How does Jam differ from Preserves?
How does Jam differ from Fruit Sauce?
Why does Jam "keep" better than Fruit Sauce?
Give method of sealing Canned Fruit and method of sealing Jam. Explain why
different methods are used.
LESSON CLXIX
PROCESSING WITH MUCH SUGAR--JELLIES
EXPERIMENT 94: PECTIN IN FRUIT JUICE.--Put a few grapes, slices of apple,
or cranberries in a small saucepan, and add enough water to cover and cook
until the fruit is tender and soft enough to mash. Strain the cooked fruit
through cheese-cloth.
Put 1 teaspoonful of the extracted fruit juice in a saucer, add an equal
quantity of alcohol. [Footnote 126: Either grain (ethyl), wood (methyl), or
denatured alcohol may be used. _Both wood and denatured alcohol are
poisonous_. If they are used for testing, they should be handled and
stored away with caution.] Mix by gently rotating the saucer. Let the
mixture stand for 5 minutes. Then examine. What change has taken place in
the fruit juice?
The formation of a solid mass in the mixture of fruit juice and alcohol
which has stood for 5 minutes indicates that the fruit juice contains
pectin,--a vegetable gelatine.
EXPERIMENT 95: PECTIN IN THE INNER PORTION OF ORANGE OR LEMON PEEL.--Cut
away the yellow portion from orange or lemon rind. Cut or chop the white
portion of the rind in small pieces. Cover with water and soak several
hours or overnight. Then cook slowly for 1/2 hour. Strain and set aside to
cool. To 1 teaspoonful of this liquid add an equal quantity of alcohol,
and proceed as in Experiment 94. Does the lemon or orange rind contain
pectin?
THE PRINCIPLE OF JELLY MAKING.--When the juices of certain fruits are
extracted and cooked with sugar, the mixture stiffens when cool. This
property of stiffening is due to the presence in fruit of two materials,--
a certain carbohydrate, called _pectin_, and an acid. Pectin is like
starch in that it stiffens when cold; but like sugar, in that it is
soluble. Not all fruits contain pectin.
Jelly is most easily prepared from fruits which are rich in pectin and
contain some acid. Unless pectin is contained in the fruit, the addition
of sugar to fruit juice will not cause the juice to jelly. But jelly may
be made from a fruit lacking in pectin, if it is combined with a fruit
rich in pectin.
Certain fruits contain pectin, but are lacking in acid, hence are not good
for jelly making. These fruits can be used for jelly, however, if acid is
added.
SELECTION OF FRUITS FOR JELLY MAKING.--For jelly making, choose fruits
which contain considerable pectin and some acid. The fruits should be
fresh and not over-ripe. Some "green" fruits make fine jelly. Currant,
crabapple, grape, apple, and plum are good jelly-making fruits.
If it is desirable to use a fruit containing little pectin, as
strawberries, add a fruit rich in pectin, as currants. If about 10 per
cent of the fruit which contain much pectin is added to the other fruit,
the flavor of the foundation fruit is not much altered.
If it is desired to use a fruit containing pectin but deficient in acid,
as sweet apple and quince, add tartaric or citric acid. Since the acidity
of fruits varies, no definite quantity of acid can be stated. It has been
suggested [Footnote 127: See University of Illinois Bulletin, "Principles
of Jelly Making," p. 249.] that enough acid should be added to make the
fruit juice about as acid to taste as good tart apples. At least one
teaspoonful of acid is required for one quart of fruit juice. Dissolve the
acid in the fruit juice, then taste the mixture. If necessary, add more
acid to produce the acidity indicated above. Jelly may be prepared from
strawberries, peaches, and pears by the addition of these acids, but the
flavor is somewhat impaired.
The suggestion has been made also [Footnote 128: _Idem_, p. 25.] that
the inner white portion of lemon or orange peel be used as a source of
pectin with fruit deficient in pectin. Remove the yellow portion of the
rind, put the white portion through a food chopper, and soak in water for
several hours or overnight. Then cook slowly for several hours. Strain out
the solid portion. Add the liquid to the fruit juice deficient in pectin
and use for jelly making. The rind of lemons and oranges may be dried for
use in jelly making. When desired for use, soak and cook as directed
above.
GENERAL METHOD OF JELLY MAKING
Wash and pick over the fruit; remove the stems, but use the skin and seeds
and thus retain as much of the fruit as possible. The skin of fruit
usually adds color to jelly. If large fruit is used, cut it in pieces.
Cook the fruit slowly in water. Use very little water for juicy fruits,
such as currants and raspberries,--_1 cupful of water to 4 or 5 quarts
of fruit_. Crush the fruits during cooking.
To cook large fruits requires water. A general proportion is _half as
much water, by measure, as prepared fruit_. A little less water may be
used for peaches and plums and a little more for winter apples. A fair
estimate is 3 quarts of strained juice from 8 quarts of fruit and 4 quarts
of water. If the quantity of juice is greater than this, it should be
boiled down to 3 quarts before adding the sugar.
When the fruit is cooked until it is very soft, it is ready for straining.
For straining, make a bag of double cheesecloth or flannel. Wring the
jelly bag out of hot water and suspend it from a strong support. Pour the
cooked fruit into the bag and let the juice drip into a bowl. If
transparent jelly is desired, do not press the juice through the bag; let
the juice drip for several hours or overnight.
Measure the clear fruit juice and heat it. The time of cooking depends
upon the per cent of pectin and the acidity of the juice; the more pectin
and acid, the less the time of cooking. The time varies from 8 to 30
minutes. Skim the juice when necessary. While the juice is cooking,
_measure three fourths as much sugar_ [Footnote 129: The quantity of
sugar used in jelly making depends upon the quantity of pectin in fruit
juice,--the more pectin, the more sugar. A most satisfactory method of
determining the quantity of pectin and consequently the quantity of sugar
to use with fruit juice is suggested by the Bulletin of the National War
Garden Commission. The test follows: To a tablespoonful of fruit juice
which has been boiled and cooled, add 1 tablespoonful of alcohol (see
footnote 126.). Mix by gently rotating and then let stand. If a solid mass
forms, _use equal parts of fruit juice and sugar_. If 2 or 3 masses
form, _use 2/3 to 3/4 as much sugar as juice._ If several small solid
particles form, _use 1/2 as much sugar as juice_. If no solid
particles form, the fruit juice should be enriched by the addition of some
pectin-rich fruit juice.] _as fruit juice_ and heat the sugar. For
currants and green or under-ripe grapes, use equal quantities of sugar and
fruit juice. Add the hot sugar to the boiling sirup and cook. The
following are _tests for sufficient cooking of jelly._
(_a_) Coats the spoon.
(_b_) Falls from the spoon in heavy drops. [Footnote 130: Two drops
forming side by side along the edge of the spoon has been found to be a
reliable test.]
(_c_) Stiffens when dropped on a cold dish and allowed to cool.
The first two tests are more satisfactory than the last, since the cooking
process may be carried too far while the "test-jelly" is cooling.
Seal as Jam or shred paraffin and place it in the bottom of sterilized
jelly glasses. Pour the hot jelly into the glasses and set aside to
stiffen. Then cover and store. It is well to store jelly in a cool, dry,
and dark place. The color of fruit sometimes fades when kept in a light
place.
Long cooking of pectin changes it into substances which do not have the
property of jellying, hence, make jelly in as short a time as possible.
The purpose of heating the sugar is to hasten the process of jelly making.
The addition of cold sugar would cool the mixture and thus prolong the
process.
The addition of too much sugar is often the cause of unsuccessful jelly
making. Crystallization of the sugar from the jelly may result from an
excess of sugar.
The _fruit pulp left in the jelly bag_ should be utilized. Marmalade
may be made from it, or more jelly can be prepared from it. To accomplish
the latter, add water to the fruit pulp (enough to cover), mix, and heat
slowly until the boiling point is reached. Strain and prepare jelly from
the juice. However, more cooking of the juice before the sugar is added is
required for the second extraction, since the juice contains so much
water. The juice extracted for a third time from most fruits will contain
enough pectin for jelly making. It has been found that more desirable
jelly can be obtained by this method than by pressing the juice from the
bag and thus obtaining what is termed "second quality" jelly.
FRUIT JUICES WITHOUT SUGAR.--Extract the juice from fruit as directed in
_General Method of Jelly Making_. Do not add sugar to the juice. Can
it as directed in (_a_) or (_b_).
(_a_) Reheat until the boiling temperature is reached, then pour into
sterilized jars. Fill to overflowing and seal.
(_b_) Place the juice in sterilized jars. Partially seal and place in
a water bath having the water reach the neck of the jar. Let it cook at a
simmering temperature from 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the water bath,
and seal securely.
In the winter time or when desired for use, this fruit juice may be made
into jelly as directed in _General Method of Jelly Making_, or it may
be sweetened, diluted if necessary, and used as a beverage. This method of
preserving fruit juice is especially desirable when there is a scarcity of
sugar.
[Illustration: FIGURE 92--THE COMPOSITION OF FRUITS AND FRUIT PRODUCTS.
(Revised edition.)]
QUESTIONS
Note the difference in the quantity of carbohydrates in Canned Fruit and
Fruit Jelly (see Figure 92). What kind of carbohydrate is present in
greatest quantity in these foods?
To what is the difference in flavor of Canned Fruit and Fruit Jelly
largely due?
What is the chief difference in the processes of jam making and jelly
making?
What is the result if too much sugar is used in jelly making?
What is the result if jelly is cooked too long?
Note the difference in the methods of sealing jams and jellies. Explain.
LESSON CLXX
PROCESSING WITH VINEGAR AND SPICES--RELISHES
SPICES AND VINEGAR ARE PRESERVATIVES OF FOODS. Not all spices, however,
have equal preservative power. It has been found that cinnamon and cloves
aid in food preservation, but that pepper and ginger have very little, if
any, preservative power. In the lesson on _Flavoring Materials: Food
Adjuncts_, it was mentioned that spices and condiments should be used
sparingly in the diet, hence spiced fruits and pickles should have only
occasional use. There is no doubt that lemon juice or other tart fruit
juices are better sources of acid-satisfying materials than vinegar.
SPICED PEARS
1/2 peck pears
3 pounds sugar
1 pint vinegar
1/2 ounce ginger root
Rind of 1/2 lemon
Whole allspice
Stick cinnamon
Whole cloves
Cut the pears in halves, remove the seeds, and pare. Into each piece of
pear stick two or three cloves. Make a sirup of the vinegar and sugar.
Divide the cinnamon, allspice, and ginger into two parts, tie in cheese-
cloth bags, and add to the sirup. When the sirup begins to simmer, add the
pears and lemon rind; bring to the boiling point, remove from the fire,
and turn into a stone jar. Cover and stand in a cool place overnight. Next
day bring the mixture to the boiling point, again place in the stone jar
and stand overnight. The following day heat as before. Do this for five
consecutive days. The last day, remove the fruit from the sirup, heat the
sirup and evaporate it until there is just enough to cover the fruit. Add
the fruit to the hot sirup, heat to the boiling point, then put in stone
or glass jars or tumblers.
The pears may be finished in one day as follows: Cook the fruit until
tender, then remove it, evaporate the sirup, add the fruit, reheat again,
and finish as above. Fruit prepared by the first method has a finer
flavor.
TOMATO CATSUP
12 ripe tomatoes
2 large onions
2 green peppers
2 tablespoonfuls salt
4 tablespoonfuls brown sugar
2 tablespoonfuls ginger
1 tablespoonful cinnamon
1 tablespoonful mustard
1 nutmeg grated
1 pint vinegar
Peel the tomatoes and onions. Chop the onions and peppers fine. Cook all
the ingredients together for 3 hours, or until soft and broken. Stir
frequently. Bottle and seal while hot. The mixture may be strained before
bottling.
CELERY SAUCE
20 large ripe tomatoes
6 large onions
4 large stalks celery
3/4 cupful sugar
1 large red pepper
4 tablespoonfuls salt
2 cupfuls vinegar
Chop the vegetables, add the salt and vinegar, and cook for 2 hours. Then
add the sugar. Allow it to reach the boiling point again. Turn into
sterilized bottles or jars, and seal.
OIL PICKLES
2 dozen small cucumbers
2 dozen small onions
1/2 cupful olive oil
1/4 cupful sugar
1 pint vinegar
1/3 cupful salt
1/4 cupful mustard seed
1 pint vinegar
1 teaspoonful celery seed
Scrub the cucumbers. Cut them (without paring) into thin slices. Wash and
cut the onions into thin slices. Mix the salt with these vegetables (to
extract moisture), and let the mixture stand over night. Then drain the
moisture from the vegetables so that the vinegar may not be diluted.
Mix the remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture over the onions and
cucumbers. Mix well, cover, and set aside for a few hours. Then pour into
sterilized jars. Fill the jar with liquid. (If necessary, more vinegar may
be used.) To drive out the air, place the jars (with covers loosely
adjusted) in a water bath at simmering temperature (180 degrees F.) and
heat at this temperature for 15 minutes. Remove from the water bath and
seal.
TO SEAL BOTTLES.--Melt together, over hot water, equal parts of
shoemaker's wax and resin. When liquefied, dip the tops of corked bottles
into it. Corks in bottles may be dipped also in hot paraffin. Dip several
times.
QUESTIONS
What is the objection to excessive use of spiced foods?
Name some substitutes for pickles. Why is an excessive or continuous use
of pickles objectionable in diet?
LESSON CLXXI
CANNED VEGETABLES
MICROORGANISMS IN THE SPORE FORM.--Many microorganisms are destroyed by
heating them for a few minutes to boiling temperature. However, some
microorganisms have a peculiar power of retaining life under most adverse
conditions. When subjected to extreme heat or cold, intense drying, or
when there is lack of food, certain microorganisms assume a spore form,
_i.e._ they cease growing and reproducing, and are able to undergo
conditions which would readily kill microorganisms in the active form.
Some microorganisms in the spore form are able to resist the temperature
of boiling water for an hour or longer. Then as soon as the adverse
conditions mentioned above are removed, the microorganisms assume active
form and begin to grow and reproduce. In the growing state, their
destruction is not so difficult.
Some of the microorganisms in certain foods, especially vegetables and
fruits grown in a dry season, are capable of spore formation. When
microorganisms in spore form do exist in foods that are to be canned, or
the microorganisms change into spore form during the canning process, the
microorganisms may not be destroyed by the time the ordinary process of
canning is completed. If such is the case, when the canned foods are
cooled and the conditions are favorable for growth, the microorganisms
assume active form, begin to grow, and cause the decomposition of food.
Twenty-four hours is sufficient time for the microorganisms to change from
the spore to the active form. Hence the canned foods must be heated again,
if they are to be preserved. For foods difficult to process (for the
reason given above) processing should be carried on for three successive
days. This is called _intermittent processing_.
Destruction of microorganisms in the spore form can be accomplished in a
short time by subjecting them to very intense heat. In canning factories
this is done by processing at a temperature higher than that of boiling
water. In the home this may be accomplished by processing in the pressure
cooker. According to one authority processing intermittently, _i.e._
on three successive days, does not insure satisfactory processing of
materials containing spores.
SINGLE PERIOD AND INTERMITTENT PROCESSING.--The acid of tomatoes and
fruits aids in the destruction of microorganisms. Hence intermittent
processing is unnecessary for these. Processing tomatoes and fruits in a
hot water bath for one period has proved very satisfactory and certain.
There is some question, however, regarding the safety of canning all
vegetables by one period of processing in the water bath at 212 degrees
F., _especially in regions where botulism is known to occur and where
Foods cannot be stored in a cool place_. In Farmers' Bulletin 1211,
"Home Canning of Fruits and Vegetables," revised August, 1922, one period
of processing in the water bath at 212 degrees F. is not advised in
climates where the storage conditions are trying for the following
vegetables: corn, beans, asparagus, okra, spinach and other greens, and
peas (especially if at all mature). For processing these vegetables, a
higher temperature than that obtained in the boiling water bath is
recommended. Processing at a high temperature (from 228 degrees F. to 250
degrees F.) can be accomplished conveniently by means of a _pressure
cooker_. This is especially recommended for vegetable canning in high
altitudes and in localities where botulism has occurred.
It is thought that in some places the above mentioned vegetables may be
_processed intermittently_ with safety. For vegetables difficult to
can, pint jars only are recommended for both intermittent and single
period processing in the water bath. Heat penetrates more rapidly to the
center of the small jars than to the center of the large jars.
SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF VEGETABLES AND CANNING.--Young vegetables,
especially those that have grown quickly, are most desirable for canning.
If possible, vegetables, especially corn, should be canned immediately
after picking.
Vegetables for canning should be thoroughly washed, pared, scraped, or cut
into pieces in the same manner as when they are cooked and served
immediately. If the vegetables vary in size, it is well to sort them and
fill jars with those of uniform size. If there is much difference in
ripeness, sort the mature and young vegetables.
METHOD OF CANNING VEGETABLES.--The method of canning vegetables for a
_single period_ does not differ greatly from the method of canning
fruits. The chief difference is that jars containing fruit are filled with
sirup, while those holding vegetables are filled with water and salt is
added. Blanch and cold-dip vegetables as directed previously, for the
length of time given. Greens and vegetables of delicate flavor are
blanched most successfully by steaming either in a colander placed over
boiling water or in a steamer. (Steaming greens prevents the escape of
volatile oils and other materials.) Pack the vegetables in jars to within
1/2 inch of the top. It is well not to pack spinach and other greens too
solidly in jars. Since lima beans, corn, and peas swell during processing,
they should be packed only to about 1 inch of the top of the jar. To each
jar add salt,--1 teaspoonful to each quart jar. Fill each jar to 1/2 inch
of the top with boiling water. Put a new rubber on the jar, partly seal
the cover, and proceed as directed for fruit (see Table below for the
length of time for processing).
When vegetables are processed _intermittently_, jars with glass tops
and spring clamps are recommended. In processing vegetables for three
successive periods, the same method of processing and sealing is followed
as for the single period. At the beginning of the second and third
periods, raise the clamps of the jars to allow for expansion, then fasten
the clamps at the close of processing period (see Table for the length of
time of processing on each of the three successive days).
FOOD PRESERVATION
TABLE FOR CANNING FRESH, SOUND, AND FIRM VEGETABLES BY ONE PERIOD OF
PROCESSING [Footnote 131: Adapted from Farmers' Bulletin 1211. Revised
August, 1922.]
TIME OF PROCESSING
TIME OF
VEGETABLE BLANCHING OR (_a_) (_b_) Steam Pressure
Water (Pressure Cooker)
COOKING Bath at (1) 5lb (2) 10lb (3) 15lb
212 deg. F. 228 deg. F. 240 deg. F. 250 deg. F.
Minutes Hours Minutes Minutes Minutes
Asparagus 4 - - 30 to 40
Corn 1 to 5 - - 90 60 to 90
Lima beans 3 to 5 - - 45 to 60
Okra 6 to 8 - - 30
Peas 3 to 8 - - 40 to 50
Spinach 4 in water or
15 in steam - - 90 35
String beans. 3 to 5 - - 40 to 50
Tomatoes 1 to 1 1/2 to
loosen skins 1/2 15 10
[Footnote for Asparagus: Scrape off tough outer skin of _asparagus_.
Tie into bundles for blanching. Blanch tough ends 2 minutes and entire
bundle 2 minutes longer.]
[Footnote for Corn: Blanch _corn_ on the cob, then cold dip and cut
from the cob. For each pint jar, use 1 pint of cut corn, 1 cupful boiling
water, and 1/2 tea-spoonful each of salt and sugar. Cook the mixture in
a saucepan until it boils and pour immediately into a hot, sterilized
jar.]
[Footnote for Okra: Cold dip _okra_ in _salt_ water (1
tablespoonful salt to 1 quart water).]
[Footnote for Spinach: To loosen grit, cover _spinach_ with scalding
water, let stand 1 or 2 minutes. Then wash in several cold waters. Do not
cold dip after blanching.]
[Footnote for Tomatoes: Pack _tomatoes_ whole in jars, then fill the
jars with cooked and strained tomato pulp. Tomatoes cut into pieces may be
packed closely in jars. When this is done, no liquid need be added.]
NOTE.--Processing in the hot water bath is not advised for non-acid
vegetables such as asparagus, corn, lima beans, okra, peas, spinach, and
string beans.
Count time of processing in a water bath after the water boils.
When two different times of processing are given, use the longer time for
quart glass jars, the shorter time for tin cans.
If the jar is packed tightly, increase the time of processing.
For altitudes higher than 1000 feet, increase the time of processing 10
per cent for each additional 1000 feet. For very high altitudes, the
pressure cooker rather than the hot water bath should be used.
TIME TABLE FOR CANNING VEGETABLES BY INTERMITTENT PROCESSING [Footnote
132: See statements previously]
VEGETABLE TIME OF TIME OF PROCESSING IN WATER BATH
BLANCHING AT 212 F. 12 TO 18 HOUR
INTERVALS BETWEEN PERIODS
(_a_) First Day (_b_) Second
and Third Day
Asparagus 10 to 15 60 60
Corn 5 to 10 90 90
Lima Beans 3 to 5 90 90
Peas 5 90 90
String Beans 3 to 5 90 90
[Footnote 133: (For Asparagus, Corn, and Lima Beans) Process in _pint
jars only_. See footnotes for Asparagus and Okra, above.]
USE OF CANNED VEGETABLES.--Open the can and if it is tin, empty its
contents at once. If the vegetable is surrounded by liquid, use the water
in cooking the vegetable, as it contains valuable materials. There are
some who contend, however, that the flavor of certain vegetables such as
peas and string beans is improved if the vegetable water is drained from
them and they are cooked in fresh water. If this is done, the vegetable
water should not be wasted. It should be used in making soup or sauce. If
possible, let the vegetable stand exposed to the air for an hour or
longer.
If the vegetable is to be served plain, turn into a saucepan. Cook in its
own liquor at boiling temperature, for at least 30 minutes. (Cooking at
boiling temperature for this length of time is advised to remove any
possible danger of botulism.) When cooked, the liquid should be almost
entirely evaporated. Add butter, salt, and, if desired, a very little
sugar, and serve hot.
A White Sauce may also be used with a vegetable that has been heated as
above.
QUESTIONS
Explain why vegetables (except tomatoes) are more difficult to can
successfully than fruits.
What foodstuffs does the water in which vegetables are canned contain?
From this explain why the water should not be drained from vegetables when
removing them from the cans.
What is the purpose of cooking canned vegetables at boiling temperature?
LESSON CLXXII
DRIED VEGETABLES
ADVANTAGES OF DRYING FOODS.--While preserving foods by drying does not
take the place of canning foods and storing them in jars or cans, it has
certain advantages, viz.:
1. Little storage space is required for dried foods.
2. Dried foods can be stored in containers that cannot be used for
canning.
When foods are dried, they may be reduced in bulk as much as 90 per cent;
for example, 10 pounds of fresh food may be reduced to 1 pound of dried
food. By this reduction no food value is lost, and the flavor is not
greatly changed.
Dried foods may be stored in paper bags and boxes which are much less
expensive containers than glass jars or tin cans. Hence if space is
limited and glass or tin containers are difficult to secure or are
expensive, drying may prove a very satisfactory method of preserving food.
METHODS OF DRYING AND DRIERS.--Food may be dried by:
1. Sun.
2. Steam (placing food on a specially constructed tray (see Figure 93)
which is heated with steam).
3. Stove or oven drying (placing food above a stove or in the oven).
4. Fan drying (placing an electric fan near the food).
A combination of these methods, especially the two latter, is often used
in drying foods.
Plates or dishes may serve as driers when the drying is done in the oven.
Trays for drying may be constructed at home or they may be purchased. Most
of them consist of a wood or metal frame over which wire netting is
tacked. Single trays or a series of trays one placed above the other may
serve as driers. When drying is accomplished by heat from a stove, the
drier is hung over a stove or it rests on the top of the stove. In the
latter case, it is necessary that the frame of the tray be constructed so
that the bottom tray does not rest directly on the stove. In case the
drying is done over a kerosene stove, the bottom of the tray must be of
tin or galvanized iron to protect the food from kerosene fumes. The lowest
tray must be placed at least 4 inches above the metal bottom.
SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF VEGETABLES FOR DRYING.--To secure the best
results, select mature but fresh vegetables. They should be in good
condition, free from blemish.
Certain foods, such as berries, cherries, peas, lima and shell beans, are
dried whole. Most vegetables should be cut into slices from 1/8 to 1/4
inch in thickness. The slicing may be done with a paring or kitchen knife,
or it may be done by means of a slaw-cutter or a rotary chopper. Foods are
sometimes cut into pieces for drying by means of the food chopper. It is
necessary that all knives and cutting devices be clean. There should be no
discoloration of the vegetable from the cutting utensil. It has been found
advisable to blanch most vegetables before drying. The method of blanching
given previously can be used in drying vegetables as well as canning them.
Foods are not cold-dipped, however, after blanching when they are to be
dried. Fruits are usually not blanched before drying.
FOOD PRESERVATION
METHOD OF DRYING FOODS.--Place the prepared food on drying trays. Unless
the drying is done in the oven, cover the food with cheese-cloth. If
possible, tack the cloth to the frame so that no dust or insects can come
in contact with the food. Stir or turn foods once or twice a day while
they are drying. This is especially necessary when foods are dried in the
sun.
_If the food is to be dried in the sun_, place the tray containing
the food in the sun, where there is a breeze. If it rains, take the trays
indoors. Also bring the trays indoors just before sunset.
_If food is to be dried by means of steam_, a special device is
needed (see Figure 93). The device consists of a large pan for holding
water and a hollow tray. The under surface of the tray has an opening
about the size of the diameter of the pan. To this opening is fastened a
collar which fits snugly into the pan. The pan filled with water is placed
over a burner. When the water boils, the steam rises and fills the hollow
tray and escapes by means of the small pipe in the upper surface of the
tray. The food is placed on the upper surface and is dried by steam heat.
_If the food is to be dried in the oven_, place the food on suitable
trays. Oven drying is much more satisfactorily done if the oven is
provided with a thermometer. The temperature for drying foods is much less
than that of boiling water,--it varies from 115 degrees to 175 degrees F.
It is often necessary to keep the oven door open so that the temperature
does not become too high.
[Illustration: FIGURE 93.---DRIER FOR VEGETABLES OR FRUITS.]
_If food is dried over a stove in a series of trays_ one placed above
the other, the position of the trays should be changed so that the food
may be uniformly dried.
_If food is dried by means of an electric fan_, the fan should be so
placed that the current of air is directed along the trays lengthwise. The
drying will be most rapid nearest the fan; hence it is necessary to change
the position of the tray or of the food every few hours. Foods may be
dried in less than 24 hours by means of an electric fan. A few foods such
as sliced string beans may be dried in a few hours. Before drying by means
of a fan, food should be blanched. It is also necessary to heat food dried
in this way in an oven at 180 degrees F. for 10 or 15 minutes before
storing.
Testing for Sufficient Drying and Conditioning.--The time for drying
varies with the method of drying and the kind of food. A definite time of
drying cannot be stated. There are some tests which may be applied in
determining when a food is sufficiently dried. The following is quoted
from the Bulletin of the _National War Garden Commission_, Victory
Edition, p. 22:
"When first taken from the drier, vegetables should be rather brittle and
fruits rather leathery and pliable. One method of determining whether
fruit is dry enough is to squeeze a handful; if the fruit separates when
the hand is opened, it is dry enough. Another way is to press a single
piece; if no moisture comes to the surface the piece is sufficiently dry.
Berries are dry enough if they stick to the hand but do not crush when
squeezed."
When the food is judged to be sufficiently dried, it should be placed in
boxes or bowls and covered with clean cloths. The dried foods should be
stirred or poured from one container to another once a day for 10 days or
two weeks. If at the end of this time the food is found to be moist, it
must be subjected to the drying process for a short time. After the second
drying, it should be treated as directed above. If the food is observed
for several days and found to be dry, it may be stored away. This process
of testing and making them sufficiently dry after removing from the drier
is termed _conditioning_.
DRIED CORN
Select such sweet corn for drying as you would for immediate table use.
Blanch the corn (on the cob) for 8 to 12 minutes in boiling water. Drain
thoroughly. Then cut the corn from the cob as directed in Lesson IV. Dry
by subjecting to a temperature of 130 degrees F. gradually increased to
140 degrees F. Stir the corn often. It is sufficiently dried when it is
hard and semi-transparent.
(Adapted from _Bulletin of the National War Garden Commission, Victory
Edition_.)
TABLE FOR BLANCHING AND DRYING [Footnote 134: From Bulletin of the
_National War Garden Commission_, Victory Edition]
The following table shows blanching time for vegetables and the
temperatures to be used in drying by artificial heat.
VEGETABLES BLANCHING TEMPERATURE
TIME (FAHRENHEIT)
Minutes Degrees
Beets 2 120 to 145
Cabbage 3 to 4 115 to 135
Carrots 2 120 to 145
Cauliflower 4 to 6 120 to 130
Celery 2 to 3 135
Figs 120 to 140
Garden peas 3 to 5 115 to 140
Green string beans 5 to 8 130 to 145
Lima beans 3 150
Okra 3 115 to 135
Onions 140
Parsnips 2 120 to 145
Potatoes 2 to 3 125 to 150
Prunes - 130 to 175
Pumpkin and winter squash 3 to 6 135 to 160
Spinach 2 130
Summer squash 3 to 6 135 to 160
Sweet corn 8 to 12 130 to 140
Sweet potatoes 6 to 8 145 to 165
Tomatoes 1 1/2 120 to 140
Turnips 1 to 2 135 to 165
Wax beans 3 150
Fruits
Apples 130 to 175
Apricots 130 to 165
Berries 130 to 155
Cherries 120 to 150
Peaches 130 to 165
Pears 130 to 175
Plums 130 to 165
QUESTIONS
Under what conditions do you think it would be advisable to dry foods
rather than can them?
Name the advantages of dried over canned foods and the advantages of
canned over dried.
From what you have learned regarding the cooking of dried fruits and dried
peas and beans, how would you cook home-dried vegetables?
Give a reason for each step of the process.
Why is it necessary to stir foods occasionally while drying?
Why is oven drying of foods much more satisfactory when the oven is
provided with a thermometer?
Explain why it is necessary to condition dried foods before storing.
RELATED WORK
LESSON CLXXIII
THE SICK-ROOM TRAY
SELECTION OF FOODS FOR THE SICK.--Methods of preparation of food for the
sick differ somewhat from methods of preparation of food for those in
health. The chief difference is in the _selection_ of the foods to be
prepared. In severe illness the physician prescribes definitely the diet
of the patient. In the absence of a trained nurse, it is the home-keeper's
work to follow the physician's directions and to prepare such foods as can
readily be digested.
Often the home-keeper not only prepares, but selects the foods for the
indisposed members of the household. In any case of feeding the sick, the
following suggestions should be kept in mind:
(_a_) Choose easily digested foods and prepare them in such a way
that they will be easily digested. Liquid or easily liquefied foods are
digested with the least effort, hence the use of milk, broths, soups, and
gruels in sick-room diet. Such semisolid foods as eggs (uncooked or soft
cooked), cereals, softened toast, etc., are also easily digested. Avoid
foods that are digested with difficulty, as pastry, fried foods, "rich"
sauces, pork, veal, lobster, and baked beans.
(_b_) Give special attention to the selection of foods that appeal to
the appetite. When foods are served, even though they are selected
according to the physician's directions, likes and dislikes of the patient
should be observed. If food suitable for the patient is distasteful to
him, substitutions should be made or distasteful foods should be
disguised. Eggs, for example, are most valuable foods for the sick. If
disliked by the patient they may be slipped into such foods as cocoa or
gruels. Appeal to the appetite can be made by changing the methods of
preparing foods. The selection and preparation of food for the sick call
for ingenuity and resourcefulness on the part of the homekeeper.
(_c_) Prepare less food for the sick than for those in health.
Sometimes a lessened quantity of easily digested food is all that is
needed to effect recovery from an indisposed condition. Some energy is
needed to carry on the involuntary activities of the body, such as the
beating of the heart, and the movements of the lungs (see _Table of
Energy Requirements_). For the very sick patient, food served in small
quantities, but served often, is necessary.
SELECTION OF FOODS FOR THE CONVALESCENT.--In recovery from severe illness,
there is often the problem of building up an emaciated body. Knowledge of
the proper quantity and the kind of food aids greatly in solving this
problem.
The basic principles of the selection of food _to increase weight_
were discussed previously (see _Daily Carbohydrate and Fat
Requirement_). The use of concentrated foods, _i.e._ those whose
fuel value is high, such as eggs, cream or top milk, and butter, is
usually advisable. These foods can be added to foods of less fuel value
such as vegetables. A generous use of whole milk is also effective in
gaining weight. This can be used to advantage not only at meal times but
between meals and at bed time. Milk is one of the few foods which can be
used effectively between meals. Because it is bland in flavor, it does not
"spoil the appetite" for the following meal. Bread and other grain foods
and starch-rich vegetables are useful foods for gaining weight.
Many of the suggestions for the selection of foods for the sick apply to
the selection of foods for the convalescent.
PREPARATION OF SPECIAL FOODS FOR THE SICK AND FOR THE CONVALESCENT.--(1)
_Milk_.--Milk is one of the most important foods for an invalid
because it is a liquid containing valuable nutrients. It is used in a
partially predigested condition in Junket "Custard", peptonized milk, and
malted milk. Buttermilk, kumiss, and matzoon are often agreeable and
beneficial to the sick; by some, they are more easily digested than whole
milk. Frozen desserts made of milk or cream are popular foods for the
sick.
(2) _Eggs_.--Since eggs are both high in nutrients and easily
digested, they serve as a most important article of diet for the sick. The
variety of ways in which eggs can be cooked and served also adds to their
value as a sick-room food. Eggs combined with milk (egg-nog, custards),
with cereals (rice pudding, gruels), and with toast make suitable foods
for the sick and convalescent. The principles used in the preparation of
custards (see Lesson LI) should be applied in combining eggs with hot
liquids.
(3) _Gruels_.--The principle of preparing breakfast cereals may be
applied to the preparation of gruels. In the making of gruels less cereal
and more liquid are used, _i.e._ mix 1 tablespoonful of cereal with 1
cupful of liquid. The finished product is strained. A gruel may be
prepared by diluting a cooked cereal and straining. Gruels should be of
the consistency of cream soups. Corn-meal, oatmeal, barley, rice, flour--
especially graham, whole wheat, and gluten--arrowroot, and crushed
crackers--especially graham and oatmeal--are suitable cereals for gruels.
Water or a combination of water and milk is used for the liquid. When both
water and milk are used, the method of cooking Rice Pudding should be
followed.
The seasoning and flavoring of gruels are most important. Distaste for
gruels is often due to improper seasoning. "High" seasoning is not
desirable for the sick or convalescent. Usually a patient does not care
for highly seasoned food. But some seasoning is necessary to make a tasty
gruel. Gruels may be flavored with whole spices, meat extract, fruits,
such as raisins, cranberries, etc., and lemon peel. The flavor of whole
spices and fruits is extracted by cooking them with the gruel. If nutmeg
is used, it is grated over the surface of the cooked food. The identity of
this spice can thus be recognized. Sugar is used sparingly for the sick.
(4) _Broth and Meat_.--Although there is little nourishment contained
in meat broths (see _Protein in Meat_), beef tea is often used as
food for the sick, especially when liquid diet is necessary. It is
appetizing and tasty.
To make _beef tea_, soak chopped meat in water for at least one hour.
(Use 1 pint of water to 1 pound of lean beef.) Then cook the mixture
_slightly_, over hot water (until it becomes reddish brown in color),
and stir constantly. Strain through a _coarse_ strainer, season, and
serve at once.
Sometimes the _juice of beef_ without any dilution with water is
served to the sick. The meat is cut into pieces and heated slightly; then
by means of a lemon "squeezer" or a meat press the juice is extracted.
Meats such as chicken (white meat preferably), lamb, broiled or roasted
beef, can be used for convalescents. Scraped meat, _i.e._ meat from
which the tough tissue is removed (see Experiment 50), can often be given
to an invalid when solid meats are denied. The scraped meat contains more
nutriment than beef juice (see _Protein in Meat_). It should be made
into balls and pan-broiled (see _Pan-broiling_).
PREPARING THE TRAY.--Attractive serving of foods may make a stronger
appeal to the appetite than choice selection or skilful preparation of
foods. It should be remembered that the foods are to be carried from the
kitchen to the sick room. For this reason, it is well to place foods,
especially liquids, in deep dishes suitable for transit. All hot foods
should be placed in covered dishes, that they may be hot when the bedside
is reached.
For serving sick-room foods, the daintiest china available should be used.
The tray should be spread with a clean napkin or doily. In the case of a
contagious disease, a paper napkin or doily may be used. It should be
destroyed at once after using.
A bedside stand which supports the tray without any effort of the patient
is a comfort.
For contagious diseases, burn any remaining bits of food and sterilize the
dishes,--cover with cold water, heat, and boil.
QUESTIONS
Keeping in mind that the requisite for food for the sick is ease of
digestion, make a list of liquid, semisolid, and solid foods suitable for
the sick room.
Explain why it is that liquid foods are invariably prescribed for the
sick.
Give a variety of ways of cooking and serving eggs for the sick.
Keeping in mind the suggestions given in the chapter on _Menu-making_
and in the present chapter, write several menus for an indisposed or
convalescent patient.
LESSON CLXXIV
PREPARING TRAYS FOR THE SICK AND CONVALESCENT
Plan [Footnote 135: See Footnote 72.] menus for the sick and for the
convalescent. Prepare the foods and arrange them on trays.
LESSON CLXXV
REVIEW--MEAL COOKING
MENU
Cream of Potato Soup
Croutons
Baked Custard
See Lesson XIV for suggestions regarding the preparation of the lesson.
LESSON CLXXVI
HOME PROJECTS [Footnote 136: See Lesson IX.]
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK.--Can fruit or vegetables, or make marmalades,
jellies, etc. If possible, select the fruits or vegetables at market.
SUGGESTED AIMS: (1) To compare home-canned and factory-canned products.
Determine the difference in cost per pint or quart. Compare the difference
in flavor and appearance.
(2) To compare the yield of fruit made into jam or conserve and jelly.
Note the weight of the fruit, sugar, and other ingredients before
preserving. How many glasses of jam or conserve does each five pounds of
material yield? State the advantages of preparing jelly from fruit and of
preparing jam or conserve.
DIVISION EIGHTEEN
SUPPLEMENTARY
LESSON I
THANKSGIVING SAUCE
CRANBERRY SAUCE
1 quart (1 pound) cranberries
2 cupfuls water
2 cupfuls sugar
Salt
Pick over and wash the cranberries. Cook them in water until they are soft
and the skins are broken. Remove from the fire; strain if desired, add the
sugar and salt, and stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
CRANBERRY "JELLY"
1 quart (1 pound) cranberries
1 cupful water
2 cupfuls sugar
Salt
Prepare and cook the cranberries in water, as for Cranberry Sauce. Press
through a strainer, add the sugar and salt, and mix well. Without further
cooking pour the mixture into molds which have been rinsed in cold water.
Set aside to cool and stiffen.
QUESTIONS
Give a practical method of washing cranberries. How does Cranberry Sauce
differ from Cranberry Jelly? If you desired to make _clear_ Cranberry
Jelly what change would you make in the method given above?
LESSON II
THANKSGIVING DESSERTS
PLUM PUDDING
2 cupfuls soft bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoonful baking soda
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/8 teaspoonful cloves
1/2 teaspoonful cinnamon
1/4 teaspoonful salt
1/2 cupful suet
1/2 cupful molasses
1 egg
3/4 cupful milk
1/2 cupful currants
1/2 cupful raisins
To prevent suet from sticking while being chopped, sprinkle it with a
little flour. Use a meat grinder, or a chopping bowl and knife, to chop
the suet. Beat the eggs lightly and add the milk to them. The currants and
raisins should be cleaned as directed previously, and sprinkled with
flour. Mix the ingredients in the order given. Steam in an oiled pudding
mold for at least 2 hours. Serve with Hard Sauce I or II, Yellow Sauce, or
Vanilla Sauce.
VEGETABLE PLUM PUDDING
2 cupfuls flour
1 pound seeded raisins
1 cupful potatoes
1 cupful carrots
1 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful salt
1 teaspoonful baking soda
1 tablespoonful cold water
1 cupful suet
2 oranges--juice and grated rind
1 lemon--juice and grated rind
Mix the flour and raisins. Put the potatoes, carrots, and suet through a
food chopper. Mix the baking soda and water. Combine these three mixtures.
Then add the remaining ingredients. Turn into a greased mold and steam
three hours. Serve hot with Lemon Sauce or with Hard or Yellow Sauce.
HARD SAUCE II
3/4 cupful brown sugar
1/3 cupful butter
2 tablespoonfuls cream or milk
1 teaspoonful vanilla _or_ 1 teaspoonful lemon juice and 1/2
teaspoonful
vanilla
Cream the butter, add the sugar gradually, and mix thoroughly. Add the
cream or milk gradually. Add the flavoring. Chill; serve over hot
puddings.
YELLOW SAUCE
2 eggs
1/2 cupful powdered sugar
1 tablespoonful milk or cream
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla
Salt
Separate the eggs; beat the whites until they are stiff and dry. Add the
yolks and continue beating until the mixture is very light. Then add the
powdered sugar and beat again. Continue beating and add the milk or cream
gradually; finally add the vanilla and salt. Serve at once over hot
puddings.
CRANBERRY FRAPPE
1 quart (1 pound) cranberries
2 1/2 cupfuls sugar
4 cupfuls water
Juice 1 large lemon
Salt
Cook the cranberries and water slowly, until soft. Force through a sieve,
and add the sugar, lemon juice, and salt. When cool, freeze (see
_Preparing and Packing the Freezer_ and _Freezing_).
Serve with roast chicken or turkey, or as a dessert.
QUESTIONS
What are the leavening materials used in Plum Pudding? Explain their
action.
Why are raisins and currants sprinkled with flour before adding to the
pudding?
How should pudding molds be prepared for pour batters (see _General
Suggestions for Steamed Quick-bread Mixtures_)? If it is desired to use
left-over steamed pudding, how should it be reheated?
What is the price per pound of suet? How much by weight is required to
make one half cupful?
See Figure 63 and tabulate the percentage composition of beef suet and
butter. Which contains the more fat?
How many persons does the Plum Pudding recipe serve?
How many persons does the Cranberry Frappe recipe serve?
LESSON III
CHRISTMAS SWEETS
THE USE OF CANDY IN DIET.--Candy is an energy-giving food, but,
unfortunately perhaps, it is not (at all times) a most desirable energy-
giving food. Sugar exists in candy in concentrated form. As stated
previously, such sugar is irritating to the organs of digestion. Sugar is
contained in large quantity in some fruits, especially in dried fruits,
figs, dates, prunes, etc. These fruits are a much better source of sweets
for children than is candy, because they do not contain as much sugar, and
have, in addition, valuable food materials in the form of ash. (See
Figures 92 and 94. Note the large quantity of carbohydrates and ash in
raisins. Also note the large quantity of carbohydrates--which are in the
form of sugar--in stick candy.)
Candy should never be used to excess or at the wrong time. A little eaten
at the end of a meal is not harmful to the normal person. At that time the
sugar is diluted because it is mixed with other foods. When diluted it
does not irritate the digestive tract to the extent that it would if eaten
between meals with no other foods. It is well to drink a generous quantity
of water when eating candy or other sweets. Since molasses, honey, and
maple sirup are not so concentrated as is sugar (see Figure 94), they are
desirable sweets for children,--provided they are used moderately, at the
right time, and are mixed with other foods.
[Illustration: FIGURE 94--THE COMPOSITION OF SUGAR AND SIMILAR FOODS
(Revised edition)]
PARISIAN SWEETS
Chop equal parts of figs, dates, or raisins, and nuts together. Knead on a
board dredged with confectioner's sugar, until well blended. Roll to 1/3
inch thickness, cut into cubes or rounds, and dip each piece in
confectioner's sugar. Store in tin boxes.
STUFFED FRUITS
Cover _prunes_ with cold water, and let them soak for 30 minutes.
Then heat and cook at boiling temperature for 15 minutes. Now drain off
the water and place prunes in the top part of a double boiler and cook
over boiling water for 45 minutes. Or put the prunes in a tightly covered
pan and place in the fireless cooker for several hours. Cool and remove
the stones and fill the open space with a nut or a mixture of chopped
dates or raisins, figs, and nuts. Press the prunes into symmetrical shape,
then roll them in fine granulated sugar. (The Parisian Sweet mixture may
be used for stuffing prunes.) Prunes may also be stuffed with
marshmallows. One half of a marshmallow should be inserted in each cooked
and seeded prune.
_Dates_ stuffed with chopped nuts, peanut butter, or candied ginger
are tasty sweets. They may be rolled in granulated sugar after stuffing.
DATE BARS
1 egg
1 cupful sugar
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1 cupful flour
2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
1/4 teaspoonful salt
3/4 cupful dates, seeded and cut into pieces
1 cupful nuts, chopped
1/2 cupful milk
Mix as Date Pudding. Turn into an oblong or square pan about 9 by 9
inches. Bake at 350 degrees F., for from 30 to 40 minutes. When
sufficiently baked, remove from the pan and place on a cake cooler for
a few minutes. Then cut the cake into halves, and cut each half into
narrow strips about 1 inch wide and 4 1/2 inches long. Roll each strip in
powdered sugar. Store in a tightly covered tin box. These cakes have a
finer flavor after they have been stored for a few days.
Raisins may be substituted for dates.
POP-CORN BALLS
1 cupful molasses
1/4 teaspoonful baking soda
1 cupful corn sirup or sugar
1/2 teaspoonful salt
Mix the molasses and sirup or sugar and cook them to the crack stage. Then
add the soda and salt and pour the mixture over popped corn,--about six
quarts. Stir the corn while pouring the sirup. Let the sweetened corn
stand a few minutes. Then dip the hands into cold water, shake off the
water, and with the two hands press some corn into a ball. Repeat until
all the corn is shaped into balls.
QUESTIONS
Explain why Parisian Sweets and Stuffed Fruits are a more desirable sweet
food than candy.
When is the best time to eat candy? Explain your answer.
Why are mints served at the close, rather than at the beginning of a meal?
Why is it advisable to drink a generous quantity of water when eating
candy or sweets?
Compare the recipes for Date Pudding and Date Bars. Account for the
greater quantity of flour, sugar, and milk in Date Bars.
Why is it necessary to dip the hands in cold water before shaping Pop-corn
Balls?
LESSON IV
CHRISTMAS CANDY
SUGAR AND GLUCOSE.--Granulated sugar and glucose differ in taste and
composition. Granulated sugar is crystalline in structure, while
commercial glucose exists in the form of a heavy sirup, _i.e._ is
non-crystalline in form.
In many candies, a creamy consistency is desired. This is not possible, if
all the sugar of the candy exists in coarse crystalline form. Hence in the
making of candy from granulated sugar, it is desirable to add glucose or
sirup to granulated sugar or to change some of the crystallized sugar to a
sugar which crystallizes with difficulty, _i.e._ _invert sugar_.
This can be accomplished by boiling granulated sugar with acid.
Recent experimentation [Footnote 137: See Journal of Home Economics,
February, 1919 (Vol. XI), p. 65, "Factors Influencing the Amount of Invert
Sugar in Fondant," by Daniels and Cook.] with sugars, however, shows that
the quantity of acid required varies with the degree of hardness or the
alkalinity of the water,--the more alkaline the water, the greater the
quantity of acid needed. This experimental work also shows that unless
soft water is used in boiling sugar to which acid is added, more constant
and satisfactory results may be secured by adding glucose rather than acid
to sugar.
COOKING SIRUPS.--Sugar and water are boiled to different degrees of
temperature for making different kinds of candy. The thicker the sirup,
the higher the temperature. Tests for sirups of different consistencies
are:
(_a_) Thread,--when dropped from a spoon, the sirup forms a thread
about two inches long (230 degrees F.). [Footnote 138: These temperatures
apply to sirups made from cane sugar. The addition of glucose to cane
sugar lowers the temperatures of the sirups at the various stages. See
Note to the Teacher, Lesson CXVI, regarding the use of the Fahrenheit
scale of temperature.]
(_b_) Soft ball,--when dropped into cold water, the sirup forms a
soft ball if rolled between the fingers (236 degrees F.).
(_c_) Hard ball,--when dropped into cold water, the sirup forms a
firm ball (252 degrees F.).
(_d_) Crack,--when dropped into cold water, the sirup becomes brittle
(270 degrees F.).
(_e_) Hard crack,--when dropped into cold water, the sirup becomes
very hard and brittle (293 degrees F.).
(_f_) Caramel,--when sugar (without addition of water) liquefies when
hot and becomes very hard and brittle when cold (310 degrees F.).
FUDGE
2 cupfuls sugar
1/2 cupful water or milk
1/2 cupful corn sirup
2 ounces chocolate
2 tablespoonfuls butter
1 teaspoonful vanilla
1/4 teaspoonful salt
Mix the sugar with the liquid. Add the chocolate and sirup. Boil
_gently_ to a "soft ball" stage. Just before removing from the fire,
add the butter. Cool, then beat the mixture until it thickens. Add the
vanilla and salt and pour into a buttered pan. Cut into squares; when cool
the fudge is ready for serving.
The butter may be omitted.
PANOCHA
2 cupfuls light brown sugar
1/2 cupful milk
1/8 teaspoonful cream of tartar
2 tablespoonfuls butter or substitute
1/2 pound nuts
1/8 teaspoonful salt
Mix the sugar with the milk. Add the cream of tartar, and boil gently to a
"soft ball" stage. Just before removing from the fire, add the butter and
salt. Cool and beat until the mixture thickens. Add nuts that have been
cut into pieces; pour into a buttered pan; cut into squares. When cool,
the Panocha is ready for serving.
Sour milk or cream may be substituted for sweet milk and cream of tartar.
When sour cream is used, omit the butter or substitute.
BUTTERSCOTCH
1/2 cupful water
3 cupfuls light brown sugar
Juice of 1 lemon _or_
1/4 cupful vinegar
2 to 4 tablespoonfuls butter
Mix the sugar and liquids thoroughly. Boil gently to the "crack" stage.
Add the butter. Pour into buttered pans. When almost cool, cut into
squares with a chopping knife. Break into pieces when cold.
The butter may be omitted. If this is done, add 1/8 teaspoonful of salt.
CINNAMON BALLS
1 cupful sirup
2 cupfuls sugar
1 tablespoonful butter
1/8 teaspoonful salt
1 tablespoonful water
1 tablespoonful vinegar
1 tablespoonful ground cinnamon _or_
2 drops of oil of cinnamon
Put all the ingredients except oil of cinnamon into a saucepan and boil to
the crack stage. If oil of cinnamon is used for flavoring, add it to the
mixture after cooking. Pour into a greased pan. When cool enough to
handle, take a small portion and shape it into a ball. If the candy
becomes too stiff to shape, it may be placed in an oven until it is soft
enough to handle.
Oil of cinnamon produces a more pleasing flavor than ground cinnamon.
However, the former is expensive. If it is added, the use of a medicine
dropper prevents its waste.
QUESTIONS
What ingredient does corn sirup contain that would make it effective in
preparing creamy candy?
Explain the use of corn sirup, cream of tartar, sour milk, and vinegar in
these candies. In Fudge, why is the butter added just before removing the
candy from the fire (see _Frying and Digestion_)?
Why are not the nuts cooked in the Panocha mixture?
Why is butter or substitute omitted in Panocha if sour cream is
substituted for sweet milk?
If a thermometer is used for testing sirups, what precaution should be
taken against breaking?
From _U. S. Department of Agriculture_, Bulletin No. 28, tabulate the
percentage composition of granulated (see Figure 94), powdered, brown, and
maple sugars. What is the price per pound of each?
How many cupfuls in a pound of brown sugar?
Considering the percentage of carbohydrates, and the price per pound of
granulated and brown sugar, which is the cheaper?
Tabulate the percentage composition of honey, of molasses, and of maple
sirup.
How much fudge, by weight, does 1 pound of sugar make?
What is the cost per pound of homemade fudge?
APPENDIX
SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING
In using this text, the teacher may follow the _order_ of
_presenting_ a lesson which she considers most satisfactory. She may
prefer to preface processes of cooking with a discussion of foods and
reasons for the steps involved in the processes, or she may consider it
advisable to have the pupils do the cooking and discuss foods and methods
later. In case both the so-called "theory" and practical work are
undertaken in the same lesson, the time required to cook the food often
determines the order of the lesson. In either case, this text may be used
to advantage.
Although recipes in definitely stated form appear in the book, the teacher
need not refer to them in class, or place them upon the board previous to
the lesson. She may prefer to lead the pupils to develop a recipe. The
latter method is valuable in training pupils to know the proper quantity
of food materials to combine for practical _recipe making_, and to
know how to _substitute_ one food material for another.
The _relation_ of one recipe to another is shown in this text and
should be constantly emphasized. The pupils should be made to understand
that there are a few basic recipes from which many may be developed.
Much attention should be given to the _cost_ of foods. At frequent
intervals, pupils should be required to compute the cost of particular
dishes or of entire meals. The _buying_ of foods by the pupils is
most valuable. In table service lessons, it is advisable to have the
pupils not only plan and cook foods but, when possible, buy them.
In teaching _table service lessons_, the greatest care should be
taken to adapt the lessons to the standard of living of the pupils. In
communities where the equipment for serving foods is most meagre, a
special effort should be made to make the best use of such dishes and
furnishings as are found in the homes of the pupils. Serving meals in a
more pleasing way with more adequate (but not elaborate) equipment should
also be taught. Methods of serving without a maid meet best the needs of
most pupils of the public schools.
The cooking of foods by each pupil in _family quantity_ rather than
in individual amount is valuable. To do this some practical way of
disposing of the cooked products must be arranged. The lunch rooms of the
school may serve as the means of disposal. In case the pupils of a school
cook for the lunch room, the greatest care needs to be exercised by the
teacher to place the responsibility of preparing a salable product upon
the pupil. Too much assistance on the part of the teacher in directing the
pupils' work and in deciding when a food is sufficiently cooked or baked,
may interfere in developing initiative in pupils,--one of the aims to be
accomplished in education. The plan of having each pupil prepare a food
for the first time in individual quantity and then later in family
quantity for the lunch room has proved satisfactory in some cases.
This text furnishes material for a _year's_ work, if five lessons per
week (at least ninety minutes in length) are given; or for _two
years'_ work, if the curriculum provides for but two or three lessons
per week. If it is necessary to arrange a shorter course, certain lessons
may be omitted or assigned for home work, or lessons may be combined.
If the teacher wishes to _correlate_ food study with some other
subject such as general science, or physiology, chemistry, or physics, the
time may be extended, or the order of work may be changed to fit the
particular requirements. Because many of the lessons of the first eight
divisions treat of the uses of the foods in the body, they are especially
good for correlation with physiology. The remaining lessons, many of which
emphasize food composition, may be correlated to advantage with chemistry.
If for any reason an entire semester's work is to be devoted to table
service, including the planning, buying, cooking, and serving of foods and
determining the cost and computing the calorific value of the foods, the
material found in _Related Work_--the lessons placed at the end of
each division--will be found adequate for such a course.
BOOKS FOR REFERENCE
_Bevier and Van Meter_: Selection and Preparation of Food.
_Brechner_: Household Physics.
_Brownlee and Others_: Chemistry of Common Things.
_Buchanan_: Household Bacteriology.
_Child Health Organization of America_: Pamphlets.
_Cooley and Others_: Teaching Home Economics.
_Conn_: Bacteria, Yeasts, and Molds in the Home.
_Department of Household Science, University of Illinois_:
Principles of Jelly-Making (Bulletin).
_Farmer_: Food and Cookery for the Sick and the Convalescent.
_Farmer_: The Boston Cooking School Cook Book.
_Hill_: Cooking for Two.
_Hill_: The Up-To-Date Waitress.
_Holt_: The Care and Feeding of Children.
_Holt and Sedgwick_: The Human Mechanism.
_Holt and Shaw_: Save the Babies, Pamphlet.
_Kansas Agricultural College_: Table Etiquette and Table Service
(Bulletin).
_Lincoln and Barrows_: Home Science Cook Book.
_Lusk_: Elements of the Science of Nutrition.
_Lusk_: Fundamental Basis of Nutrition.
_McCollum_: The American Home Diet.
_Mitchell_: Fireless Cook Book.
_Pattee_: Practical Dietetics.
_Richards, Ellen H._: The Cost of Food.
_Rose_: Feeding the Family.
_Rose_: Laboratory Handbook for Dietetics.
_Sherman_: Chemistry of Food and Nutrition, Second Edition.
_Sherman_: Food Products.
_Styles_: Human Physiology.
_Taber_: The Business of the Household.
_U. S. Department of Agriculture_: Bulletins.
_Van Rensselaer and Others_: A Manual of Home-Making.
_Vulte_: Household Chemistry.
_Vulte and Vanderbilt_: Food Industries.
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