Thursday, October 15, 2009

VINTAGE HINTS FOR THE HOUSEWIFE

Wash pans and kettles immediately after use.

Wipe the range well after cooking a meal.

The temperature of the over can be lowered by placing in it a basin of cold water.

Turpentine is better than water for making stove polish.

Anything made with sugar, milk , and eggs should not be allowed to reach the boiling point.

Molasses to be used for gingerbread is greatly improved by being first boiled, then skimmed.

Blankets and furs put away well sprinkled with borax and done up air-tight will not be troubled by moths.

Macaroni should be used more than it is; it is a very good substitute for potatoes when that vegetable is scarce and high. Many physicians object strongly to the use of old potatoes after they have begun to sprout, and on their own tables use macaroni instead. The simple ways of preparing it are very generally known.

Flour cannot be too cold for pastry, cookies or kindred doughs, while for yeast bread it should be warm enough to favor the growth of the yeast plant. For the same reason warm water should be used with yeast, while with cream of tartar and soda it would hasten the escape of the gas, and cold liquids only are allowable.

It is said if one awakes in the night as hopelessly wide awake as if galvanized or electrified with vital activity, an unfailing remedy is a glass of hot – not warm – water. It can be heated over a gas jet, or over a spirit lamp and sipped while almost at boiling heat, and one who tries it will find himself or herself going to sleep like an infant, and getting, too, the most peaceful and restful sleep imaginable.

From the Home Comfort Range Cook Book

[Tea Party -- c. 1910. My dad's sister, Ethel, pours. Daddy is on the right.]

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