Mary at the Farm and Book of Recipes Compiled During Her Visit Among the "Pennsylvania Germans"Thomas, Edith May Bertels
General
Mary at the Farm and Book of Recipes Compiled During Her Visit Among the "Pennsylvania Germans"
Thomas, Edith May Bertels
Cookbooks; Cooking -- Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania -- Social life and customs; Pennsylvania Dutch
"Yes, my dear," said Frau Schmidt (continuing a conversation which had
occurred several days previously between herself and Mary), "we will
have more healthful living when the young housewife of the present day
possesses a knowledge of different food values (those food products
from which a well-balanced meal may be prepared) for the different
members of her household. She should endeavor to buy foods which are
most nourishing and wholesome; these need not necessarily consist of
the more expensive food products. Cheaper food, if properly cooked,
may have as fine a flavor and be equally as nutritious as that of
higher price.
"And, Mary, when you marry and have a house to manage, if possible, do
your own marketing, and do not make the mistake common to so many
young, inexperienced housewives, of buying more expensive food than,
your income will allow. Some think economy in purchasing food
detrimental to their dignity and to the well-being of their families;
often the ones most extravagant in this respect are those least able
to afford it. Frequently the cause of this is a lack of knowledge of
the value of different foods. The housewife with a large family and
limited means should purchase cheaper cuts of meat, which become
tender and palatable by long simmering. Combine them with different
vegetables, cooked in the broth, and serve as the principal dish at a
meal, or occasionally serve dumplings composed of a mixture of flour
and milk, cooked in the broth, to extend the meat flavor. Frequently
serve a dish of rice, hominy, cornmeal and oatmeal, dried beans and
peas. These are all nutritious, nourishing foods when properly cooked
and attractively served. And remember, Mary, to always serve food well
seasoned. Many a well-cooked meal owes its failure to please to a lack
of proper seasoning. This is a lesson a young cook must learn. Neither
go to the other extreme and salt food too liberally. Speaking of salt,
my dear, have you read the poem, 'The King's Daughters,' by Margaret
Vandegrift? If not, read it, and then copy it in your book of
recipes."
"THE KING'S DAUGHTERS."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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