Baked and boiled cereals are more nutritious than bread. In the fermenting process which takes place in rising bread, valuable substances such as lime and salts are lost. It is rendered more acid, and therefore unfit as a food for people with weak stomachs. If yeast bread is combined with foods which render the fluids of the stomach alkaline, it is less harmful. SOUPS. Many American housekeepers do not know how to prepare soups and do not like them. The fact that people of many nations in the old world, with smaller incomes than the average American working man, use soups daily, once or twice, and are far superior in physical strength and endurance to the latter, who lives mainly on beefsteak, white bread, potatoes, sugar, tea and coffee, should convince every one that nutritious soups are an important article of diet. Close study and persistent effort will enable every homekeeper with small means to learn how to prepare a soup that is palatable and nutritious. The daily use of white bread and butter is expensive. Besides it produces diseases, imperfect bodies and premature old age. All who are in the habit of eating more than their systems require and especially those who indulge in large amounts of bread at dinner, would do well to begin their meal with a soup. Legume and cream soups will furnish a satisfactory meal by themselves. For combinations, see “Menus.” PART TWO PREPARATION OF FOODS. TABLE OF MEASURES AND WEIGHTS. A standard measuring cup contains 8 ounces or ¹⁄₂ pint. 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce 8 tablespoons = 4 ounces or ¹⁄₂ cup 16 tablespoons = 8 ounces or 1 cup All ingredients measured by the cup, tablespoon or teaspoon are measured level. 1 pound (English weight) = 425 grams or 16 ounces 1 pound (Metric system) = 500 ” 2 pounds (Metric system) = 1000 ” CHAPTER I. GREEN VEGETABLES.