In selecting dishes and cooking utensils it is well to remember that
cheapness does not always spell economy, and that one buys not alone
for the present, but for the future as well. Utensils which require
scouring are not economical, either, for scouring is friction, and
"friction means loss of energy." Scouring has gone out with the heavy
ironware which required it, in whose stead we have the pretty porcelain
enamel ware and the less expensive agate ware, both of which need only
a thorough washing in hot, soapy water, rinsing in boiling water, and
careful drying. Ware of this kind helps to produce the kitchen
restful, and so, indirectly, the cook rested. A well-cared-for kitchen
is always more or less attractive, but why not make it rather more so
than less? Taste and harmony add nothing to the expense of furnishing,
and there is a certain dignity and inspiration, as well as
satisfaction, in being able to "bring forth butter in a lordly dish."
Kitchen crockery is being rapidly supplanted by the porcelain enamel
dishes, which, though rather more expensive in the beginning, are
unbreakable, and so cheaper in the long run. They are even invading
the domain of the faithful yellow mixing bowl and becoming decidedly
popular therein, being light in weight and more easily handled. The
complete equipment of the kitchen is a more costly operation than one
is apt to imagine, individual items amounting comparatively to so
little. But the sum total is usually a rather surprising figure. And
so, remembering that Rome was not built in a day, carefully select
those things which are really the essentials of every day, adding the
useful non-essentials bit by bit. The size and number of utensils must
be governed by the size of the family in which they are to be used.
Never buy anything of copper for kitchen use, as the rust to which it
is liable is a dangerous poison. There is one utensil only which is
better to be of iron--the soup kettle--as it makes possible the slow
simmering which is necessary for good soups and stews. It is not worth
while to buy knives of anything but wrought steel, which are best
cleaned with pumice stone. Cheesecloth for fish bags and strainers,
and strong cotton for pudding bags must not be overlooked.
And so, with kitchen complete, artistic, and satisfactory in every
detail, it remains but to emphasize two facts--that perfect cleanliness
is absolutely essential to health, and that she who looketh well to the
ways of her kitchen eateth not the bread of idleness.
The following list may be too extensive for some purposes, not suited
to others, but out of it the new housekeeper can select what she thinks
her establishment will need, and estimate the price of stocking her
kitchen with those necessaries which make for good housekeeping:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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