The journal of prison discipline and philanthropy (New series, No. 57), March, 1918Pennsylvania Prison Society
History
The journal of prison discipline and philanthropy (New series, No. 57), March, 1918
Pennsylvania Prison Society
Charities -- Periodicals; Prisons -- Periodicals
“Forty lbs. of flour, 2½ lbs. baking powder, 5 lbs. lard. The flour
and baking powder were rubbed together until thoroly incorporated, then
very cold water was added until the mass was of sufficient thickness
for rolling. It was then rolled into sheets one-half inch thick and cut
in semi-circular or crescent shapes with a biscuit cutter and added
to the stew as above stated. The secret of light dumplings is to see
that boiling is uninterrupted, and that the cover is put on immediately
after they are put in, and that it be kept on for twenty minutes to
hold in the heat which is over the surface of the liquid. It is this
top heat which expands the gas produced by the baking powder and also
cooks the dough.... Thirty-two cans of strong beef broth were obtained
from the bones and were canned. The bones were steadily boiled for many
hours and the fat was from time to time skimmed off. Several gallons of
fat were thus obtained, which, having been clarified, were used later
in seasoning a mess of green beans. The broth was sent to the hospital.”
I have given the formula and also the method of preparation as it was
reported in order that the care involved might be shown. There is no
lack of help at any of our penal institutions, so that the additional
time and labor may not be taken into account.
The next day a pork stew was prepared and was also hailed with
enthusiasm. The pigs which were fattening on the contents of the
garbage pails lamented the advent of the chef. There was universal
commendation of the mess which was served. Happiness reigned. Smiling
faces were seen everywhere.
The difference in cost of the two meals was $57.98 in favor of the
toothsome meal.
Let us estimate the saving at $50.00 per day.
Saving in one week $350.00. Saving in 52 weeks $18,200. If thus an
institution may save $18,000 annually, is it not wise economy to employ
an expert dietitian?
But we must not be carried off our feet by mere figures. The actual
value of the two meals, one prepared by the old haphazard method,
the other in accordance with the true principles of cookery, must be
compared.
The beef and rice stew in actual units of food values exceeds the value
of the dumpling meal. But the satisfaction afforded by the dumpling
meal would carry an almost unanimous vote in its favor.
Let the dumpling meal have about 200 lbs. of meat added, and there will
still be a saving of about $36.00 per dinner, or $13,180 annually.
My contention is that it will be wise for all institutions to consider
methods of preparation both for the sake of the health and happiness of
the inmates, and for economy.
Employment of a Chef.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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