Practical Suggestions for Mother and Housewife — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Practical Suggestions for Mother and Housewife
John Stuart Mill · en
Meat may be cooked in water in a number of ways without being allowed to
reach the boiling point. With the ordinary kitchen range this is
accomplished by cooking on the cooler part of the stove rather than on
the hottest part, directly over the fire. Experience with a gas stove,
particularly if it has a small burner known as a "simmerer," usually
enables the cook to maintain temperatures which are high enough to
sterilize the meat if it has become accidentally contaminated in any way
and to make it tender without hardening the fibers. The double boiler
would seem to be a neglected utensil for this purpose. Its contents can
easily be kept up to a temperature of 200 degrees F., and nothing will
burn. Another method is by means of the fireless cooker. In this a high
temperature can be maintained for a long time without the application of
fresh heat. Still another method is by means of a closely covered baking
dish. Earthenware dishes of this kind suitable for serving foods as well
as for cooking are known as casseroles. For cooking purposes a baking
dish covered with a plate or a bean jar covered with a saucer may be
substituted. The Aladdin oven has long been popular for the purpose of
preserving temperatures which are near the boiling point and yet do not
reach it. It is a thoroughly insulated oven which may be heated either
by a kerosene lamp or a gas jet.
In this connection directions are given for using some of the toughest
and less promising pieces of meat.
STEWED SHIN OF BEEF
4 pounds of shin of beef.
1 medium-sized onion.
1 whole clove and a small bay leaf.
1 sprig of parsley.
1-1/2 tablespoonfuls of flour.
1 small slice of carrot.
1/2 tablespoonful of salt.
1/2 teaspoonful of pepper.
2 quarts of boiling water.
1-1/2 tablespoonfuls of butter or savory drippings.
Have the butcher cut the bone in several pieces. Put all the ingredients
but the flour and butter into a stewpan and bring to a boil. Set the pan
where the liquid will just simmer for six hours, or after boiling for
five or ten minutes, put all into the fireless cooker for eight or nine
hours. With the butter, flour, and one-half cupful of the clear soup
from which the fat has been removed, snake a brown sauce (see p. 39); to
this add the meat and the marrow removed from the bone. Heat and serve.
The remainder of the liquid in which the meat has been cooked may be
used for soup.
BOILED BEEF WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE
Plain boiled beef may also be served with horseradish sauce, and makes a
palatable dish. A little chopped parsley sprinkled over the meat when
served is considered an improvement by many persons. For the sake of
variety the meat may be browned like pot roast before serving.
STUFFED HEART
Wash the heart thoroughly inside and out, stuff with the following
mixture, and sew up the opening: One cup broken bread dipped in fat and
browned in the oven, 1 chopped onion, and salt and pepper to taste.