FoodNet

Instruction in cookery (Methuen's text-books, Thompson)

1908

Page 8 · 1 recipe record on this page

Presented as published in 1908. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
of a cooking-box. This may be made from a large deal soap-box packed closely with hay or some non- conducting material, as asbestos or slag-wool. Into this a saucepan or jar is introduced, covered very closely, and the top covered with hay. Previous to this the contents should have been boiling fast for quite 5 minutes, so that the whole of the contents when placed in the box are throughout at a temperature of 2120 F. This may be left for 10 or 12 hours in the box, and at the expiration of this time the contents will be perfectly cooked. It is an admirable way of doing stews or soups, and would be a great boon if introduced into working-class homes, as no fire is needed, and no attention required. The lid should not be removed until the food is required to be taken out. It would also be a good way of making f stock ’ during the night, or of cooking food in a camp or hut. EQUIPMENT FOR COOKERY CENTRE In fitting a permanent centre, the full equipment for a class of 18 children would be — 1 good coal stove, 1 large gas stove. If in a district where no gas is obtainable, a small portable coal stove set into the room and a coal range of local pattern. In a room fitted temporarily, either 1 gas stove and 1 coal stove (portable) ; or, 1 oil stove and coal stove (portable). CHAPTER II BREAD AND BREAD-MAKING WHENEVER a young or inexperienced teacher looks through a syllabus, she always seems to me to 4 shy ’ at the bread lesson, unless she comes from one of the training schools in a district where bread-making is a home industry, such as it is in York- shire. It really is an easy lesson to give if a little methodical preparation is given beforehand, and the children are very keenly interested in it. Yeast — The best German yeast must be used. In London this must be ordered at the baker’s the day before, as the retail demand for this is so irregular. For every 3J lb. of flour, or 1 quartern, allow 1 oz. of yeast if made separately ; but 2 o z. will raise more than 2 quarterns satisfactorily. Method — The best way is for the teacher, immedi- ately she comes, to put the flour and basins down to warm, have the kettle boiling, and see that the children wash their hands and arms scrupulously clean and put on their aprons and sleeves. She should try, if possible, to get them to come a little earlier on bread days. After calling the register, the teacher goes to her demonstration table and washes her hands before them. My readers may think that I am unnecessarily emphasizing the fact of clean hands, 18 BREAD AND BREAD-MAKING i9 but they need only look at the dough after the children have kneaded to wonder where the dirt came from. The teacher should next make up 1 lb. of warmed flour, with \ o z. yeast and 1 teaspoonful of salt, and about J pint of warm water. (See recipe at the end of the chapter.) After demonstrating clearly that lukewarm water is blood-heat or comfortably warm water, and showing how it is made with 1 part of boiling and 2 parts of coldBread Making, it is well to let them test it with their fingers. The yeast should be mixed with a little sugar and liquefied, and allowed to ‘ sponge ’ for a few minutes. Then mix this with the flour after sprinkling with salt, knead well till quite smooth, and allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place.