FoodNetArchive

The farm cook & rule book

1923

Page 113

Presented as published in 1923. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
Select a stout clothes basket with strong handles. A satis- factory length for this is 36 inches. The easiest way to make this basket attractive is to apply two coats of flat white paint to it, allowing the first coat to dry before the second one is added. For a finish a coat of white enamel is applied. Then the basket is lined so it will make a soft bed. First, take a roll of cotton batting and distribute it evenly on the sides of the basket, tacking it in place with thread. Cover this with a wash- able material, such as dotted swiss, mull, silkaline, cheesecloth or dimity. A very pretty effect is obtained by using two linings, the under one being of a delicate pink or blue which shows through the white top lining of sheer lawn, dotted net or some other fabric. Usually these baskets are about 10 or 15 inches deep. To line them cut the material, which is 36 inches vsdde and 2 yards long, in two strips 18 inches in width. Sew these together making one long piece. The raw edges are turned back and the strip is gathered at the top and bottom so it will fit the basket. A heading is allowed at the top for a finish. Then the gathered strip is glued or sewed at the top and bottom of the inside of the basket. To make the bassinet comfortable, as well as pretty, a mattress or pillow is placed in the bottom. Removing Fish Odors The odor of fish or cabbage may be removed from dishes by filling them with boiling water and dropping a piece of char- 234 THE FAEM COOK AND RULE BOOK coal in the water. After standing a short time the undesirable odor will disappear. Cleaning Irons Wipe the flat iron with oiled or wax paper and rub it on a piece of fine sandpaper which is tacked on the ironing board, or on dry salt. Making Cellars Warmer Paste heavy paper over the rafters in the ceiling and down over the sills and around the frames of the windows, using the paste which is applied in hanging wall paper. The addition of 2 teaspoonfuls of Venetian turpentine to the paste will help make the paper stick. Loosening Drawers Which Stick Rub the parts of the drawers which stick with yellow soap, with paste wax or with tallow. Pilling Cracks in Floors Putty may be used for filling cracks in floors but it shows through varnish or any finish placed on the surface. Another filling may be made by dissolving 1 ounce of glue in 2 cupfuls of boiling water. While this is hot, tiny bits of newspaper are stirred into it. When the mass becomes as thick as putty, it is placed in the cracks, being pushed in tightly with a putty knife. If a putty knife is not available, a blunt-edged case knife may be used. This filling should be put in the cracks while hot and finished evenly at the top. If one wishes, it may be colored to match the stain in the wood. Mending Wall Paper Select the right portion of the pattern in the roll for the patch. Then tear an irregular piece instead of cutting it. Paste this over the tear in the paper on the wall. HOUSEHOLD EECIPES 235 Removing Grease Spots from Walls Fold a piece of white blotting paper and pin French chalk in the fold. Hold this over the grease spot, ironing it with an elec- tric or flat iron, taking care that the wall is not scorched. Change the position of the blotting paper frequently. Drying Herbs