The household cook book

Invalid's Lemonade. — Into a glass of water put a few drops lemon extract, and 2 tablespoons of lemon sugar. It can be made when lemons are not attainable. .^ Milk Lemonade. — In 4 cups boiling water dissolve 3 cups white sugar; add 3 cups milk and 1 cup lemon juice. Portable Lemonade — Mix thoroughly 6 oz. powdered sugar, 1 oz. powdered tartaric acid, and 1 drachm essence of lemon; dry thoroughly, divide into 24 parts and wrap each one in paper; each powder will make a nice glass of lemonade, and can be used at any time. Lemon belongs to the citrus family, and is a native to the north of India. It was unknown to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and was introduced into Europe during the crusades. It is now widely naturalized. Its acidity is due to the presence of citric and malic acid in the juice. It also contains 3 or 1/10 of gum and sugar, and some albumenous matter, and a little potash and phosphoric acid. Lemons with thick rough skins are almost certain to be dry and spongy, so choose those with thin, smooth skins. Persons of bilious and sanguine temperaments may freely drink the lemonade made from its juice, but those with irritable stomachs should avoid it on account of its acid and therefore irritating qualities. VINEGAR WATER— A little vinegar put into cold water, and then sweetened to taste, makes a pleasant beverage in hot weather. It is more refreshing and healthier than to drink large quantities of clear water. (It is the presence of the citric acid in lemons which, makes lemonade so refreshing and healthful, and the acetic acid in vinegar serves much the same purpose). MEAD. — Take 6 cups sugar, 2 cups molasses, \ lb. tartaric acid; pour on 3 pints boiling water, stir till dissolved, let cool, and add 1 spoonful essence of sassafras, or flavor with fruit juices; then bottle for use. To serve, put 2 tablespoons into a tumbler f full of ice water, add \ teaspoon of soda, stir it, and drink while foaming. OATMEAL DRINK.— (1) Dissolve I cup of oatmeal in a jug of water; let settle, and drink cold. (2) Take ^ lb. sugar, ^ a lemon, sliced small, and ^ lb. fine oatmeal; mix them with a little warm water first, and then pour on 4 quarts boiling water; stir well together, let settle, and use cold. Any other flavoring can be used instead of the lemon if desired. (3) Mix together gradually, in 4 quarts of boiling water, ^ lb. sugar, \ lb. fine oatmeal, and 4 oz. cocoa. Use when cold. About Summer Drinks. — In hot weather there is nothing which quenches the thirst better, or which is more healthful and refreshing than oatmeal drinks. If laboring men, harvest hands, etc., would use them more it would be a great advantage to them. For heavv work they are far better than either beor, cider or spirits. Boil the oatmeal if possible; if not mix it with cold water. When heavy work is to be done without time to stop and eat, make it stronger. It can be used cold in summer and hot in winter. Cold coffee is thirst-quenching; so is cold tea, but neither equals oatmeal. Cocoa is refreshing and nourishing.