THE VALUE OF WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS FOOD.
"Yes, my dear," said Frau Schmidt (continuing a conversation which had
occurred several days previously between herself and Mary), "we will
have more healthful living when the young housewife of the present day
possesses a knowledge of different food values (those food products
from which a well-balanced meal may be prepared) for the different
members of her household. She should endeavor to buy foods which are
most nourishing and wholesome; these need not necessarily consist of
the more expensive food products. Cheaper food, if properly cooked,
may have as fine a flavor and be equally as nutritious as that of
higher price.
"And, Mary, when you marry and have a house to manage, if possible, do
your own marketing, and do not make the mistake common to so many
young, inexperienced housewives, of buying more expensive food than,
your income will allow. Some think economy in purchasing food
detrimental to their dignity and to the well-being of their families;
often the ones most extravagant in this respect are those least able
to afford it. Frequently the cause of this is a lack of knowledge of
the value of different foods. The housewife with a large family and
limited means should purchase cheaper cuts of meat, which become
tender and palatable by long simmering. Combine them with different
vegetables, cooked in the broth, and serve as the principal dish at a
meal, or occasionally serve dumplings composed of a mixture of flour
and milk, cooked in the broth, to extend the meat flavor. Frequently
serve a dish of rice, hominy, cornmeal and oatmeal, dried beans and
peas. These are all nutritious, nourishing foods when properly cooked
and attractively served. And remember, Mary, to always serve food well
seasoned. Many a well-cooked meal owes its failure to please to a lack
of proper seasoning. This is a lesson a young cook must learn. Neither
go to the other extreme and salt food too liberally. Speaking of salt,
my dear, have you read the poem, 'The King's Daughters,' by Margaret
Vandegrift? If not, read it, and then copy it in your book of
recipes."
"THE KING'S DAUGHTERS."
The King's three little daughters, 'neath the palace window straying,
Had fallen into earnest talk that put an end to playing;
And the weary King smiled once again to hear what they were saying;
"It is I who love our father best," the eldest daughter said;
"I am the oldest princess," and her pretty face grew red;
"What is there none can do without? I love him more than bread."
Then said the second princess, with her bright blue eyes aflame;
"Than bread, a common thing like bread! Thou hast not any shame!
Glad am I, it is I, not thou, called by our mother's name;
I love him with a better love than one so tame as thine,
More than--Oh! what then shall I say that is both bright and fine?
And is not common? Yes, I know. I love him more than wine."
Then the little youngest daughter, whose speech would sometimes halt,
For her dreamy way of thinking, said, "Nay, you are both in fault.
'Tis I who love our father best, I love him more than salt."
Shrill little shrieks of laughter greeted her latest word,
As the two joined hands exclaiming. "But this is most absurd!"
And the King, no longer smiling, was grieved that he had heard,
For the little youngest daughter, with her eyes of steadfast grey,
Could always move his tenderness, and charm his care away;
"She grows more like her mother dead," he whispered day by day,
"But she is very little and I will find no fault,
That while her sisters strive to see who most shall me exalt,
She holds me nothing dearer than a common thing like salt."
The portly cook was standing in the courtyard by the spring,
He winked and nodded to himself, "That little quiet thing
Knows more than both the others, as I will show the King."
That afternoon, at dinner, there was nothing fit to eat.
The King turned angrily away from soup and fish and meat,
And he found a cloying sweetness in the dishes that were sweet;
"And yet," he muttered, musing, "I cannot find the fault;
Not a thing has tasted like itself but this honest cup of malt."
Said the youngest princess, shyly: "Dear father, they want salt."
A sudden look of tenderness shone on the King's dark face,
As he sat his little daughter in the dead queen's vacant place,
And he thought: "She has her mother's heart; Ay, and her mother's grace;
Great love through channels will find its surest way.
It waits not state occasions, which may not come or may;
It comforts and it blesses, hour by hour, and day by day."