Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-02-04
HOMEMAKERS COLUMN.
Correspondence on topics Of interest 10 the ladies
Ii solicited. Address: Editor HOnEHAKERs'
CoLUlM, Oxford Democrat. South Paris No
A Pick.Up Luncheon.

a ftCksOp LuuCuCOus
An American, who had accepted an
invitation to dine with the Sultan Of
Morocco, was surprised to find the table
minus forks, knives or spoons. A large
silver bowl filled with connection
closely resembling our good old-fashion'
ed stew was placed before tho Sultan.
Without q moments hesitation his
majesty plunged in his hand and labeled
| ont the mixture. When the second
course was passed the American did NOT
wait for an Invitation from the host, but
Immediately plunged in his hand, do.
termined this time to have the first
plunge in this "pick-up" banquet.
The story recalled to Mrs. Frederick
Nathan, President of the National Con-
sumers' League In New York City, the
delight so keen in childhood OF eating
with the fingers. The fascination fol
this primitive method of eating never
quite dies, even In children OF an Older
growth, and Mrs. Nathan determined to
test its charms In . pickup" luncheon,
to which she invited members OF the
family. In addition to the novelty OF
this affair, there are several practical
features which suggest that the idea 10
good one for picnics and other summer
entertainments. Here Ia an easily pre-
pared menu:
Consomme in cups, lamb chops, ST.
Regis potatoes, watercress, cold aspara'
gus, unbulled strawberries, coffee, crack.
ers, cheese and fruit.
Imagine table charmingly decorated
with flowers and the usual accOmpani'
ment of radishes, olives, pickles, celery
and nuts, but not piece of silver IN
sight; not q fork, nor spoon, nor :
knife, even the salt having been poured
into shakers so that the tiny salt spoon
might be eliminated. The first thought
of surprise is followed with one of dis
may-how is the food to be eaten? It ID
then that the full Significance Of the at
fair is realized. A "pick-up" luncheon
must be eaten with the fingers.
The frat course is easily managed
Even on formal occasions soup may bt
drunk from the cup. The second course
was more puzzling. The chops were ar
ranged mound form In the centre OF thu
platter, their bony ends hidden In fasci
mating frilly pantalettes. The potatoes
were large Saratoga chips cut In lattice
fashion and fried very dry 80 that they
might be picked up handily with thu
fingers. By arranging the potatoes
around the chops, 1t was possible In serv
ing to knock them off on to the plate
with the chop. Watercress, always
more easily manipulated with the fingers
than with the fork, was served as the
vegetable. SQUAD, which had previous
ly been carved, and chicken might b'
substituted for the chops with quite al
much success, and perhaps more merri
ment.
The numerous inventions for the cas-!
eating of asparagus testify to thu
eating of this delicious vegetable witt
the fork, and the salad course of cole
asparagus, which just has to be eater
with the fingers, is sure, therefore, to b
hailed with delight. The simplest o.
desserts would be fruit. At this lunch
con unhulled strawberries surrounded
mound of powdered sugar, the straw Der
ries being easily picked up by their hull
and dipped into the sugar. Cake was
part of this course, which was followed
| by the demi-tasse of coffee with cheese
and crackers, the cheese having pre-
viously been cut.