The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-03-06
EUening Chat
On SinnDIifying
BY RUTH CAMERON.

Where can 1 simplify my work %
and How can 1 get out of the food
rut am in?" are two questions which
overdriven, monotony-wearied house
wives frequently ask themselves.
Though I am not a housekeeping
expert l want to make one suggestion
which, it seems to me, would help an
sWeT both these questions
Couldn't you simplify and at the
same time vary your desserts without
working a hardship to your family?
Many housewives seem to feel that
the pleasure experienced from a des-
sert is in direct ratio to the cost, and
the time it takes to prepare it. L don t
think this is necessarily so.
suppose some night, instead of a
pudding or pie, you try serving toast
and honey or marmalade, and tea or
coffee, and see if your family does not
enjoy the change.
Whipped cream is a luxury in the
average family. Cookies and cocoa
with plenty of fluffy whip cream isn't
such a bad dessert.
A very simple though rather eXpen-
sive dessert for children is sweetened
white of egg beaten up stiff, and
orange juice.
1t is my personal experience that
after hearty meal a hearty pie or
pudding is really more than the stom-
ach requires. We eat it because we
are used to it but I don't think you
would find yourself hungry or dis
satisfied if some light little top-off
were occasionally substituted.
l know of one family where the
housekeeper makes it a rule to bal
ance the meat course and dessert If
she is to have rather light dinner
such as stew or cold meat she serves
a hearty dessert. If she is to have an
especially hearty first course such as
hot roast or steak, potatoes and two
vegetables, she serves simply cheese
common crackers and coffee, or fancy
crackers and tea, or sailed nuts and
FRI
In another family where they are
fond of salads, dessert is often entire
ly omitted and the meal finished off
with salad and coffee.
The best time to eat candy is di-
rectly after meal. In a family
where there are children why not oc-
caslona1ly substitute a dish of fudge
or molasses candy for the regular des-
sert: The children will probably be
glad to make it themselves.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Question. Mrs. F. o. B. wants to
know where 1 can get a simple mex
pensive book on food Values
Answer. You can get an excellent
little book on this subject that will
cost you nothing but postcard. The
United States department of agricul-
ture publishes a pamphlet called
principles of Nutrition and the Nu-
tritive Value of Food" 1t is very
simple. very clear and will be very
helpful, If after you get it you will
States Department of Agriculture at
Washington and ask for Farm Bull
letin No. 142.
Question. A letter friend wants to
know the birthstones of the various
months.
Answer. I usually answer questions
seeking my personal opinion rather
than those dealing with matters of
precise information which the inquirer
could look up for himself. But in this
case happen to have a list at hand.
January garnet; February, amethyst;
March, bloodstone; April, diamond;
May, emerald; June, agate; July,
ruby; August, sardonyx; September
sapphire; October, opal: November,
topaz; December, TURQUOISE