Chapter I: Preface: ―――――◀▶―――――

WHEREVER I have gone in the last fifteen years in following my calling as a teacher of cooking, earnest appeals have been made to me to plan my next book for the especial benefit of those who have just begun, or who are about to begin, to keep house for two or three. The young wives want to know how to buy supplies for a small family; how to cook economically and well; what to do with food that is left over from any meal; and numerous other things pertaining to their daily work. At last I have set about telling them. They will find that it is not necessary to have an immense income in order to live well. Strict adherence to careful instructions will, with a little good sense thrown in, enable a young housekeeper to accomplish wonders. She can practise economy and at the same time have a table that is attractively and wholesomely spread,—something for which most housekeepers strive without knowing the best way to reach the goal. Of course, not all who begin to build a home are obliged to count every dollar they expend. For the benefit of those who can start in their married life with a servant to aid them and money enough to indulge in luxuries, some special information and advice are given. But, after all, the aim has been particularly to lend a hand to those whose incomes are moderate; to make the book a simple one,—one that even a girl may take interest in studying. If it prove of value to those young women who are establishing homes for themselves, its chief mission will be accomplished.

M. P.

ROXBURY, MASS., 1893.

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CONTENTS.

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PAGE

A WORD WITH THE YOUNG HOUSEWIFE 1

ABOUT FURNISHING THE HOUSE 4

DIVISION OF THE HOUSEHOLD WORK 22

SOME THINGS TO BE LEARNED EARLY 31

WORK ON WASHING DAY 44

IN THE DINING-ROOM 52

BUYING FOOD AND CARING FOR IT 60

SOUPS 80

FISH 96

HOW TO COOK MEAT 112

SAUCES FOR MEAT AND FISH 164

SALADS 172

VEGETABLES 177

MISCELLANEOUS DISHES 200

BREAD IN VARIOUS FORMS 217

CAKE 241

PASTRY 253

PUDDINGS 260

SWEETS 289

BEVERAGES 300

PRESERVES AND PICKLES 307

FOR THOSE WHO LIVE ON FARMS 324

CARE OF THE SICK 338

WHEN CLEANING HOUSE 352

ODD BITS OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE 361

INDEX 391

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MISS PARLOA’S

YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER.

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