Serving vegetables in an attractive form is an important part of cookery because of the value of vegetables in the diet. They add the necessary bulk, some contain energy yielding material, some furnish tissue building material, but their greatest value lies in their rich mineral and vitamin content, both of which are essential for growth and for health. Doctors and dietitians advise the daily serving of at least two vegetables besides potato, one of these to be served in the raw form, as in a salad.
In order to prevent loss of minerals and destruction of vitamins it is best to cook the vegetables in the shortest time possible and in a small amount of water. Since the water in which vegetables are cooked or canned is rich in minerals it should never be discarded. It can be used for soups and for creaming the vegetables.
SPINACH AU GRATIN
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. flour
½ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. pepper
½ cup Carnation Milk
1 can Spinach (No. 2)
¾ cup Spinach liquid