“Forty lbs. of flour, 2½ lbs. baking powder, 5 lbs. lard. The flour and baking powder were rubbed together until thoroly incorporated, then very cold water was added until the mass was of sufficient thickness for rolling. It was then rolled into sheets one-half inch thick and cut in semi-circular or crescent shapes with a biscuit cutter and added to the stew as above stated. The secret of light dumplings is to see that boiling is uninterrupted, and that the cover is put on immediately after they are put in, and that it be kept on for twenty minutes to hold in the heat which is over the surface of the liquid. It is this top heat which expands the gas produced by the baking powder and also cooks the dough.... Thirty-two cans of strong beef broth were obtained from the bones and were canned. The bones were steadily boiled for many hours and the fat was from time to time skimmed off. Several gallons of fat were thus obtained, which, having been clarified, were used later in seasoning a mess of green beans. The broth was sent to the hospital.”
I have given the formula and also the method of preparation as it was reported in order that the care involved might be shown. There is no lack of help at any of our penal institutions, so that the additional time and labor may not be taken into account.
The next day a pork stew was prepared and was also hailed with enthusiasm. The pigs which were fattening on the contents of the garbage pails lamented the advent of the chef. There was universal commendation of the mess which was served. Happiness reigned. Smiling faces were seen everywhere.
The difference in cost of the two meals was $57.98 in favor of the toothsome meal.
Let us estimate the saving at $50.00 per day.
Saving in one week $350.00. Saving in 52 weeks $18,200. If thus an institution may save $18,000 annually, is it not wise economy to employ an expert dietitian?
But we must not be carried off our feet by mere figures. The actual value of the two meals, one prepared by the old haphazard method, the other in accordance with the true principles of cookery, must be compared.
The beef and rice stew in actual units of food values exceeds the value of the dumpling meal. But the satisfaction afforded by the dumpling meal would carry an almost unanimous vote in its favor.
Let the dumpling meal have about 200 lbs. of meat added, and there will still be a saving of about $36.00 per dinner, or $13,180 annually.
My contention is that it will be wise for all institutions to consider methods of preparation both for the sake of the health and happiness of the inmates, and for economy.