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Successful Baking for Flavor and Texture: Tested Recipes

Chapter 55: OLD FASHIONED CORN BREAD
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About This Book

The collection offers tested recipes and practical instruction for achieving light, flavorful baked goods by using baking soda combined with natural acids such as citrus juices or vinegar. It explains how baking soda reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, gives proportions to substitute sweet milk for sour milk, and provides guidance on flour types, fat substitutions, measuring, mixing, oven temperature, and cooling. Recipes cover cakes, cookies, quick breads, rolls, and traditional favorites, supplemented by kitchen hints, troubleshooting tips, and step-by-step techniques aimed at consistent results in texture, moisture, and color.

Cookies

COCONUT ICEBOX COOKIES

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup melted butter, or other shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup sifted brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

2 cups shredded coconut

½ cup sweet milk

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

2. Combine melted shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, well beaten eggs, coconut and milk. Reserve part of coconut for garnish if desired.

3. To this mixture blend in the dry ingredients.

4. Form into two rolls 6 inches long. Wrap in wax paper. Place in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled or as needed.

5. Cut ¼ inch slices from roll as required. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 4 dozen cookies Temperature: 425° F. Time: 5-8 minutes
See page 20

SOFT MOLASSES COOKIES

4½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

3 teaspoons ginger

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, or other shortening

1 cup sifted brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

¾ cup molasses

¾ cup sour milk

Granulated sugar

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda, ginger and salt.

2. Cream shortening, add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy.

3. Blend in the well beaten eggs. Then add molasses and continue beating.

4. Alternately add the dry ingredients with the milk, beating until smooth after each addition.

5. Chill dough in refrigerator several hours.

6. Turn onto floured board. Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut with scalloped cooky cutter, or form a roll of the dough and cut slices ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.

7. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven.

Amount: 3 dozen, 3-inch cookies Temperature: 400° F. Time: 12 minutes

FRUIT COOKIES

3½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

¾ cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

¾ cup molasses

1 cup raisins

1 cup nutmeats, coarsely cut

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift three times with the baking soda, salt and spices.

2. Cream the butter until light and lemon colored. Add sugar gradually.

3. Slowly add the well beaten eggs, then the molasses, blending thoroughly.

4. Add the dry ingredients, beating until smooth.

5. Last, stir in the raisins and nuts.

6. Chill in refrigerator until firm enough to handle.

7. Turn onto a lightly floured board. Roll as thin as possible without causing dough to break. Cut with large size, floured cutter.

8. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet in a hot oven.

Amount: 3½ dozen cookies Temperature: 425° F. Time: 8-10 minutes

FROSTED CHOCOLATE DROPS

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter, or other shortening

¾ cup sugar

1 egg

2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened chocolate

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup sweet milk

½ cup nutmeats, coarsely cut

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift three times with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cream the butter until light and lemon colored. Add sugar gradually, beating after each addition.

3. Slowly add the well beaten egg, then the chocolate which has been melted and cooled.

4. Stir vanilla into the milk. Alternately add dry ingredients and liquid, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in nutmeats.

5. Drop by spoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

6. When cool, frost with Soft Chocolate Frosting.

Amount: 3 dozen cookies Temperature: 425° F. Time: 8-10 minutes
See page 20

OLD FASHIONED MOLASSES COOKIES

8 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups molasses

1 cup lard, melted

½ cup butter, melted

10 tablespoons boiling water

Granulated sugar

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift three times with the baking soda, salt and spices.

2. Combine the molasses, melted shortening and boiling water.

3. To these liquid ingredients, add 4 cups of dry ingredients and blend well.

4. Add remaining 4 cups of dry ingredients gradually, beating well after each addition.

5. Let stand in a cool place about 1 hour.

6. Turn onto a lightly floured board. Roll ¼ inch thick. Cut with large, floured cooky cutter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 5 dozen cookies Temperature: 425° F. Time: 15 minutes

CRISP WHITE SUGAR COOKIES

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

1½ cups sugar

1½ cups butter, or other shortening

½ cup sour milk or buttermilk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until it is as fine as corn meal.

3. Combine milk, slightly beaten eggs and vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients, beating until smooth.

5. Cover dough closely with wax paper and chill in refrigerator overnight or several hours.

6. Then turn dough on a lightly floured board and roll thin. Cut with a floured cooky cutter. Garnish. Keep dough cold as it becomes sticky and hard to handle when warm.

7. Bake on ungreased baking sheet in a hot oven.

8. Remove to cooling rack. They will crisp as they cool.

Amount: 4 dozen large cookies  Temperature: 425° F.  Time: 8-10 minutes
See page 20

DOUGHNUTS

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

2 eggs

2 tablespoons shortening, melted

1 cup sugar

1 cup sour milk

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift three times with the baking soda, salt and spices.

2. Beat eggs slightly. Combine beaten eggs, shortening, sugar and sour milk.

3. Add flour mixture, stirring as little as possible. Chill.

4. Turn onto floured board. Roll or pat ⅓ inch thick. Cut with floured doughnut cutter.

5. The fat, when ready for frying doughnuts, should be 360°-375° F., or it should brown a cube of bread in 60 seconds.

6. Carefully drop each doughnut into the fat to prevent splashing. Fry not more than 4 or 5 doughnuts at one time or fat will be cooled too quickly. Fry to a delicate brown, turning doughnuts once.

7. Drain on unglazed paper and sprinkle with sugar.

Amount: 2½ dozen See page 20

RAISIN ROCKS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ cup butter, or other shortening

½ cup sugar

1 egg

½ cup sour milk

½ cup molasses

1 cup seedless raisins or currants

½ cup nutmeats, coarsely chopped

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift three times with baking soda, salt and spices.

2. Cream the butter until light and lemon colored. Add sugar gradually, beating after each addition.

3. Add the unbeaten egg, blending well.

4. Combine milk and molasses. Alternately add dry ingredients and the liquid, beating until smooth after each addition.

5. Add raisins and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 3 dozen Rocks Temperature: 400° F. Time: 10-12 minutes
See page 20

Biscuits

SODA BISCUITS

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Using the finger tips or a pastry blender, rub or cut shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse corn meal.

3. To sour ¾ cup sweet milk artificially and quickly, place 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (preferably white vinegar as it makes a whiter biscuit) in a measuring cup, fill ¾ full with sweet milk and mix well.

4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and turn in the sour milk or buttermilk all at once, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the liquid as it may not be required.

5. Then stir to make a soft dough as quickly as possible, using a fork. Add remainder of liquid if necessary.

6. As soon as the flour has been gathered together, turn the dough onto a floured board. The dough should be stiff but soft to the touch and not sticky.

7. Knead the dough lightly for about 30 seconds, using the palm of the hand and finger tips.

8. Then pat or roll to a thickness of about ½ inch. Cut with floured biscuit cutter.

9. Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12—2 inch biscuits Temperature: 475° F. Time: 12-15 minutes See page 24

CHEESE TEA BISCUITS

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons shortening

1 cup grated cheese

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal. Add cheese to this mixture.

3. Add sour milk, stirring quickly to form a soft dough.

4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 18 small biscuits Temperature: 475° F. Time: 12 minutes

COFFEE CAKE

2½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup sifted brown sugar, firmly packed

½ cup butter, or other shortening

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 egg

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with salt. Add brown sugar and mix well.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve ¾ cup of crumbs for topping.

3. To remainder, add baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well.

4. Combine well beaten egg and sour milk. Then add liquid to dry ingredients. Stir only until blended.

5. Turn into a greased pan. Sprinkle with the ¾ cup crumbs and additional cinnamon. Bake in hot oven. Serve hot.

Amount: 8 × 8 inch pan Temperature: 400° F. Time: 30 minutes

CINNAMON BUNS

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

4 tablespoons shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

Butter

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add enough sour milk to make a stiff dough.

4. Turn onto a floured board. Knead slightly.

5. Roll into a rectangle ¼ inch thick. Spread with soft butter. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

6. Roll as for jelly roll. Cut in slices ¾ inch thick. Spread an additional tablespoon butter in the bottom of the pan and sprinkle liberally with sugar. Add a few pecans, if desired.

7. Place rolls, cut side down, on sugar mixture. Bake in hot oven. Turn out of pan immediately. Serve sugared side up.

8. Brown sugar may be used in place of white sugar to make butterscotch rolls.

Amount: 12 buns Temperature: 475° F. Time: 15-20 minutes
See page 24

INDIVIDUAL SHORT CAKES

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

Butter

Strawberries, crushed and sweetened

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add enough sour milk to make a stiff dough. Turn onto a floured board. Knead slightly.

4. Roll ¼ inch thick. Cut with 3-inch floured biscuit cutter.

5. Place half of biscuits on ungreased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter. Place remaining biscuits on top to form a second layer. Again brush with melted butter. Bake in hot oven.

6. Break open and put fruit between and on top of layers. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Amount: 6 servings  Temperature: 475° F.   Time: 15 minutes

QUICK ROLLS

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

Melted butter

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add enough milk to make a stiff dough. Turn onto a floured board. Knead for 2 or 3 minutes.

4. Roll ¼ inch thick. Cut with 2-inch cutter, well floured. Fold in half, pressing edges firmly together.

5. Place slightly apart on a greased pan. Brush with melted butter, cover and let stand 20 minutes in a warm place.

6. Bake in hot oven 10 minutes, then brush again with melted butter and complete baking 10 to 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter once more. Serve immediately.

Amount: 12 rolls Temperature: 475° F. Time: 20-25 minutes
See page 24

LEMON CLOVER ROLLS

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar

⅓ cup shortening

½ cup sweet milk

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add the combined milk and lemon juice, stirring quickly to form a soft dough.

4. Turn onto a lightly floured board. Knead slightly.

5. Form dough into balls about the size of marbles. Place 3 balls in each muffin tin. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12 rolls Temperature: 450° F. Time: 20 minutes

APPLE DUMPLING

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

1½ cups diced apples

Sugar and cinnamon

Butter

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add enough sour milk to make a stiff dough.

4. Turn onto floured board. Knead slightly.

5. Roll into a rectangle about 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. Cut into eight 5-inch squares.

6. Place a small amount of apple in the center of each square. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and cinnamon. Dot generously with butter. Fold corners of square toward the center and join them over the apples. Place in greased baking pan. Bake in hot oven 15 minutes.

7. Then pour over them a syrup of 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water that has been heated until all sugar is dissolved. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer. Serve hot with Hard Sauce.

Amount: 8 dumplings Temperature: 425° F. Time: 30 minutes
See page 24

CREAM SCONES

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

¾ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons shortening

Grated rind of 1 orange (optional)

¾ cup sweet thin cream or top milk

4 teaspoons vinegar

1 egg

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Cut or rub in shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal. Add orange rind.

3. Combine cream and vinegar. Add to flour mixture, stirring quickly to form a stiff dough. White vinegar makes a whiter product.

4. Turn onto floured board. Knead slightly. Roll ⅜ inch thick. With a sharp knife, cut in diamond shapes. These may be cut in half lengthwise if desired. Brush thickly with slightly beaten egg.

5. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12 scones Temperature: 475° F. Time: 10-12 minutes

HAM ROLLS

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup shortening

¾ cup sour milk or buttermilk (about)

1½ cups boiled ham, ground

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

Butter

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda and salt.

2. Cut or rub in the shortening until it is as fine as coarse corn meal.

3. Add enough sour milk, stirring quickly, to make a soft dough.

4. Then turn onto a floured board. Knead slightly.

5. Roll into a rectangle 10 inches by 6 inches. Spread with soft butter, then with the ground ham which has been mixed with the mustard.

6. Fold the dough into three layers, folding the long sides toward each other. Flatten slightly with rolling pin by rolling lengthwise. Cut with a sharp knife into strips 1 inch wide.

7. Stand rolls about ½ inch apart on baking sheet. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12 rolls Temperature: 475° F. Time: 15-20 minutes

Muffins

WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sugar

½ cup raisins

1 egg, well beaten

1½ cups sour milk or buttermilk

3 tablespoons shortening

1. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, sugar and raisins. Mix well.

2. Combine well beaten egg, milk and melted shortening.

3. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring only until dry ingredients are dampened.

4. Fill greased muffin tins ⅔ full. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12 muffins Temperature: 425° F. Time: 20-25 minutes

BREAKFAST MUFFINS

2 cups pastry flour

½ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup sour milk or buttermilk

1 egg

4 tablespoons shortening

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Combine milk, well beaten egg and melted shortening.

3. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir only until all the dry ingredients are dampened.

4. Fill greased muffin tins ⅔ full. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 12 muffins Temperature: 425° F. Time: 20-25 minutes
See page 33

OLD FASHIONED CORN BREAD

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

1½ cups corn meal

2 eggs

1½ cups buttermilk or sour milk

3 tablespoons shortening

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and corn meal.

2. Combine well beaten eggs, buttermilk and melted shortening.

3. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring only until smooth.

4. Turn into a well greased pan. Bake in hot oven.

Amount: 8 x 8 inch pan Temperature: 425° F. Time: 25-30 minutes

APPLE FRITTERS

2 cups flour

¾ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 eggs

1⅓ cups sour milk

2 tablespoons shortening

2 cups diced apples

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt, sugar and nutmeg.

2. Combine well beaten eggs, milk and melted shortening.

3. Turn the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Fold in apples last.

4. Drop by spoonfuls into deep fat and cook to a rich brown, turning frequently. The fat when ready for frying fritters should be 375° F., or it should brown a cube of bread in 60 seconds.

5. Serve hot with syrup.

Amount: 8 servings

ORANGE RAISIN MUFFINS

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup sugar

½ cup raisins

1 egg

⅓ cup orange juice

½ teaspoons grated orange rind

⅔ cup sour milk or buttermilk

⅓ cup shortening

1. Sift, then measure the flour. Sift twice with the baking soda, salt and sugar. Then add raisins.

2. Combine well beaten egg, orange juice, rind, sour milk and melted shortening.

3. Turn the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix only until dry ingredients are dampened.

4. Fill greased muffin tins ⅔ full. Bake in hot oven.

5. For variation, ¾ cup orange juice can be used in this recipe in place of a combination of orange juice and sour milk.

Amount: 12 muffins Temperature: 425° F. Time: 25 minutes

Griddle Cakes · Waffles

SOUR MILK GRIDDLE CAKES

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2¼ cups sour milk or buttermilk

1 egg

1 tablespoon shortening

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. Combine well beaten egg, milk and melted shortening.

3. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring only until smooth.

4. Heat griddle slowly and evenly. To test the temperature of griddle, place a few drops of cold water on it. If the water forms bubbles which dance merrily, the griddle is the correct temperature for baking the cakes. Grease the griddle, using an unsalted fat, unless it is the type of griddle which requires no greasing.

5. Pour batter from tip of large spoon on griddle. The spoon should be of a size to hold sufficient batter for one cake.

6. Bake, turning each cake when it is browned on the underside, and puffed and slightly set on top. Turn only once. Serve immediately on warm plate.

7. For Flapjacks, make large sized cakes, sprinkle generously with grated maple sugar, then stack 4 or 5 deep and serve in wedge shaped sections.

Amount: 2 dozen cakes See page 33

WAFFLES

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 egg yolks

2 cups sour milk or buttermilk

¼ cup melted shortening

2 egg whites

1. Sift, then measure flour. Sift again with the baking soda, salt and sugar.

2. To the well beaten egg yolks, add the sour milk and melted shortening.

3. Add the dry ingredients gradually to the liquid, beating in well.

4. Fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.

5. Bake on hot waffle iron.

Amount: 6 four-section waffles See page 33

Helpful Kitchen Hints

DRIED BEANS AND PEAS. When parboiling dried beans for baking, the addition of ½ teaspoon of baking soda to each 2 cups soaked beans makes the beans tender in a shorter time. When baked, the beans have a much sweeter flavor than those parboiled in plain water. All dried legumes such as lima, soy, kidney or navy beans, and peas, have a better flavor if treated in this manner.

SCALLOPED DISHES. Scalloped potatoes or other scalloped dishes are sometimes spoiled in appearance by curdling of the milk. ¼ teaspoon baking soda to each pint of milk prevents the curdling.

HOMINY. In the preparation of hominy, use 1 ounce of baking soda (2 level tablespoons) and 3 pints of water to each pound of field corn. Dissolve baking soda and add corn. Bring corn to boiling point, cover and simmer 1½ hours. Hulls and black eyes can be removed by rubbing between the hands. 6 or 7 washings will remove all traces of soda.

SPINACH. When washing spinach, add a small amount of baking soda (about ¼ teaspoon for each peck of spinach) to the last rinse water. Cook as usual. The vegetable will retain its lovely fresh color.

RHUBARB AND GOOSEBERRIES. When stewing rhubarb or gooseberries, add ⅛ teaspoon baking soda for each 2 cups. This reduces the quantity of sugar required by ⅓. For each 2 cups of rhubarb or gooseberries, use ⅔ cup sugar in place of the usual cup.

PEACHES AND APRICOTS. To skin peaches and apricots quickly and easily, blanch in a baking soda solution. To blanch, make a solution of ½ cup baking soda to 2 gallons of water. Bring to boiling point and while actively boiling, immerse fruit (using a wire basket) until skin is loosened. Remove fruit, wash at once in clear cold water and remove skins by rubbing.

BAKED HAM AND PORK CHOPS. When baking ham or pork chops in milk, the addition of ¼ teaspoon baking soda to each pint of milk prevents the curdling which so often detracts from the appetizing appearance of the meat.

CORNED BEEF. When boiling corned beef, add ¼ teaspoon baking soda for each pound of beef. This will improve the color and flavor of the meat. Cabbage and other vegetables can be cooked in the same water without becoming dark or slimy.

CLEANING MEAT. Clean all meat as soon as unwrapped with a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon baking soda to 2 cups water). This removes foreign matter and dried blood. Put on a clean plate and place in refrigerator.

FOWL. After drawing fowl, wash well, both inside and out, with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon to 2 quarts of water). Let solution run through the bird several times. Rinse well with clear water. Pat dry with clean towel.

FISH. Clean fish, both inside and out, in a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon to 2 quarts of water). Dip entire fish in the solution; wash quickly and rinse in clear water. Dry immediately and store in cold place. Before opening, wash clams and oysters with a brush dipped in the baking soda solution. Fresh shrimp and other shell fish should be washed well in the same strength baking soda solution before cooking.

CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP. To prevent curdling, when preparing cream of tomato soup from canned or home-made tomato purée, add ⅛ teaspoon baking soda to each cup of soup or purée before adding it to the milk.

Baking Soda Cleans—Too

TILE FLOORS AND WALLS. To cleanse such surfaces soiled by splashed water, etc., sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub briskly. Wipe with cloth wrung from clean water and dry. The surface will be clean and shiny. Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda will not harm tile or any composition material resembling it.

ASH TRAYS. Unless cleaned daily these receptacles become offensive. To cleanse, scrub trays either with a baking soda solution (a small handful to a quart of warm water) or use a damp cloth sprinkled with bicarbonate of soda. Rinse and dry. Brass and copper trays may require polishing with a woolen or other polishing cloth.

LINOLEUM OR CONGOLEUM. Dissolve a large handful of baking soda in warm mop water and clean. Rinse with clean water. Do not allow water to seep under floor covering. This method of cleaning leaves the linoleum (inlaid or printed) bright and clean and it will be neither sticky nor slippery.

WASH-BOWLS, TUBS, ETC. Hard water is often responsible for scum and sediment; grease and dirt adhere to surfaces. To remove these sprinkle with baking soda and rub briskly with a damp cloth. Baking soda is immediately soluble and will not clog drains or injure the finest porcelain or enamel.

DRAIN BOARDS. Dampen surfaces, whether wood or enamel, and sprinkle with Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda. Rub with a damp cloth, rinse and wipe dry. Rubber or other composition drain boards may be cleaned in the same way. Bicarbonate of soda, while being a most effective cleanser, will not harm any of these surfaces.

GAS AND OIL STOVE BURNERS. Make a solution of one-quarter pound of baking soda to one gallon of hot water. Bring to a boil. Immerse the burners and boil for one hour. They will operate like new.

ENAMELED SURFACES. Enameled table tops, stoves, washing machines, etc., may be cleaned either by sprinkling the soda on the dampened surface or washing with a baking soda solution (a handful to a basin of warm water). This removes the oil or grease film which holds the dirt, and leaves the surface clean and odorless.

MILK BOTTLES. Pour a little baking soda into the bottle, half fill with cool water and shake. If milk is dried on, let bottle soak for a few minutes. Cold water removes milk more quickly than hot, as hot water causes a coating of milk to adhere to the glass. Bicarbonate of soda not only hastens the cleansing process, but sweetens the bottle. Milk cans, pails and all milk containers are cleansed in the same manner, using more baking soda in greater quantities of water.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER. Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda is unsurpassed as a fire extinguisher. It not only smothers the fire, but generates carbonic acid gas which temporarily envelopes the flames, shuts off the air supply or oxygen, and so extinguishes the fire.

BREAD BOXES. Cake and bread boxes, cooky jars, etc., after washing with soap and water, should frequently be well rinsed with a baking soda solution, a handful of baking soda to one quart of water. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly. This treatment keeps them fresh and free from odors.

CASSEROLES. Food that is burned onto or adheres to casseroles is easily removed by soaking for a few minutes in warm water to which a small handful of baking soda has been added. The bicarbonate of soda loosens the encrusted particles.

REFRIGERATORS. Baking soda, refined mild bicarbonate of soda, is a soluble cleanser, sweetener and polisher, and cannot scratch the smoothest surface. It will remove odors by breaking up the oily surface films, prevent fermentation by removing mold and retard the growth of bacteria, thus keeping the refrigerator sanitary and fresh.

Whether the refrigerator is electric, gas, oil or ice, keep the inside sweet and clean by wiping all surfaces with a soft cloth wrung from cool or lukewarm water containing a handful of baking soda to each quart of water, or by generously sprinkling baking soda on a damp cloth and briskly rubbing the surface to be cleaned.

Keep ice cubes free from stale or musty flavors by cleaning the ice trays each week with baking soda in a similar fashion. Also with a baking soda solution, wash the food containers and the chilling tray beneath the freezing unit.

In ice refrigerators, periodically remove drain pipe, ice chamber, pan, trap and flues for a thorough washing with a hot solution of water and baking soda. Rinse with clear water.

A baking soda solution (a small handful to a basin of water) may be used to wipe the outer surfaces when soiled.

SILVER CLEANING. Silver may be cleaned easily and thoroughly by placing it in an aluminum pan filled with a hot solution of baking soda, salt and sugar, or in an enamel or granite pan, using a similar solution and a small piece of aluminum such as a measuring spoon or pot cover. Use about a tablespoon of each, baking soda, salt and sugar, for every quart of hot water. Select a large container for convenience. Place the silver in such a way that it is completely immersed and that each piece comes in contact with the aluminum or a piece of silver touching the aluminum. Let it stand until tarnish is removed and the silver becomes shiny and bright. Heat if necessary. Rinse in hot water and rub dry. This method removes absolutely no silver, hence it prolongs the life of silverware. Since the aluminum article will be blackened in the process, do not use one you care about keeping bright.

Large pieces of silver, such as candlesticks, cake plates, pitchers, etc., may also be cleaned this way, making sure they are completely immersed in the solution.

CUT GLASS. Goblets, tumblers and other cut glassware are satisfactorily cleaned by rubbing the surface with a paste made of Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda and water. Rinse with cold water and rub with a soft brush. Soap is unnecessary.

CHOCOLATE POTS OR MIXING BOWLS. Dried-on chocolate needs a little coaxing for removal. Sprinkle with baking soda, fill dishes with warm water and let soak until their turn comes in the washing.

ODORS. Odors from dishes in which fish or onions are cooked, are quickly killed by sprinkling baking soda in the dish and wiping out thoroughly with tissue paper. Then wash in hot soapy water, rinse with hot water and dry.

DOG KENNELS AND FEEDING DISHES. Scrub the inside of dog kennels frequently with a baking soda solution, one package to three gallons of hot water. Rinse.

To promote the health of pets, their feeding dishes must be cleansed frequently. Let soak in a baking soda solution (a handful in a pan of warm water). This loosens dried-on food. Wash and rinse.

BEVERAGE SERVICE. Cups, coasters, pitchers, glasses, spoons, punch bowls, fruit containers, etc., are all successfully cleaned and sweetened with bicarbonate of soda. The baking soda is best applied by sprinkling on a moist cloth and then gently rubbing the object until clean. Rinse with warm clear water and dry with clean towels having no lint.

To clean bottles, decanters, flasks, shakers, etc., which do not permit interior cleaning by hand, pour the baking soda into the container and add a little warm (not hot) water. Shake well until clean, then rinse with fresh water and allow to drain. This leaves the containers in a sweet clean condition. Repeat after each use.

Cocktail sets made of glass, silver, etc., are excellently cleaned by these methods.

THERMOS BOTTLES AND JUGS. To keep thermos bottles and jugs clean and sweet, put a handful of baking soda in jug or bottle, partly fill with warm water and shake well. Rinse with clean water. Corks and other closures used for the bottles and jugs are kept odorless by rubbing with moist baking soda.