The Community Cook Book Part 23

The tray should have a fresh, white cover each time it is carried to the sick room, and thin china of a pretty pattern should be used. In the summer time any garden flower, laid on the fresh napkin beside the plate, lends a cheerful note of color to the tray. Always serve small portions, as a large helping does not look appetizing to sick, tired eyes, and be careful in serving liquids not to spill any on the tray cloth or saucer.

It is those little things that sometimes disgust the invalid with what is put before him. There is a tidy and an untidy way of serving most dishes, too; for instance, in serving a poached egg, have it piping hot and on the toast; not cold, part on the toast and part on the saucer, with the yolk broken.

So each detail should be carried out, and you will find your care and attention rewarded by the invalid's interest in the tray, with its tinkling china and savory dishes.

Invalids should have graham bread, and must not be permitted to eat bread less than twenty-four hours old. Toast is a very good thing for most sick people, and should be browned very slowly in order that it may be dried through. It is then partially digested. It is best eaten dry.

Broths and soups are much used; oyster soup may be given, as well as gruel made of oatmeal or barley. Soups made of vegetables must be strained and served according to the doctor's orders.

Sc.r.a.ped beef is very nutritious, and is served raw between slices of bread and b.u.t.ter. Baked and broiled fish are nice, and generally relished by sick people.

Soft boiled and scrambled eggs are quite safe to give, as a rule.

If potatoes are liked, have them baked. Other vegetables may be given, but it is always best to consult the physician before serving things about which one is doubtful. Food that will not be harmful in some cases may be decidedly so in others. Generally, it is best to avoid fried and warmed-over meats, and pork should not be served to the sick.

Avoid unripe or overripe fruit. In serving oranges, remove the tough part and give only the juice. Baked and stewed apples are to be recommended; sometimes baked custard, and rice or other puddings. If any stewed berries are to be used, be sure to strain them.

Coffee is good to use moderately in malarial troubles, and tea, not very strong, may be used sparingly when the heart is not affected. Milk, when it agrees with the patient, may be given. Lemonade and lemon water ice are very refres.h.i.+ng and will often be taken when other drinks do not seem tempting.