The queen cook book ...

Front matter

LIBRARY OFjCONGRESS.

Chap._i.\...; Copyright No.

ShelL...-ELl S4

Preface

When any woman of the royal famihes of Europe has in prospect the sharing of the throne with the king of a nation, or of ruHng alone as its sovereign, she is especially prepared to fill the position in a manner befitting a queen, that she may rule her subjects well. The royal girls of European nations are very carefully educated and why should not the girls of our beloved America, or of any country, who are royal only as their characters are such, be well educated and fitted to preside over homes which sooner or later may be theirs. Every wife and mother should be queen of her own home, if she is fortunate enough to possess one, and she can not fill her position in its full meaning without a knowledge of cooking and all domestic economy. Even if she does not cook as a rule herself, she will find many annoyances, embarrassments and perhaps an absolute stand-still in household affairs, if she has not as much or more knowledge of the kitchen arts than her cook. Then too, hired cooks are as uncertain as April weather and when they say farewell and no one is at hand to take the vacated place, that housekeeper is in a sad plight, who is ignorant of how to cook and without experience. We advise all girls and women, if they have already

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6 Preface

grown to womanhood without a knowledge of cooking to learn this indispensable art while mother, sister or friend is with them, to help and give information in the more difficult parts. There are so many nice little points to know, that are learned only by practice, which are too numerous to put in print, and are scarcely thought of, perhaps, till one is in the midst of the work. It seems to be one sad lack to-day that mothers so generally neglect to train their daughters in the many practical methods connected with housekeeping. They can be learned only by degrees, and must largely be acquired ^^'hen the opportunity offers, not waiting for a stated time.

" Knowledge is gold to him who can discern, That he who loves to know must love to learn."

A cook book lying on the shelf does not make a good cook, but study is absolutely necessary, and must be joined with carefulness and good judgment. As the public is already supplied with many books of this kind, (still, this is one by itself) it is with some misgivings that this volume is presented.

It is the fruit of a life-long experience in housekeeping and the writer trusts it will prove both helpful and instructive to the numerous home-makers and render their lives easier, brighter and better.