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42 chapters
CARE OF GAS RANGES
CARE OF GAS RANGES
In order to get satisfactory and economical service and a long life, any range or mechanical device must be kept clean. This applies to the gas range as well, and we therefore wish to emphasize that the little attention required is very much worth while. Clean the top, the ovens and removable drip pan frequently. Clean broiler griddle and pan every time it is used. If any burner holes become clogged, clean them out with a piece of wire or a hairpin. Keep the air inlets on the shutter at the fron
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USE OF THE RANGE
USE OF THE RANGE
With reasonable care gas is much cheaper for household cooking than any other fuel. Every range should be equipped with a top burner lighter which is convenient and economical, as it is just as easy to light a burner as to leave it burning. Never turn on the gas until you are ready to use it. Turn off the gas as soon as you are through with it. Turn down the gas as low as possible to give the required heat. Remember that water boiling rapidly is no hotter than water boiling slowly. Always open o
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BROILING AND ROASTING
BROILING AND ROASTING
Broiling and roasting are the same form of cooking, the former term being applied to thinner and the latter to thicker foodstuffs. They consist of cooking at very high temperatures, obtained only by exposure to the direct flame. It must be done in the broiler, which should be lighted ten minutes before cooking commences. Always leave broiler door open and put a little cold water in the bottom of the broiler pan to prevent the food from burning. Place the food to be cooked on the cold rack in the
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STEAKS AND CHOPS
STEAKS AND CHOPS
Place the meat about two inches from the fire until well seared. Turn over and sear other side in the same way, thus preventing the escape of the juice. Then lower the pan and turn down the gas until the meat is done to taste. For steak allow about 10 minutes if one inch thick, 15 minutes if one and one-half inches thick. For chops allow 8 minutes. Cooking may be done faster, but proper tenderness of meats can only be had at the slower rates....
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FISH
FISH
Place fish on the rack, skin side down, and do not turn. Place rack in lower part of oven. Baste liberally and turn down gas when the fish begins to brown. Allow 20 to 30 minutes....
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OTHER FOODS
OTHER FOODS
Chicken, bacon, liver, ham, tripe, and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, Spanish onions, can also be broiled to perfection in a manner similar to above....
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ROAST MEATS
ROAST MEATS
Roast meats should be treated the same as steaks and chops, except that after the meat is seared the cooking should be done more slowly, which will, of course, take more time. This part of the cooking can be done with the broiler door closed, or can be done in the upper or baking oven. Allow about 20 minutes to the pound for a roast....
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BAKING
BAKING
Baking is cooking at moderate temperatures in a range oven. The oven should be lighted from 5 to 10 minutes (depending upon the food to be cooked) before the food is put in....
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BREAD
BREAD
Heat the oven about 5 minutes before using, and bake from 45 to 50 minutes on the lower rack. Bread should be baked in a hot oven, should continue to rise about 15 minutes, brown for 20 minutes longer, and bake 15 minutes longer with a reduced flame....
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BISCUITS
BISCUITS
Heat oven for 10 minutes. Put biscuits in oven and bake for 5 minutes with full heat, then turn gas off completely and bake 5 minutes longer....
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LOAF CAKE
LOAF CAKE
Heat oven 5 minutes. Place the cake on the rack about 3 inches from bottom of oven. Turn gas half on for about 30 minutes when the cake should have fully risen. Increase heat enough to make the top brown and crisp....
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LAYER CAKE
LAYER CAKE
Layer cake should be placed in a hotter oven than loaf cake. Heat oven 10 minutes. Place cake on rack in center of oven and turn out the gas for 10 minutes. Relight both burners turned half down for 12 or 15 minutes. If not sufficiently browned increase the heat at the last....
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BOILING
BOILING
Boiling is cooking in water at a temperature of 212 degrees. This is done on the open burners on top of the range. There are three sizes of burners: the giant, the ordinary and the simmerer. In bringing water to boil quickly use the giant burner, then continue boiling on the simmerer or one of the ordinary burners turned low. Do not waste gas by boiling hard. Use covers on kettles. Green vegetables when boiling retain their color better if the lid is left off the pot....
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STEWING
STEWING
Stewing is cooking in a small amount of water for a long time at simmering temperature. It is the most economical way of cooking the cheaper cuts of meat. The simmering burner should be used for this cooking....
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TOASTERS
TOASTERS
Bread toasters placed on the top burners of a gas range supply a quick and the most satisfactory method of preparing toast. Large quantities of toast can be made to advantage in the broiler....
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GAS WATER HEATERS
GAS WATER HEATERS
Gas water heaters supply the most economical and convenient source of hot water obtainable. The automatic water heaters are made to heat water instantly and automatically upon opening any hot water faucet in the system. These heaters are made in various capacities from 2 to 8 gallons per minute. Circulating tank heaters which are attached to the kitchen boiler have to be lighted every time they are used. Usually the heater is lighted a few minutes before hot water is required, the time depending
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GAS FLAT IRONS
GAS FLAT IRONS
The gas flat iron is a most satisfactory and economical household appliance....
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FURNACE CONNECTIONS
FURNACE CONNECTIONS
A pipe coil should be placed in every furnace and connected to the hot water tank in order to insure an economical supply of hot water during the period when the furnace is in use. This makes it possible to use the gas range in the kitchen and enjoy its convenience and economy the year round....
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ALL-GAS KITCHENS
ALL-GAS KITCHENS
All-gas kitchens embodying the foregoing appliances are in general use owing to their convenience and economy. Details regarding these kitchen appliances and other gas appliances, such as fireplace kindlers, furnace kindlers, coke box kindlers, garbage burners, gas steam radiators, gas water radiators, safety garage heaters and ironing machines may be obtained from your Gas Company. Telephone them, for their salesmen are always glad to serve you....
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DEMONSTRATOR
DEMONSTRATOR
Most gas companies have a practical and expert demonstrator whose services are free. When any gas appliance is not giving perfect satisfaction in every way, or once a year on general principles, you should ask the demonstrator to call....
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GAS LIGHTING
GAS LIGHTING
Correct, healthful and pleasing lighting conditions do more than anything else to brighten, modernize and make comfortable the house of today. Poor light is poor economy in more than one sense of the term. “Poor light” may mean too little or too much light, a wrong kind of light or a misplaced source of light. Any of these conditions cause eye strain. Eye strain results in eye troubles and inevitably affects the general health. Furthermore, the well lighted home is an attractive center for the f
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ELECTRIC SERVICE IN THE HOME
ELECTRIC SERVICE IN THE HOME
The home that is completely wired has at hand a tireless electric servant-of-all-work; for the past few years have seen the invention and perfection of devices for doing household labor of practically every description. These are of practical economy not only when used by the housewife, but also in making domestic help more efficient and better satisfied. In addition to the almost universal use of electricity for lighting, with every facility for flexibility and convenience in connecting and con
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ALL-ELECTRIC HOMES
ALL-ELECTRIC HOMES
The model home is electrically lighted, has the kitchen equipped with an electric range, electric dishwasher, electric kitchen set for beating eggs, grinding, mixing and polishing; the dining-room equipped with electric coffee percolator, electric samovar and an electric toaster; laundry equipped with electric washing machine, motor-driven mangle heated by gas or electricity, and an electric iron. A vacuum cleaner is essential in every household. Other appliances which will prove their value if
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ELECTRIC RANGE
ELECTRIC RANGE
Cooking by electricity is an ideal method, and the electric range makes it practical. Every housewife should be familiar with its advantages as it provides the most satisfactory results. The electric range is reliable, efficient and durable. It saves time, work, worry and watching. It promotes safety, comfort and cleanliness. The electric range is convenient and easy to operate, as the heat is always instantly available and readily regulated at the turn of a switch. Cooking becomes a certainty,
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ELECTRIC DISHWASHER
ELECTRIC DISHWASHER
After each meal scrape off the dishes and place them in the washer in such a position that the water can be thrown against both sides of them. It is convenient to accumulate enough dishes to fill the washer, as it may thereby become possible to do all of the day’s dishes in one washing. Shake washing powder or liquid soap into the machine and add one-quarter of a cup of ammonia. Pour in the right amount of hot water from faucet (according to instructions with machine) and allow the machine to ru
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VACUUM CLEANER
VACUUM CLEANER
There are many good electric vacuum cleaners on the market, all of which operate on the same general principle of suction. The Hoover, however, has a motor-driven brush in addition, which acts as a sweeper. Oil the motor with a drop or two each time it is used, according to the directions given with the machine. If using a Hoover, the brush bearings should not be oiled as they are made of wood. Should the brush become stuck it is due to threads, string and hair which have been collected by it. R
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SEWING MACHINE
SEWING MACHINE
Follow directions supplied with the machine as to oiling and proper size of needle, thread, etc. Do not make any adjustments unless you are sure you know how. These adjustments require patience, as the adjusting screws must be turned a very little at a time to note the effect produced. Do not run the machine at too high a speed as this will shorten its life. When putting a motor on a foot-power machine be sure that the old machine is not over-speeded. If your machine is provided with a foot rele
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FLAT IRON
FLAT IRON
There are several makes of electric irons which do excellent work and have a long life. The standard sizes are 3, 6 and 8 pounds. The 6-pound iron is best adapted for general household use. If the iron becomes too hot, disconnect the lead from the iron. In case the terminals become corroded, rub them with a piece of fine emery cloth to remove corrosion. If the contacts become corroded or bent they should be replaced. Your Lighting Company maintains a repair department for all heating and cooking
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ELECTRIC LAMPS
ELECTRIC LAMPS
Mazda lamps are the most efficient lamps obtainable and their use is recommended for all classes of service. Your electric bills depend upon the watts per lamp and the number of hours of use. Note in the following table that the Mazda lamps give on the average two and one-half times as much light for the same cost as the Gem carbon lamps. The column “Cost of current per month” gives the cost of burning one lamp one hour per day for one month at the maximum rate of nine cents per K. W. H....
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RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING
RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING
In most cases the following recommendations of Mazda lamp sizes will be found most satisfactory in the home. Frosted lamps are recommended wherever the direct rays of the lamp may strike the eye, as the frosting diffuses the light. 1-Bracket chandelier 1—60 watt 2-Bracket chandelier 2—40 watt 3-Bracket chandelier 3—25 watt Side wall fixtures for decorative purposes—10 watt, all frosted. Side wall fixtures for good general illumination—25 or 40 watt, all frosted. Small hall 1—10 watt
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FIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HOUSE
FIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HOUSE
Ceiling fixtures Indirect or semi-indirect Side fixtures Semi-indirect Baseboard receptacles for table or floor lamps. One ceiling fixture equipped with two lamps wired so that one or both lamps may be operated as desired. This arrangement provides for a night light. Same as parlor. One ceiling semi-indirect fixture. Side brackets near dressing table, or, Rigid pendant for use over center of dressing table. Baseboard outlet near bed for heat
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GENERAL
GENERAL
Baseboard outlets should be installed in all rooms for the use of vacuum cleaner, fans, or other portable appliances. Bell-ringing transformers which provide current for door bells and buzzers should be installed for each apartment. Emergency gas lights should be provided for the halls, kitchen, dining-room and bathroom. If any special requirements are not provided for in the above recommendations your Lighting Company will be glad to give you expert advice free of charge. They pride themselves
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WIRING HINTS
WIRING HINTS
The service entrance should be of sufficient capacity to care for additional load in the form of electric heating, cooking and other domestic appliances. The branch circuits should be heavy and numerous enough to care for additional outlets for lighting and appliances as found desirable. Your Lighting Company will be glad to go over your plans with you. The electric meters should be located in the cellar near the gas meter, as this will save you the annoyance of meter readers and testers going t
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FUSES
FUSES
Fuses on your electrical wiring act in the same capacity as a safety valve on a steam boiler. Whenever there is an overload on the circuit or a short circuit these fuses blow and relieve the strain on your wiring. When in doubt or when in need of suggestions, ’phone the Sales Department of your Lighting Company. HOUSEHOLD HELPS Look in the Index for the principal word of the article about which you desire information. For instance, “To Open Fruit Jars”, look under “Fruit Jars”...
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IN THE KITCHEN
IN THE KITCHEN
Use Sand Soap to Sharpen the Food Chopper —If the knives of your food chopper become black and dull, run a piece of sand soap, or scouring brick, through the chopper as you would a potato. It will brighten and sharpen the knives and they will cut like new. Use pulverized sand soap or the scouring brick with which you scour. Kerosene for Water Bugs —A small quantity of kerosene poured down the drain pipe occasionally will stop annoyance from this pest. To Prevent a Glass from Breaking when pourin
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IN THE SEWING ROOM
IN THE SEWING ROOM
When Hands Perspire and soil the sewing material, try bathing them with strong alum water. To Prevent Oil from Soiling Goods —To prevent a sewing machine that has been oiled from soiling the material, try the following method: Tie a small piece of ribbon, or cotton string, around the needlebar near the point where it grips the needle. When Scissors Get Blunt, sharpen them by opening and drawing backward and forward on a piece of glass. This will sharpen the bluntest of scissors. To Tighten a Loo
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IN THE BEDROOM
IN THE BEDROOM
To Clean Bed Springs —To clean the dust and dirt from bed springs, set them out in the yard on a sunny day and turn the hose on them freely. The sun and wind will afterward dry them in a few minutes. If Your Alarm Clock Rings Too Loudly, slip an elastic band around the bell to diminish the noise. The wider the band that is used, the greater will be the suppression. Protection Against Spilled Water in Sick Bed —If water is accidentally spilled in bed when attending someone who is ill, it can be q
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IN THE PARLOR
IN THE PARLOR
New Way to Fasten Lace Curtains —The best way to secure lace or net curtains in place over the poles is to fasten with the very fine wire hairpins, known as “invisible” hairpins. These are so sharp that they can be pushed through the curtains without injury to the fabric, and are so fine that they are more invisible than pins. They have the added advantage of never slipping out of place like small-headed pins, or becoming entangled in the lace like safety-pins. Put them perpendicularly (up and d
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IN THE BATHROOM
IN THE BATHROOM
For Clogged Lavatory Basins —Mix a handful of soda with a handful of common salt and force it down the pipe; then rinse the pipe thoroughly with boiling water. To Clean Bath Tub and Wash Bowl —Some housekeepers like to use kerosene in the bath tub to take off the soapsuds and stain that will gather, but the odor is sometimes objectionable. To clean the bath tub and the wash bowl in a jiffy use a half lemon rind turned wrong side out. To Clean Mirrors —A little camphor rubbed on a mirror after th
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IN THE LAUNDRY
IN THE LAUNDRY
To Clean Dirty Clothesline —Wrap it around the washboard and scrub it with a brush and soap suds. Brick for Iron Stand —If a brick is used for an iron stand, the iron will hold its heat much longer than when an ordinary stand is used. Lemon for Whitening Clothes —Put a slice of lemon, with rind on, in your boiler of clothes and it will remove stains and make your clothes white without injuring them. To Prevent Starch from Sticking to the Iron —Borax and oily substances added to starch will incre
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MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
A Cheap Floor Wax —A satisfactory and economical floor wax which is excellent for use on hardwood floors: To one-half cake of melted paraffin add one teacupful of turpentine. Apply to the clean dry floor with a cloth; then polish with a woolen cloth or weighted brush. It gives an excellent polish and keeps the floor nice and light. To Loosen Screws and Nails which have become rusted into wood: (1) Drop a little paraffin on them, and after a short time they can easily be removed, or, (2) Hold a r
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TO REMOVE STAINS, ETC.
TO REMOVE STAINS, ETC.
All spots and stains can be removed much more easily before washing. Fruit stains are probably the most common and they will usually disappear if the stained portion is held taut over a basin and hot water poured over and through it. Butter or Salt for Stains —To remove fruit, tea or coffee stains from cotton or linen goods, rub butter on the stains and then wash with hot water and soap. Remove wine stains by sprinkling salt on them and then pouring boiling water through them. To Remove Indelibl
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