THE STAFF OF LIFE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10211, 4 December 1893, Page 3

THE STAFF OF LIFE.

Broad is only entitled to be termed "the staff of life,” so long as it ia composed of the proper kind of flour. The advantage! of the wholemeal loaf over the ordinary white bread are considerable, for the whole-wheat floor contains the essentials of a perfect food, namely, definite quantities of carbonaceous, nitrogenous, and mineral matter; therefore, it not only supplies the system with more flesh-forming material than white oread can do, but it nourishes the blood, tissues, and structures of the body, and greatly assists the digestion. The perfection of whole-wheaten flour hag lately been introduced, combined with the hypophosphites of lime, soda, and iron, SO that its value is decidedly increased. The importance of giving growing children bread of tbis description can hardly be overestimated, for brain and body alike are nourished by it, and in cases of amentia, rickets, nervous complaints, it would prove an important addition to the diet. The bread made from this flour is most delicious and can be easily prepared at home in the following manner. Put three pounds of the flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt, into a large mixing pan; make • hole in the centre. Now add to half a pint of milk the same quantity of water, sufficiently warm to make the whole tepid { moisten an ounce of German yeast with a little of this, add an ounce of castor sugar and stir to a smooth paste; then add the remainder of the’ milk and water and pour into the flour, mixing it to a soft' dough. A little more liquid may be used if necessary, but care must be taken that it is the same temperature. Knead the dough for a few minutes until the flour is worked in, then gather it into a ball, slit the top, strew a little flour over it, cover with a cloth and set it torise in a warm corner for . about an hour and a half. When this has taken place turn it on to a floured board; knead for ten minutest divide into loaves or rolls—which are very good for breakfast—and bake in a hot oven for about an hour.