Victoria University College

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 150, 26 June 1937, Page 14

Victoria University College

SARAH ANNE RHODES FELLOWSHIP IN HOME SCIENCE COPPER IN THE DIET One of the interesting bits of news in the food field is the relation of copper to well-being. Now that investigators have discovered tho importance of this mineral substance in food, it is interesting to apply their findings to every-day meal planning. We have all heard of the necessity for iron in the diet, but until recently it was not realised that the iron elements were unablo to be assimilated unless they were accompanied by minute amounts of copper. Like a fire, the body requires both fuel and air. The fuel is furnished by foods which are eventually assimilated into the blood, a vital constituent of which is the haemoglobin, the material that gives the glow of health to the complexion, that carries oxygen or air to the tissues. If the blood does not contain enough of it a person lacks energy. Perhaps the person so affected is called lazy. Sometimes the condition is pronounced and the doctor’s opinion sought. After making a blood count he says "Anaemia.” If iron and copper, the perfect comrades, are essential to build up tho blood stream, the natural inquiry is, "What foodstuffs supply these substances?” One thing of importance to note is that milk, once heralded as tho perfect food, is deficient in adequate amounts of copper and iron. Therefore this splendid food needs to be supplemented in foods rich in these materials. Liver contains both of them. In fact, calf’s liver has more copper than any other food yet analysed and beef liver second. Cereals, especially the wholegrained ones, are valuable sources of copper, while the leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, which are rich in iron, have to take a back seat when copper is considered. Nuts are copper and iron mines. The peanut butter sandwich does more than please the palates of the children. Nuts should be ground fairly finely, for children cannot be depended upon to masticate whole materials thoroughly. Dried legumes are abundant in both mineral elements. A hot tea dish of baked beans has dietary significance. Meat contains a good supply of these substances, and the dried fruits arc good sources, too. In cooking dried fruits, it is well to know that soaking in hot water shortens the soaking process and gives the fruit a better flavour than prolonged .soaking in cold water. Here are some recommended recipes to try. Include them in the week’s menu where there are any signs of anaemic condition. Dried Lima Beans and Carrots 1 cup dried lima beans, 1 mediumsized onion, 6 new carrots, 1 cup milk, 4 thin slices of bacon, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper to season. Cook beans until tender but not broken. Add carrots, scraped and cut fine. Add peeled onion, also cut fine. Cook under cover 20 minutes until water hr cooked away. Put into a wellbuttered baking dish, and pour over sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Lay strips of bacon on top. Bake in a hot oven 15 minutes, then place under broiler or grill to brown and crisp bacon. This dish is appetising as well as satisfying. Stuffed Calf’s Liver 6 slices liver, 6 slices bacon, £ l° a f stale bread, salt and pepper to season, 2 tablespoons butter, milk to moisten, 2 eggs. Cut bread into , small pieces, brown a little in the butter, season and cool. Over this pour egg and milk mixture, using enough milk to moisten the stuffing so it will hold together well. Season. Fill each piece of liver with the dressing, roll and fasten with a skewer. Dot with butter, place under a low flame and baste often. When the liver is almost done, wrap bacon slice around each piece and cook until bacon is curly and crisp. Serve very hot. Baked Beans 2-3 cups pea or lima beans, 1 pint can tomatoes, 8 slices bacon, 1 onion, 3 cloves, pepper and salt to taste. Pick over, wash and soak beans overnight. In the morning drain and parboil in cold water until the skins will break. Drain carefully. Put beans in casserole. In the meantime, put tho tomatoes in a saucepan with the onion, cut fine, and the cloves. Cook until tho onions are tender. Drain and season with pepper and salt, and pour over beans. If there is not quite enough juice, a little boiling water may be added from time to time. Bake in a moderate oven, covered, 3-4 hours, cover with bacon and bake uncovered until the bacon is crisp. Turn it so that both 6ides are browned. Try this recipel Cracker Crumb Roll The follow T ing dessert is very highly commended. •Jib dates cut very fine, 2 cup fruit juice (any fruit juice may be used; orange juice with a little lemon added is especially tasty), ilb marshmallows cut fine, $ cup nuts, cut fine. Combine and roll in cracker crumbs. Save enough cracker crumbs to cover tho bottom of the pan and surface of the roll. Let stand threo days beforo using. Cut into from 2 7 squares and serve with whipped cream. This roll is very simply made and does not require any cooking.