HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2576, 25 July 1922, Page 7

HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

When a sewing machine will not work, stand it near a fire so that the oil may melt, and then remove and clean with pure paraffin, putting it into every 4*il hole. Work the machine well, and then wipe every part with a clean cloth.

When clothes become stained or marked it is always worth while trying rain-water before using any other cleanser. Rain-water, especially if it is slightly warmed, will dissolve almost any kind of stain. It has the additional advantage that it does not injure fabrics. Rain-water rubbed on to carpets and upholstery has a brightening effect on the colours. It may also be used for taking away the tarnish on silver and plated articles.

If 'you use barley for soups or puddings, 'always bleach it before cooking, as this removes any bitter flavour, and also makes it a better colour.

Winter salads are especially acceptable when served mired with meat, fish, or game, and form quite a substantial little dish. Here is a suggestion for one with fish : Have the latter free from skin and bones, and flake it up with a fork. Add to it some cold potatoes, celery, and beetroot,, all nicely cut up. File up in a salad-bowl, season with salt and pepper, and pour over a mayonnaise or ordinary French dressing.

When icing a cake, cut the top of it level, paring off any burnt pieces, then turn it over, so that what was the bottom part becomes the top. Invert a dinner-plate, put the cake on it, and start the icing. A savoury to vary the sweets at afternoon tea is always appreciated. Put the yolk of a hard-boiled egg, two or three tablespoonfuls of grated cheese, salt and pepper, and a little made mustard into a basin. Rub all together with a wooden spoon, and use as a sandwich filling.

Sheep’s, kidneys are tasty served on toast * like this : Chop up two of them and fry lightly in a little dripping. Add a dessertspoonful of flour blended with half a pint of stock or water. Stir till boiling, add seasoning and two tablespoonfuls of browned crumbs. Simmer for about a quarter of an hour till the kidney' is tender.

Ground ginger always seems suitable as a flavouring for winter puddings. This recipe contains it : Mix together half a pound of flour, a quarter of a pound of suet, and a teaspoonful each of carbonate of soda and ground ginger. Stir in a teacup of any stoneless jam, and mix with milk (not too moist). Turn into a greased basin and steam two hours.