Got Milk?

Since we are on the topic of beverages, let's talk milk.

Turns out it's not just for mustaches anymore.

Here's what The New American Cook Book had to say:

In spending the food money, milk should be considered first, as it is necessary for every one and is the best building food for children. It also supplies the body with fuel, minerals, and Vitamins A, B, and G.

Pasteurized milk is safer than raw milk, because complete pasteurization kills germs that might be present, such as those that cause tuberculosis, infantile diarrhea, septic sore throat, typhoid fever, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. If raw milk is used or advised, it should, of course, be certified.

Milk should be covered and kept cold; that will keep it clean, sweet, and free from strange flavors and odors.

If there is no ice in the home, it may be necessary in hot weather to buy milk twice a day, letting the dealer keep it cold. A temperature between 45-50 degrees F. keeps milk from spoiling.

Always Peptonize Before You Enema-ize

So many mysterious things can be found in old cook books. Take this "recipe" for example:

What the heck is peptonizing powder? you might well ask.

Or Why might one wish to drink milk once it has been added?

Good questions.

Here's what I discovered after a bit of judicious Googling:

"Peptonized milk is used in many conditions in which it is thought that the gastric digestion is too feeble to digest ordinary milk, or in which it is desired, as sometimes, in typhoid fever, for instance, to avoid the curdling of milk in the stomach. Milk should always be peptonized before being introduced into an enema."

(From "Materia Medica Pharmacy, Pharmacology And Therapeutics", by W. Hale White, 1911)