Book Review: Heloise's Kitchen Hints

I'm starting a new feature here at All Things Domestic - Book Reviews! It seems only fitting, since I have plenty of time for reading these days. I can't guarantee that all the books I read are of a domestic nature, and as you'll really see for this first book, I can't guarantee that the books will even be current (!), but I do hope that you will enjoy this feature.

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Heloise's Kitchen Hints by Heloise
(first published in 1963; my copy appears to be the 1965 edition)

This particular book was one that I found here in the old homestead, presumably a book my mother had kept on hand. The book had been thrown into the yard sale boxes, but I rescued it from the yard sale tables this past weekend. It looked too interesting to sell! Well, I read the entire book in about a day. It's written in short easy blurbs and is a compilation of Heloise's own tips, as well as those she had received from other housewives around the country. Some of the tips I already use, some I would never dare to use, and some have simply become outdated thanks to modern advances, either in technology or in cleaning products. On the whole, it was really interesting to read this little snippet about what my life might have been like 45 years ago. I have looked at older cook books before - they are full of ways to stretch a meal, how to tenderize the cheaper cuts of meat and they usually make mention of LARD. Lots of lard. I was pleasantly surprised to see not a single mention of lard anywhere in this book. I wonder if had become outdated or out of vogue by the mid '60s? In any event, it was a handy and interesting little read. What drew me in though, and actually inspired me to read the ENTIRE book, was the introduction. It summarized many of my feelings and thoughts on what exactly a housewife is. Below is an excerpt of that introduction. I hope you enjoy it!

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"Dear Fellow Housewives,

... Thinking of and doing for others should be foremost in our daily lives. In everything we do, whether it be making beds, doing dishes or cooking, we should do it with love.

The heart of a good household - the most sweetly rewarding part of woman's domain and family responsibility - is the kitchen.

If your kitchen isn't an enjoyable place for you, it should and can be! The secret is in learning to do things the easier ways. There is an easier way, a short cut, that can make most tasks more pleasant.

... The pressure or thought of all these hundreds of things we have to do each day is what causes "nerves." Nerves call for tranquilizers. Tranquilizers call for doctors! Save your money! Calm your nerves, and you can get things done an easier way.

You can save, too. Ignore what any neighbor may think of your cutting corners economically. She doesn't pay your bills or balance your budget!

You, the homemaker, are the backbone of the world. If it weren't for you there would be no home, family, or world fit to live in. You are a homemaker: chef ... nurse ... court of appeals, peacemaker, home economist, purchasing agent, budget and record keeper, decorator, hostess.

How else would we have such wonderful experiences and outlets? The mistress of a home is lucky. Bless you!

... Don't try to keep up with any relatives, in-laws, the boss or your neighbors. Just be yourself and do the best you can. And have yourself some relaxation and comforts! You deserve 'em.

... I feel a closeness to all mothers and homemakers - to you!

I share that com up tea or coffee with you every day. I only wish I were in your home, sitting at your table sharing it this day."

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By no means am I saying that women MUST be homemakers!! I am not at all a follower of the "barefoot and pregnant" mentality, and I am NO Michelle Duggar. All I'm saying is that I *enjoy* being a homemaker. I love being at home each day, making our house a HOME and tending our land. The introduction of this book was such an affirmation to me, that there is a place for homemakers in our world, even as most wives work outside of the home. I hope if you're feeling discouraged by the mounds of laundry and the stack of dirty dishes that you, too, can find some reassurance in Heloise's words. Just be yourself and do the best you can - after all, it's YOUR home, not Mary's, or Jane's, or Sue's, or ....... you get the point :)