Kitchen Efficiency Versus Kitchen Slavery by Mrs. Inez Holland Stevens

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 5, 1916

Kitchen Efficiency Versus Kitchen Slavery

By Mrs. Inez Holland Stevens

MRS. INEZ HOLLAND STEVENS

Recently, while talking with one of our workers about the many demands upon our time as missionaries, I remarked that I had put much thought upon the arrangement of my kitchen, and methods of work in it, so as to economize time needed for other things. She replied, “Well, I guess that is what I need to do, too. It seems to me I spend most of my time in the kitchen.” Having only her husband and one child to cook for, it seemed to me like a fairly clear case of kitchen slavery. Whether we realize it or not, most of us are or have been in similar bondage to a greater or less degree. We have spent so much time being cook that there was little time left to be an inspiration to our households.

OUR HEADQUARTERS IN FLORIDA, BUENOS AIRES

It seems, however, that the first notes of the emancipation proclamation are being struck in these days, when so much is being said and written about “efficiency” and the “new housekeeping,” together with the numerous time-and-strength-saving machines and devices which have recently come to the housekeeper’s rescue. And we need all such assistance we can get, if we ever succeed in doing all that is expected of us as home makers and as missionaries.

In my effort to “use my head to save my heels,” especially in the kitchen, I have worked out by experience the following suggestions, which may also prove to be time-and-strength savers to others, so I pass them on:—

Have your stove, table or cabinet, and sink as near together as possible. See to it that they are also the right height for you to work by without stooping.

Kitchen utensils (I like to call them “tools”) should be as near as possible to where they are most often used. I have tried many plans, but like my present arrangement best. Against the wall, back of the worktable, are nailed two horizontal strips of wood, into which were driven nails. Here hang egg beaters, large spoons of various kinds, can opener, grater, chopper, etc. My stove being next to the table, I had the strips extended back of the stove far enough so as to hang there the articles most used while cooking, such as covers, skimmer, long-handled testing fork, potato masher,

and ricer. Here hangs also the salt box with a teaspoon in it. Utensils not so commonly used are in the table drawer.

Paring knives (and one really needs two or three, always kept sharp) I keep in a small case made of denim, and having four pockets, one being used for the putty knife, of which I shall speak later. This little case is tacked on to the lower strip of board above the worktable.

The butcher knives (I have three,—a French knife, a serrated bread knife, and an ordinary one) are hung in a similar but larger case, tacked to the side of the kitchen cabinet, the bread being kept in the drawer below. Those who have tried it will agree with me that this pocket method is far superior to having all the knives together in a drawer, where they dull quickly, and are not so convenient to get at.

If you still dry your dishes with towels (scalding them is a shorter, better method), have the towels as near as possible to where the dishes are wiped.

Above the sink should hang the wire soap dish, soap shaker, dish mop, and kettle scraper. Cleanser, scouring powder, and vegetable scrubbing brush should also be within easy reach. Try using a cork for scouring; instead of a cloth. It makes a soft but firm surface, and there is no washing necessary afterward.

By all means buy a putty knife. I know of no utensil which has a greater variety of uses in the kitchen. The broad blade is splendid for turning any fried food, and is especially good for lifting out pieces of pie or cake from the tin. I often use mine to scrape the bottoms of kettles, or other flat surfaces. Get one with as long a blade as possible.

And if you really wish to convert kitchen drudgery into a song, get a high stool. Do not mind if some one thinks you lazy because you sit on it while ironing or washing dishes. Just smile your broadest smile, and tell her to go and do likewise.

Diamante, Entre Rios, Argentina.