Counsels for the Church

The Science of Cooking

Cooking is no mean science, and it is one of the most essential in practical life. It is a science that all women should learn, and it should be taught in a way to benefit the poorer classes. To make food appetizing and at the same time simple and nourishing, requires skill; but it can be done. Cooks should know how to prepare simple food in a simple and healthful manner, and so that it will be found more palatable, as well as more wholesome, because of its simplicity.³⁷⁸ CCh 222.5

Let us make intelligent advancement in simplifying our diet. In the providence of God, every country produces articles of food containing the nourishment necessary for the upbuilding of the system. These may be made into healthful, appetizing dishes.³⁷⁹ CCh 222.6

Many do not feel that this is a matter of duty, hence they do not try to prepare food properly. This can be done in a simple, healthful, and easy manner, without the use of lard, butter, or flesh meats. Skill must be united with simplicity. To do this, women must read, and then patiently reduce what they read to practice.³⁸⁰ CCh 222.7

Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease³⁸¹ of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet.³⁸² CCh 222.8

Grains and fruits prepared free from grease, and in as natural a condition as possible, should be the food for the tables of all who claim to be preparing for translation to heaven.³⁸³ CCh 223.1

Far too much sugar is ordinarily used in food. Cakes, sweet puddings, pastries, jellies, jams, are active causes of indigestion. Especially harmful are the custards and puddings in which milk, eggs, and sugar are the chief ingredients. The free use of milk and sugar taken together should be avoided.³⁸⁴ CCh 223.2

The less sugar introduced into the food in its preparation, the less difficulty will be experienced because of the heat of the climate.³⁸⁵ CCh 223.3

If milk is used, it should be thoroughly sterilized; with this precaution, there is less danger of contracting disease from its use.³⁸⁶ CCh 223.4

The time may come when it will not be safe to use milk. But if the cows are healthy and the milk thoroughly cooked, there is no necessity of creating a time of trouble beforehand.³⁸⁷ CCh 223.5