How To Dissolve Gelatine

If gelatine is covered with water and placed on the hearth or on the back of the stove, it will melt in fifteen minutes; but it will be strong-flavored and will impart a gluey odor to anything in which it is used. But if it is soaked in cold water for an hour, or even longer, and boiling water or milk is then poured upon it, it will at once dissolve and will rarely have an unpleasant taste or odor. Here is a good rule for dissolving a box of gelatine : Place the gelatine in a bowl, and pour over it half a pint of cold water. Cover the vessel, and let it stand in a cool place for at least an hour - two hours will not be too long. When ready to use the gelatine, add half a pint of boiling water, or the same quantity of boiling milk if the latter is to be used. Stir for one minute, when the gelatine will be wholly dissolved.

How To Prepare Mustard For Table Use

Place the dry mustard in a tea-cup. and gradually add boiling water sufficient to make a thick paste, stirring well until the latter is perfectly smooth. Then put in enough strong vinegar to thin the paste to the desired consistency, and season with salt.

Lime-Water, And Its Uses

Place a piece of unslaked lime in a bottle, and fill with cold water. The quantity of lime used is immaterial, as the water will take up only a certain amount. Cork the bottle tightly, and set it in the cellar or some cool, dry place; it will be ready to use in a few minutes. Use only the clear portion of the liquid.

When this has been poured off, more water may be added to utilize the rest of the lime.

The uses of lime-water are many. A tea-spoonful diluted with milk or water is a reliable remedy for summer troubles in children. Milk that is just turning sour may be restored with lime-water, half a tea-cupful being allowed to a pint of milk. A small quantity of lime-water will prevent the possible souring of cream or milk that may be needed for the next day. It will also sweeten and purify bottles that have contained milk; and it is sometimes used in bread-sponge to prevent the bread becoming sour. Lime-water may be bought very cheaply at the drug stores.

How To Destroy Red Ants

Tie a little sulphur in a silk bag, and lay it in some place which the ants frequent. If a bag is always kept in a closet or chest of drawers these receptacles will be free from the little pests. A bag of sulphur suspended in a bird-cage will keep ants and other insects from the bird.