Mix two tablespoonfuls of oatmeal to a paste by adding three tablespoonfuls of water; stir in three breakfast cupfuls of milk or water, pour it into a saucepan over a slow fire, and cook for half an hour. When it is done turn it into a basin, and serve. It may be strained if thought necessary.

Wheat Flour Gruel

Mix one tablespoonful of salt in two tablespoonfuls of flour, and stir it into a smooth, thin paste with cold water; then mix in by degrees one breakfast cupful of boiling water, turn the mixture into a saucepan and stir it over the fire until well cooked, which will take about five minutes. Strain the gruel, sweeten it to taste, and if too thick, thin it with a little milk. The gruel may either be flavored with lemon juice or grated nutmeg, or a small piece of stick cinnamon may be boiled with it.