Cookery for every household

With the more up-to-date machines the freezing is all done by the simple turning of a handle, and the process is a very simple one. There are quite a number of inexpensive machines now on the market, and a very good practical one for family use (2 quarts) can be bought for 8s. or 10s. The working of the different machines varies somewhat ; with some a freezing mixture is used, and with others a mixture of ice and coarse salt, but full directions for use are issued with each special make of freezer. The ordinary modern form of freezing machine consists of a wooden pail into which a freezingpot is fixed and packed round with crushed ice and salt. The inside of the pot is provided with a dash-wheel or paddle, and both this and the pot itself are moved round and round by means of a handle on the side of the pail. In this way the contents of the pot are kept in motion, and uniform freezing is the result. The pail is also provided with a small hole a little way below the top of the can, which allows waste water above that height to run off. Care of the Freezing Machine. — It is most important that a freezing machine should be kept very fresh and clean, unless attention is paid to this point the ice-making will not be a success. The can and dash-wheel should be thoroughly scalded and then well rinsed in very cold water before use. Then, when the machine has been used, every part must be well washed and dried, so as to leave them sweet and clean, and the machine must be stored in a dry and airy place. From time to time a little oil should be put on the working parts of the machine. An Ice Cave This is by no means the expensive article it used to be, when £3 and upwards had to be given for an ice cave of a very small size — from 25s. to 30s. will now buy one that is quite sufficient for all ordinary purposes. The accompanying illustration shows a simple japanned ice cave, which is one of the cheapest kinds on the market. Japanned Ice Cave An ice cave is by no means a necessity for making ices, but if iced puddings and other moulded ices are frequently required, it will be found a great boon and will simplify their manufacture to a great extent. By this means, too, one freezing machine will serve for making two or three different kinds of ices, as, when one mixture is sufficiently frozen, it can be put into a mould or can and kept frozen in the ice cave, while the same freezing pot is used again for another mixture. Apart from ice making, an ice cave is most useful in hot weather for keeping milk, butter, cream, and indeed all viands, cool and fresh, and in this way it is very often a means of saving. An ice cave is packed or “ charged " with a mixture of crushed ice and freezing salt, full directions for doing this being generally given with each Special make. A primitive kind of ice cave can be made out of an ordinary tin biscuit box which is perfectly watertight. Place the mould or moulds to be frozen into this box, put on the lid, and seal round the joins with a good coating of lard. Then bury the box in a mixture of ice and salt for the required time. Notes on Freezing