Cooks should be cautioned against the use of charcoal in any quantity,
except whore there is a free _current of air;_ for charcoal is highly
prejudicial in a state of ignition, although it may be rendered even
actively beneficial when boiled, as a small quantity of it, if boiled
with _meat on the turn,_ will effectually cure the unpleasant taint.
[AN ILL-FIXED BLIND NO ONE CAN WIND.]
1O88. Preparation of Vegetables.
There is nothing in which the difference between an elegant and an
ordinary table is more seen, than in the dressing of vegetables, more
especially of greens; they may be equally as fine at first, at one
place as at another, but their look and taste are afterwards very
different, entirely from the careless way in which they have been
cooked. They are in greatest perfection when in greatest plenty, i.e.,
when in full season. By season, we do not mean those early days, when
luxury in the buyers, and avarice in the sellers about London, force
the various vegetables, but the time of the year in which, by nature
and common culture, and the mere operation of the sun and climate,
they are most plenteous and in perfection.