Chapter 14—Healthful Cookery
Poor Cooking a Sin
368. It is a sin to place poorly prepared food on the table, because
the matter of eating concerns the well-being of the entire system. The
Lord desires His people to appreciate the necessity of having food
prepared in such a way that it will not make sour stomachs, and in
consequence, sour tempers. Let us remember that there is practical
religion in a loaf of good bread.—
Manuscript 95, 1901
A Knowledge of Cookery Worth Ten Talents
Let not the work of cooking be looked upon as a sort of slavery.
What would become of those in our world if all who are engaged in
cooking should give up their work with the flimsy excuse that it is
not sufficiently dignified? Cooking may be regarded as less desirable
than some other lines of work, but in reality it is a science in value
above all other sciences. Thus God regards the preparation of healthful
food. He places a high estimate on those who do faithful service in
preparing wholesome, palatable food. The one who understands the
art of properly preparing food, and who uses this knowledge, is worthy
of higher commendation than those engaged in any other line of work.
This talent should be regarded as equal in value to ten talents; for its
right use has much to do with keeping the human organism in health.
Because so inseparably connected with life and health, it is the most
valuable of all gifts.
Respect Due the Cook
369. I prize my seamstress, I value my copyist; but my cook, who
knows well how to prepare the food to sustain life and nourish brain,
bone, and muscle, fills the most important place among the helpers in
my family.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:370, 1870
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370. Some who learn to be seamstresses, typesetters, proofreaders,
bookkeepers, or school teachers, consider themselves too aristocratic
to associate with the cook.
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