of the chafing-dish as an exponent of
scientific cookery entirely depends. She who well understands the
principles upon which the use of this rests has gained no small insight
into the secret of all cookery, be it scientific, economic or hygienic;
for a knowledge of the effect of heat at different temperatures, applied
to food, is the very foundation-stone upon which all cookery rests.

Although the chafing-dish is especially adapted to the needs of the
bachelor, man or maid, its use should not be relegated entirely to the
homeless or the Bohemian. In the sick-room, at the luncheon-table, on
Sunday night, it is most serviceable and wellnigh indispensable; it
always suggests hearty welcome and good cheer.

While it is out of place, at any ceremonial meal, as a means of cooking,
even on such occasions a lobster Newburgh or other dish that needs be
served piping hot to be eaten at its best may be brought on in
individual chafing-dishes. These are supplied with hot-water pans and
lamps. At a chafing-dish supper each guest can prepare his own rarebit.

Any operation in cooking that can be performed on the kitchen range may
be successfully carried out on the chafing-dish, provided one be skilled
in its use. But as the dining-room is usually chosen as the site in
which to test its possibilities, here it were well to confine one's
efforts to such dishes as will not give rise to too much disorder.
Sauteing and frying it were better to reserve for the range and a
well-ventilated kitchen.

[Illustration: Course at Formal Dinner served in Individual
Chafing-Dishes.

(See page 157)]

Alcohol is most commonly used in the lamp of the chafing-dish; and, on
account of its cheapness, one is often advised to buy _wood_ alcohol.
But in large markets, where many fowl are singed daily over an alcohol
flame, the marketmen will tell you that the very best article is none
too good for their purpose. It does not smoke, wastes less rapidly, and
in the end will prove quite as economical.

=Are Midnight Suppers Hygienic?=

"Being no further enemy to you
Than the constraint of hospitable zeal."

In regard to the chafing-dish and its most prominent use, some one may
fittingly ask: Is it hygienic to eat at midnight? Can one keep one's
health and eat late suppers? As in all things pertaining to food, no set
rules can be given to meet every case; much depends upon constitutional
traits, individual habits and idiosyncras