THE KEY TO THE KITCHEN

by John Stewart ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 26, 1970

Purportedly such a contest as this to select a new cook for the San Gabriel Mission occurred ""a great many years before California became a state (when) Spanish priests built missions there for the Indians"": if the history doesn't deter a child, or what it couceals (of the nature of missions) deter you, this has its amusing moments though you'd never say tire three contestants were fairly matched. Consequently the outcome in never in doubt: the modest and lovely young Eulalia has to prevail against overweening Margarita--whose rich foods overwhelm the taste--testers and coquettish Carmen--who dances while the Toast burns. Eulalia's simple, delectable meal reflect? her answer to Spanish nobleman Don Pedro's riddle of the key to the kitchen: ""The key is the cook who gives care to tire thought/ That keys are cast iron but that stomachs are not."" Which is just what was wanted, though the link between riddle and repast is Forced, tile riddle (with a separate price) being initially a device to calm the excitable women before they cook. On balance (and taking into account the pictures), a lot to swallow without much to show for it.

Pub Date: Aug. 26, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1970

Categories: CHILDREN'S