CHAPTER XIV
VEAL
Veal is the meat obtained from a young calf killed
when six to eight weeks old. Veal from a younger
animal is very unwholesome, and is liable to provoke serious
gastric disturbances. Veal contains a much smaller percentage
of fat than beef or mutton, is less nutritious, and
(though from a young creature) more difficult of digestion.
Like lamb, it is not improved by long hanging, but should
be eaten soon after killing and dressing. It should always
be remembered that the flesh of young animals does not keep
fresh as long as that of older ones. Veal is divided in same
manner as lamb, into fore and hind quarters. The fore-quarter
is subdivided into breast, shoulder, and neck; the
hind-quarter into loin, leg, and knuckle. Cutlets, fillets
(cushion), and fricandeau are cut from the thick part of
leg.
Good veal may be known by its pinkish-colored flesh and white fat; when the flesh lacks color, it has been taken from a creature which was too young to kill for food, or, if of the right age, was bled before killing. Veal may be obtained throughout the year, but is in season during the spring. Veal should be thoroughly cooked; being deficient in fat and having but little flavor, pork or butter should be added while cooking, and more seasoning is required than for other meats.
Veal Cutlets
Use slices of veal from leg cut one-half inch thick. Wipe, remove bone and skin, then cut in pieces for serving. The long, irregular-shaped pieces may be rolled, and fastened with small wooden skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper;
