OATMEAL GRUEL

One large cup fine oatmeal, 1 1/2 cups cold water poured on the oatmeal; wash until the water becomes thick. Strain this into a basin, season with salt, add very little butter and boil until thick as cream, stirring constantly. Add a dessert-spoonful of brandy just before it is done. This is very nourishing, and suits a dyspeptic when nothing else will.