Duck eggs

Duck eggs have become popular in the past few years and are now readily available to consumers. And while duck eggs are a natural, nutritious food, they do need to be handled and cooked with greater care than quality assured hens’ eggs.

Duck eggs available today are 'free range' or organic and are produced by both small holdings and large producers. However, as a current outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning is associated with eating duck eggs, some sensible precautions are needed in their handling and preparation. Salmonella causes food poisoning with diarrhoea and vomiting. However, more severe cases can go on to develop blood poisoning or meningitis. Whether you buy duck eggs in a supermarket or get them from someone you know, it’s important to remember the following advice on handling, storing and preparing duck eggs safely.

Handling and storing duck eggs

When handling duck eggs, always make sure that hands, surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw duck eggs or shells are washed thoroughly in warm, soapy water, to prevent any Salmonella present from spreading to other foods. Duck eggs should also be stored in a container or box in the fridge away from ready-to-eat foods.

Cooking with duck eggs

A duck egg is heavier and larger than a hen’s egg and therefore needs more cooking time. Duck eggs are also more suitable for certain recipes than other egg types because they have a richer taste and a higher fat content in the yolk. And while duck eggs can work well in baked products where they are thoroughly cooked, they may have a 'rubbery' texture when hard boiled, scrambled or thoroughly fried. But because duck eggs must be fully cooked so that both the yolk and white are solid (to avoid possible Salmonella infection), it is essential only to use them in dishes that can be thoroughly cooked. And while the temptation is great, don’t taste (or let your children taste) raw baking mixes or lick spoons!

You should not assume that lightly poached or lightly cooked duck eggs are safe to eat. Duck eggs are also not suitable as ingredients for lightly cooked recipes like tiramisu, icing, homemade mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce. What also sets duck eggs apart is that their shells are harder than those of hen’s eggs. Any dirt, 'tint' or staining on the shell could well get into the cooking with the egg, so it’s essential that the finished dish is fully cooked through. And it's just as important to remember that your hands should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and dried completely before you touch any other food or utensils.

HOW TO SING...

    FIVE TIPS FOR SINGING

Singing is the one talent virtually everybody possesses. Of course, some are more naturally skilled than others, but that can be overcome by dedication, practice, and more practice. Even if you're content to sing in the shower, there are some things you can do to improve your voice. Your golden voice will be ringing out in no time!

1 Choosing your singing style. The style you want to sing in can vastly change how you sing. understand the demands of your particular style, but realize that learning the techniques of multiple styles can only make you a better singer. This article mainly covers overall technique, but you can get specifics on particular styles like:

• Beatboxing or
• Rap  

2 Find Your Vocal Range. This is essential, as singing pieces written for the wrong range may strain your voice until you sound like a bear with a cold.

• Your range is largely determined by the size and shape of your instrument: your voice. The size and shape of your larynx is the primary factor in your vocal range. You may be able to push the boundaries, but your range is largely fixed. Here is a general guideline to help you find your range:
  • Sopraninos: Reaching the highest of the ranges, a Sopranino can sing to D6 and beyond.
  • Sopranos: Sopranos sing from C4 to A5, or even higher.
  • Mezzo-soprano: The mezzo-soprano range extends from about A3 to F5.
  • Alto: The standard range for altos is approximately E3 to E5.
  • Contralto: The lowest female voices are called "contralto," and extend below E3.
  • Countertenors: Males with very high vocal ranges, into the alto and soprano ranges of female vocals, or have a strong, clear falsetto, are called "countertenors."
  • Tenor: This is near the upper end of the male's vocal range. A tenor can comfortably sing between C3 and A4
  • Baritone: A baritone singer ranges between F2 and E4.
  • Bass: The range for a bass singer is around F2 to E4, with a comfort range normally between G2 and A3.
  • Contrabass: If you can sing G1 or lower, you are what's known as a sub-bass, contrabass, or a basso profundo.
• People will love or hate your voice based on its sound character, not just how many notes you can hit or runs/trills you can do. Your range can be developed with the right training but be sure to use proven techniques that do not strain or wear out your voice.

 3

Get started for free. There are hundreds of vocal training videos on YouTube, filled with everything from amateur tipsters to educated, professional singers. It can be a bit tricky finding a good vocal trainer on the Internet, but think of it this way: It's a great way to find out if you like being taught how to sing, whether you're ready to practice, and most of all, if you're ready to start taking lessons.

4

Take lessons. Find a vocal coach or qualified voice teacher who can help you become a good singer. Check with your local music store or your school music teacher.

• If you're serious about becoming a singer, taking lessons sooner rather than later is the way to go: Poor performance techniques can ruin your singing voice for good!
• If you cannot afford a teacher, or do not want the dedication that comes with hiring a professional voice coach, consider joining a local choir.
• There are also a few learn-at-home vocal training courses out there such asSinging Success, Sing and See, Singorama, Singing for the Stars and Vocal Release, but be sure to do your research to see which ones have really worked for other singers.

5

Get to know your singing tools. The more familiar you are with how everything is supposed to move and feel, the more attuned to your voice you will be.

• Touch the top of your collar bone. About a half of an inch below your finger is the top of your lungs.
• Examine your ribs. They move like bucket handles attached to your spine and your sternum. When you breathe in, they move upward as your chest expands. When you breathe out, they move downward as the air in your lungs is exhaled.
• Find your chest line. This is the place where your lungs expand the largest. Place your hands about halfway down your torso, towards the bottom of your sternum. Take a deep breath, and move your hand till you find the point of maximum extension of the ribs.
• The bottom of your lungs is right below your sternum, where your rib cages meet. This is the bottom of your lungs and the housing of your diaphragm. The reason your stomach may pooch out when you breathe deeply is because your diaphragm is pushing down on everything below your rib cage, not because your lungs are in your stomach.