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Go to work - on an ostrich egg!

Ideas and Articles by David Robinson

7th May 2008

Category: Lifestyle / Food / Eggs

Level: Intermediate / Upper intermediate

This lesson is the copyright of www.newsflashenglish.com

Go to work - on an ostrich egg!

News from the UK this week advises that Waitrose the supermarket chain has just started selling ostrich eggs. The eggs that can be 24 times bigger than a hen's can weigh in at almost 2kg (4.4lb). For those hoping to "go to work on an ostrich egg" might think twice and save that particular treat for the weekend, as they can take an hour or two to boil. You'll also need a huge appetite to eat a whole one. Described as having a distinctive, light flavour and texture the ostrich eggs are ideal for cooking. They can be fried; hard-boiled or scrambled. They also make very good omelettes - using a very large frying pan - just like chicken or duck eggs. A spokesperson said: "They are very good for meringues because the white is much lighter than chickens' eggs." In fact one egg makes 100 meringues or 32 soufflés. Diners are advised that a simple tap of a spoon is unlikely to break the shell. A roasting spike or a domestic drill is more suitable! The reason is that the egg must withstand a 300lb bird sitting on it.

You will need to shell out £15.99 for the ostrich eggs. Diners will be scrambling to buy the eggs from Waitrose who also sell goose and pheasant eggs. The supermarket has introduced them at 19 stores during the laying season of mid April to August. It hopes to attract cooks looking to experiment. The eggs, from specialist supplier Clarence Court come from free-range birds on a Lincolnshire farm, which only lay once every three days or so. Lisa Rowe, director of Clarence Court said: "The largest egg of any bird species, this product promises to be the talking point at very large breakfast tables across the country." Recipe suggestions include sliced ostrich egg with a sauce of pine and tarragon. For the brave there's Ostrich Scotch Egg. The eggs also go nicely with caviar. Waitrose describe them as a real showstopper, in terms of look and taste. Supplies are being restricted to London simply because of the small numbers involved. However if there is sufficient demand from customers nationwide the supermarket will consider finding more suppliers.

START

1. BREAKFAST: What did you have for breakfast this morning? What do you normally have for breakfast? Have you ever thought of eating an ostrich egg for breakfast? Go round the room swapping stories. Change partners often.

2. DICTATION: The teacher will read some of the article slowly and clearly. Students will write down what they hear. The teacher will repeat the passage slowly again. Self correct your work from page 2 - filling in spaces and correcting mistakes. Be honest with yourself on the number of errors. Advise the teacher of your total number of errors. Less than 5 is very good. 10 are acceptable. Any more is room for improvement! More than 20 - we need to do some work!

3. READING: Get students to read the passage aloud. Swap readers every paragraph.

4. VOCABULARY: Students look through the article. Underline/highlight any vocabulary you do not know. Look in dictionaries. Discuss and help each other out. The teacher will go through & explain any words or phrases you do not understand.

5. HOW TO COOK/PREPARE AN EGG: Think of 6 different ways to cook/prepare an egg. List them below. Compare and discuss with your partner.

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The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

6. I ATE AN EGG...: Think of 6 different eggs you can eat. Write them below. Compare and discuss with your partner. How many of these do you eat? Which is your favourite?

1 4
2 5
3 6

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

7. EGGS: Prepare to give the class a one minute discussion on 'Eggs'.Look on the internet to help you find out more.

8. WHY EGGS ARE GOOD FOR YOU? Think of 4 reasons why eggs are good for you? Discuss and compare your list below with your partners. (You might need to use the internet)

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2 4

9. ARTICLE QUIZ: With your partner or in small groups: (1 point for each correct answer. Lose ½ point if you look at the article for help! )
Student A
1) Name the UK supermarket
2) Name 3 types of eggs mentioned in the article
3) What is 'more suitable' to open an ostrich egg?
4) How much are the eggs?
5) What is the name of the specialist supplier?
6) Where are supplies restricted to?
7) Name the county in the article where the birds are reared
8) What promises to be the talking point at breakfast tables?
9) Who is the director of Clarence Court?
Student B
1) How many stores have the eggs been introduced at?
2) What will the supermarket consider?
3) Describe an ostrich egg
4) How many meringues can be made with one ostrich egg
5) What must an ostrich egg withstand?
6) Name 2 recipe suggestions using ostrich egg
7) How does the supermarket describe the eggs?
8) When is the laying season?
9) What is a Scotch egg?

10. QUICK DISCUSSION: With your partner discuss what is a healthy diet? The teacher may ask you for your findings to discuss in front of the class.

11. EGG RECIPES: Think of 6 different fun egg dishes you can eat/prepare. List them below. Which do you eat? Try to be egg-venturous with your suggestions. Compare and discuss with your partner.

1 4
2 5
3 6

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

12. QUICK DISCUSSION: With your partner discuss the following...
Student A
1) How do I know if an egg is fresh?
2) What is the best way of storing eggs?
3) What do the egg grades mean?
4) What is salmonella?
5) Am I at risk of catching salmonella if eating eggs?

Student B
1) How many stores have the eggs been introduced at?
2) Are eggs high in cholesterol?
3) Can I be allergic to eggs?
4) Are eggs high in calories?
5) Why do I need to keep the kitchen clean?

13. HOW DO YOU COOK AN EGG? Change partners! Describe to your new partner how you would cook the following...

1 fried egg 3 scrambled egg
2 boiled egg 4 poached egg

Try to describe the kitchen utensils you might use, the preparation needed, ingredients, how would you serve it, what would go with it, etc... Then swap roles with your partner describing another choice from above of cooking an egg.

14. HOW SHOULD I COOK SAFELY? Describe to your partner 4 ways of 'how you should cook safely?' I.e. always wash your hands before you start to cook.

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15. MAZE:
Try to find 14 words and phrases hidden in the maze. (Answers are on page 13)

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