Duck Eggs

So we found out a few months ago that Sigourney is allergic to eggs and gluten intolerant.

Initially, I figured we'd just make the changes in her diet, but have since concluded that it's easier and healthier when we're all eating the same thing. The gluten-free part has been relatively simple, albeit a bit expensive. There are lots of decent substitutes for flour, pastas, breads, crackers, cereals, etc. But what to do about eggs?

A friend suggested duck eggs. At first, I shuddered at the thought and decided we'd just do without. However, I quickly realized that I was making life very difficult for myself.

And wouldn't you know, a friend of a friend's here on the Island has ducks. And they lay eggs. Even in the winter. And she sells them. In fact, she has a hard time getting rid of them (can't imagine why!). So they're only $3 a dozen. Manna from heaven!

We got our first dozen yesterday. They're about 50% larger than chicken eggs. The shell is white, but more transparent. They're hard to break! I've heard they're fluffier and better for baking, but the texture is more rubbery when eaten plain.

So I took the plunge. This morning, we had our first scrambled duck eggs. I wasn't going to tell the kids. And I just used a couple, so I didn't have to throw them all in the trash if they were a reject. But AJ doesn't miss a thing: "Mom, are those the duck eggs Isaac dropped off yesterday?" Busted. Now they all know they're eating duck eggs! I smiled and proceeded to tell them that God made all eggs and really, how different could these be than chicken eggs? I held my breath as they took their first bites.

Nervously, I posed the dreaded question: "So what do you think?"

"They don't taste any different," "They're yummy," "Mo,"(That's Sig speak for 'more'). Aahhhhh...relief. In fact, they even asked for seconds and I had to scramble up another few eggs!