*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                            BIRD'S NEST SOUP

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Chinese                          Soups/stews

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  3 1/2   oz           (approx) dried bird's nest
  6       c            Rich chicken stock for soup
  1       lg           Chicken breast
  2       tb           Cornstarch
  2       tb           Rich chicken stock for paste
  1       tb           Dry sherry
    1/4   c            Rich chicken stock
  2                    Egg whites
  1       t            Salt
  2                    Green onions, minced
  1       tb           Minced Smithfield ham

 Preparation:  Soak bird's nest in cold water
 overnight. Drain and rinse. Spread softened nest
 pieces on plate; pick out prominent pieces of
 "foreign" matter (e.g. feathers, twigs) with tweezers.
 Debone chicken breast, remove membrane and muscle
 fiber, pound meat with cleaver handle to break down
 tissue, mince chicken until it is pulp. Make medium
 thick paste with cornstarch and chicken stock.

 Cooking:  Bring rich chicken stock for soup to boil.
 Immediately add bird's nest; simmer 30 minutes. Mix
 dry sherry and remaining stock; dribble slowly into
 minced chicken. Lightly beat egg whites with a fork;
 fold gently into chicken so they are not completely
 blended. Add salt to soup. Bring soup back to boil and
 add chicken mixture slowly so soup does not cool. When
 soup returns to boil, it is ready to serve. You can
 hold it at this point on low heat. Pour into serving
 bowl, garnish with green onions and ham.



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