Clear Soup

Ingredients

• 1 quart chicken
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 2 egg whites
• ⅓ cup madeira

Steps

1. Having degreased the stock thoroughly, taste it for seasoning and add salt if necessary.
2. If the consommé is to be served cold, over-salt it slightly, as more salt is needed for a cold dish.
3. Beat 1 cup of stock with the egg whites in a large bowl.
4. Bring the rest of the stock to a simmer in the saucepan.
5. While beating the egg white mixture, gradually pour the hot stock into the egg white mixture in a thin stream.
6. Pour the stock back into the saucepan and bring back to a simmer over medium heat.
7. While it is heating, stir it with a wire whisk.
8. As soon as the stock reaches a simmer, stop stirring.
9. Move the pot to the edge of the flame, and continue heating over a low flame for 5 minutes.
10. Turn the pot a quarter turn and heat for 5 minutes.
11. Then turn again after 5 minutes.
12. Turn once again for a final 5 minutes.
13. Line a colander with the dampened cheesecloth and place it over the bowl.
14. Carefully ladle the stock and egg whites into the colander, agitating the egg whites as little as possible.
15. When finished, allow it to drain for 5 or 6 minutes.
16. Remove the colander.
17. Stir the wine or cognac into the consommé.