Bird's Nest Soup

An Asian soup, which is considered to be a delicacy, that is made with the use of an actual bird's nest. To prepare the soup, the nest is hand cleaned of feathers and foreign debris, soaked in water, washed, and then placed in a hearty stock containing wine. The nests contain a gelatin-like compound from the saliva of the bird. The salvia is placed on the grasses and small twigs as the nest in made in order to secure the collected materials, binding the nest together. Nests from birds such as swallows are commonly sought to make the soup, which is considered to be a nutritious and health inhibiting food for Asians. After the soup stock is created, bits of meat such as poultry or pork are added to enhance the flavor and texture.