Shall we discuss Bird's nest soup?

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When
it comes to delicacies this rare soup is among the most coveted in
Asia. Its appearance seems quite benign as the gelatinous mixture, a
steamed bird's nest, rests in a light chicken broth but when you
discover the true contents of this unique offering it might change your
mind. The key ingredient is truly a bird's nest but not one made of
twigs and leaves, the sparrow-sized swiftlet's nest is primarily
composed of saliva. The complete structure is built within [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] to accommodate one to two eggs and its shallow cup shape does not exceed the size of a human hand.

The nests are harvested [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and the swiftlets are typically given time to breed and raise their young in the nest before removal.

Gallery: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.][You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Typically
the birds will nest in coastal caves but with a growing demand for the
soup numerous, man-made nesting sites are constructed to encourage more
to nest near suppliers. Collection of the nests in their native caves is
a treacherous process of careful climbing and nimble skill which adds
value to the end-price.

There are a variety of nests available
for purchase: White, Yellow/Red and Black. White is considered the most
pure but the yellow/red and black varities only gain their color from
the different minerals consumed in the bird's diet. The first nest of
the breeding year is typically the most highly prized as it is the
cleanest and requires less attention before it is ready for consumption.
Later nests have raised young and require more cleaning.

The original discovery of this as a culinary treat is unknown but it has been considered [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].
The bird's nest is applauded for its medicinal properties including
improved complexion, raising libido and benefitting the immune system.
Both Hong Kong and the United States are the largest importers of birds'
nests charging between $30 and $100 per bowl of soup while a single
kilogram of nest can cost[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. Called the '[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]' it is easy to see why this one-of-a-kind food is in a class of its own.

If you're looking to try this delicacy in the U.S. I would search for
high-end restaurants in established China Towns such as San Francisco's
but it looks as though one restaurant in Monterey, California called [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]offers Bird's Nest Soup to daring customers and [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] in the Windy City has a sweet version to try. You can also [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

I've heard of it, but it doesn't sound very appealing to me. Neither does bat guano soup, which is apparently exactly what it sounds like!

This morning was the first time I had heard of bird's nest soup. Bat guano.. not sure, but as long as it needs a bat, I don't want it!

Guano is another word for crap...

Why the hell would ANYONE want to eat ANY kind of crap?!

Here is a Bird's nest soup I can deal with....

Bird's Nest
Soup

8 ounces fine or thin egg
noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
6 cups water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sherry
1 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup thinly slivered ham

1. Prepare egg noodles according to package
   directions; drain and set aside.
   
2. In a large heated skillet add oil and
   sauté chicken breast for about 5 minutes. Stir in water,
   cornstarch, sherry and salt; mix well and bring to a simmer for
   30 minutes, then bring to a boil.
   
3. Beat egg whites lightly and add to soup
   mixture. Stir in green onions, ham and cooked noodles. Stir well
   and serve while hot.
   

Makes 6 servings.

that sounds delish !!! will be making this one for sure.
i do believe the traditional version does actually use the nest of a certain bird, or is that a myth ?

The traditional one...... details are above. lol The original is NOT something I will be trying here. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Ewwww! ... I can honestly say, I've never had any desire to discuss bird's nest soup! YUK! No, thanks. But, I guess as long as we're not talking about rabbit stew ... I'm good ... I'll just have a cookie ...
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Jack... aren't you the least bit adventurous? lol
Well, what about the poop soup Tater mentioned? [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]