Chicken Consomme: Basic Clarification

Ingredients

• 4 ounces lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup finely sliced leek
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup peeled, finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme (stems and leaves)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon (stems and leaves)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (stems and leaves)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 8 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 8 cups chicken stock, defatted
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Chopped chives, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Toast points, for garnish
• Diced seeded tomato and finely shredded basil leaves
• Thinly sliced mushrooms and minced fresh parsley or chervil
• Small, thin bread rounds topped with finely shredded Parmesan and toasted
• Diced carrots and fresh peas
• Finely shredded savory crepes
• Lettuce/chervil chiffonade
• Shredded leeks lightly Sauteed in butter