This chicken soup has a special texture and taste.
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup cooked, finely chopped white chicken meat
2 whole cloves
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 leaves fresh basil
1 cup blanched almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
Toasted almonds, grated lemon peel, or watercress
Combine stock, chicken, cloves, celery, carrot, bay leaf, and basil in soup kettle. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf and cloves. Press mixture through food mill. Return to soup kettle. Grind almonds in blender and add to kettle. Stir well and simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with toasted, sliced almonds; or serve cold, with grated lemon peel or watercress.