Hot and Sour Soup

To rehydrate dried whole mushrooms, place them in a bowl, add boiling water to cover and let soak for 30 minutes, until soft. For dried mushroom slices, reduce the soaking time to 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well. For extra mushroom flavor, reserve the soaking liquid and add it to the dish. Before using, strain the liquid through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any grit. Accompany the soup with a shredded cabbage salad dressed with rice wine vinegar, sugar and a little oil.