Spicy Hot and Sour Soup

1 ounce dried mushrooms
2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, chopped
8 dried tiger lily buds
4 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup shredded bamboo shoots
1/3 cup shredded lean pork meat
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1/2 pound bean curd, diced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion

Soak the dried and fresh mushrooms and tiger lily buds in warm water for 20 minutes. After trimming off any tough stems, slice the mushrooms. With the fingers, shred the tiger lily stems.

Place the mushrooms, tiger lily buds, stock, bamboo shoots and shredded pork into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in soy sauce, sugar, salt, white pepper and vinegar.

Combine cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water. Add a little of the hot soup to the cornstarch and then return all to the pan. Heat to boiling, stirring. Add the bean curd and cook 1 to 2 minutes.

Just before serving, turn off the heat. Stir the egg in gradually.

Mix in sesame oil. Sprinkle each serving with green onion.

Makes 6 servings