Instructions: 1. Soak the mushrooms in very hot water for 30 minutes. Drain.

2. Combine the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and soy sauce in a saucepan and place over moderate heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Heat the peanut or vegetable oil in a skillet and add the mushrooms, all the other vegetables and the garlic. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.

4. Add the vegetables to the vinegar sauce, along with the dissolved cornstarch. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and serve with fried wonton.

Notes and Variations

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1. The tree ear mushrooms, which are found in Oriental food stores, expand considerably when soaked, so make sure you use a large enough bowl.

2. The sauce can be made far ahead of time and reheated.

3. A few drops of red food coloring will turn the sauce the same color as that sauce served in Chinese restaurants.

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