Instructions: To make the garlic toast, cut a loaf of French bread into 1-inch-thick slices. Toast the slices until golden brown, then rub them with cloves of peeled garlic.

Soak the dried shiitakes in about 1 1/4 cups of very hot water. Set aside.

Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook, stirring until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fresh shiitakes, the brown mushrooms and the sausage; raise the heat to high and cook, stirring frequently, until the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the Port, vinegar and Worcestershire and cook until that liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Reserving the soaking liquid, drain the dried shiitakes gently, squeezing out any excess water. Chop them and add them to the skillet. Add enough beef broth to the reserved liquid to make 2 cups. Stir in the cornstarch then add the mixture to the skillet. Bring to a boil and cook about 1 minute until thickened. Stir in the thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Serve over the garlic toast.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

NOTES :

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