Seasoned Vegetarian Broth

Ingredients:

5 Dried Chinese blk. mushrooms
4 1/2 c Cold water
1/2 c Szechwan preserved veg. *
3 Green onion; quartered
2 lg Carrots; coarsely chopped
1/4 ts Oriental sesame oil
1/4 ts Light soy sauce
1/4 ts Black soy sauce
1/8 ts Ground white pepper

Method:

*Note: canned Szechwan preserved vegetable should be rinsed and thinly sliced.
Cover mushrooms with hot water and let stand 30 minutes.
Drain; cut off stems; reserve.
Rinse stems and caps.
Bring mushroom stems and caps, 4 1/4 cups cold water and all remaining ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer 2 hours.
Cool completely.
Refrigerate overnight.
Strain before using.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.