Ingredient: Mushroom Powder

A tablespoon or two of mushroom powder, added to hot liquid (soup, sauce, stew, stir fry) adds a complex, meaty flavor to a variety of savory foods.

1/2 c dried shiitake, broken into pieces

Dried shiitake mushrooms (black or forest mushrooms) are available in any Asian grocery and many occidental groceries. Break them into pieces and process into a fine powder in a clean coffee grinder. [Hint: Clean your grinder by processing a batch of unpopped corn.] Store tightly sealed in a dark place. Alternatively, mushroom powders can be purchased online.