Red-Cooked Chinese Black Mushrooms

Each mushroom is plump and juicy, full of its own natural good flavor, fortified by simmering in its own soaking water. The flavor is subtly sweet from the rock sugar. Like most mushrooms, these require a substantial amount of oil to bring out their full flavor. Serves 4 as a single appetizer, but better as part of an assortment. Combine these glistening black mushrooms with the pale-yellow Stir-fried Celery, side by side on a large platter for a lovely dish, either appetizer or vege