Quick White Fungus Dessert Soup

Place the dried white fungus in a bowl and add enough water to cover it. Let it soak for 30 minutes until it has expanded and softened.

After soaking, rinse the white fungus under running water. Tear the larger pieces into smaller, bite-sized florets and remove any hard yellow bases. Rinse again.

Transfer the cleaned and cut white fungus to a pot. Add 1.25 liters of water (or 5 bowls of water for every 1 bowl of soaked white fungus for a thick consistency).

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, continue to boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the collagen is released.

While the white fungus is boiling, prepare the red dates and goji berries. Place the red dates in a small bowl and pour hot water over them. Place the goji berries in a separate small bowl and pour cold water over them.

After 10 minutes of boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the rock sugar to the pot. Increase the heat to high again until the water boils and the sugar dissolves.

Once the water is boiling again, cover the pot and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

While simmering, cut the red dates in half and remove their seeds.

After the initial simmering, add the deseeded red dates to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Turn off the heat. Add the soaked goji berries to the pot. Stir well and taste, adjusting sweetness if necessary.

Serve the white fungus dessert soup warm, or let it cool and chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold dessert.