Moosewood Tofu Vegetable Dumplings

1 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrate by pouring boiling water over them and let sit for 20-30 minutes)
2 cups boiling water
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbspn grated fresh ginger root
1 tspn ground anise
1 cup peeled and grated carrots
2 cups minced fresh mushrooms (about 6 oz)
1 cup minced Chinese cabbage
1 tspn canola or vegetable oil
4 oz. pressed tofu, crumbled
3 tbspn soy sauce
2 scallions, minced
1 tbspn hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tspn chili paste (optional)

1 package of wonton/dumpling wrappers

-Reconstitute shitake mushrooms, cut off and throw away tough stems
-saucepan on medium-low heat, combine shitake, garlic, ginger, anise, carrots, fresh mushrooms, cabbage and oil.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stir frequently.  Add the tofu, soy sauce, scallions, and optional hoisin sauce and chili paste, cook for 3 minutes, mix well.
-Place a rounded teaspoon of tofu vegetable mixtre on the center of the wrapper.  Moisten the outer edges of the wrapper, fold one corder over to the diagonally opposite corner to form a triangle, press edges together to seal the dumpling.  Use a little more water if the wrapper opens at the joint.  Place the filled dumplings on a large platter or several plates, cover with clear plastic wrap, refrigerate them until use.
-Cook one of three ways 1.) gentle simmer in water or broth for 5 minutes 2.) saute them in a skillet with a bit of oil for 2 minutes on each site.  Pour 1/4 cup of water, cover and steam for 4 minutes.  3.) Steam in a steamer basket or sieve over boiling water for 7-10 minutes.
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Japanese Style Dipping Sauce:
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar, and 1 minced scallion.