Spicy Hot Sichuan Tofu

Ingredients:

Sauce Mixture:
• 1 tb Cornstarch
• 2 ts Sugar
• 2 Garlic cloves (or more) minced
• 1 tb Hot Bean Paste
• 1 tb Sherry
• 1/2 ts Sichuan Peppercorn powder (amount may be doubled)
• 1 tb Red hot pepper oil (or more)
• 3 tb Vinegar
• 1 tb Soy sauce
• Salt & pepper; to taste

Other:
• 1 lb Tofu (firm or soft); diced
• 1 tb Soy sauce
• 2 tb Corn or canola oil
• 1 tb Minced ginger root
• 1/4 lb Fresh mushrooms; chopped
• 1/4 c Water chestnuts, chopped
• 3 Green onions (or more) minced

Directions:
Mix sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat oil in a nonstick pan or wok; brown ginger root. Add tofu and 1 tablespoon soy sauce; stir gently and occasionally for 2 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms and water chestnuts; stir gently for 2 minutes. Add minced green onions and sauce mixture and stir for 1 minute. Serve hot.