Hot and Sour Soup

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4 dried Chinese black mushrooms

4 dried shiitake mushrooms

1/4 cup dried Chinese lily buds (flowers optional)

5 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon salt

8 ounces fresh firm tofu, cut into thin strips or small cubes

2 baby bok choy thinly sliced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 pound lean pork, cut into thin strips or 1 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup stock to form paste

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon chili paste or cracked black pepper

2 thinly slivered scallions (green and white parts)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped