I unexpectedly learned many ways to prepare wood ears (also called black fungus and cloud fungus) when my husband decided to rehydrate a whole package of them, not realizing it would turn into about half a gallon of shiny ear-shaped fungus! My affection for wood ears began one day in the office breakroom, when my colleague, “Sunshine,” was eating one of her many delicious smelling homemade lunches. I asked her about it and she told me the ingredients in her stir fry. She offered a wood ear for me to try. It tasted of the soy sauce and vegetables in her dish and had the texture of thin rubber, but in a really fun way!

You guys, this is so easy and so good. It’s just grated sweet potatoes, eggs, and spices. It comes together very quickly. I even left the clock on my stove in the photos as evidence. I started at 6:10 and we were eating by 6:30. This is my go-to meal for when I need something fast without having to think too much—i.e., after zumba! It uses one pan. We always have the ingredients on hand. Most importantly, it is delicious and filling.