Olives & Shiitake Mushroom Dressing

Makes about 1 cup. Delicious dressing for salads, greens, steamed vegetables or added to noodles.

• Dried shiitake mushroom caps      3 medium
• Water – boiling                               1/2 cup
• apple cider vinegar                        1/4 cup
• Kalamata olives, pitted                  6
• toasted sesame oil                         2 teaspoons
• Extra Virgin olive oil                        1/3 cup
• Seasalt                                             pinch
• Toasted sesame seeds                 2 teaspoons

1. Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with ½ cup boiling water. Let soak for about 30 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft.
2. In a small, dry, saucepan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds. Stir the seeds often to prevent over roasting, until they are a light golden colour. Set aside.
3. Place softened mushrooms in blender with all the soaking water. Add cider vinegar and pitted Kalamata olives. Blend until solids are well chopped and a consistent mixture is formed.
4. Add the toasted sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Blend until just combined.
5. Stir the toasted sesame seeds in by hand.

this image is Spiral Foods/Muso Company of growing  Shiitake Mushrooms in Japan