Thai Hot and Sour Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ounces mushrooms, sliced (wood ear mushrooms are very nice, if you can find them)
• 7 ounces soft tofu, sliced in thin, long strips
• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
• 5 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bamboo shoot
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• red bell pepper, cut in thin strips
• fresh cilantro leaves, chopped