Beef and bean curd clay pot

1. This dish is almost a meal in itself.
2. It is easy to prepare and a dramatic addition at the table.
3. Preparation: mix beef, rice & five-spice powder; form into firm 1" balls.
4. peel yam; cut into chunks.
5. Cut bean curd into 1" cubes.
6. Wash mushrooms; remove dried part of stem.
7. Cooking: heat wok until smoking; add peanut oil. When oil is hot, braise meatballs.
8. Add warm water, soy sauce, sherry & ginger.
9. Bring to boil, transfer to clay pot, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
10. Add yam chunks, bean curd & mushrooms.
11. Cook uncovered another 20 minutes until yams are done but still firm.
12. Thicken sauce with cornstarch paste; boil briefly.
13. Turn off heat, cover to keep hot until ready to serve.