Mao Gua Tang (Hairy Gourd Soup)

Ingredients
1 fuzzy melon (mao gua) - peeled and cut into chunks
few pieces of pork ribs - blanched in boiling water
4 shitake mushrooms - soaked, drained and cut into quarters
12 red dates
2 dried scallops
5 dried mussels
2 slices of ginger
8 white peppercorns - pounded
2 cloves garlic - lightly smashed
1 tbsp rice wine
salt to taste
5 - 6 bowls of water

Method

1. Bring the pot of water to boil.  Add all ingredients except mao gua, rice wine and salt and bring to a boil again.
2. Once it starts boiling, simmer under medium low heat for 45 minutes.
3. Add mao gua and boil for another 10 minutes under medium heat or until mao gua is tender but not mushy.
4. Add rice wine and salt to taste.  Ladle into a serving bowl and serve hot.