FIERY HUNAN BEEF

1 lb lean beef, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sherry
1 clove garlic chopped
3 tbsp oil
1 cup water
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
2 bunches scallions or green onion tops, in 1-inch lengths
2 cans (6oz each) whole button mushrooms
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup blanched almonds
1/2 to 1 tsp hot pepper flakes

Mix beef, soy sauce, sherry and garlic together in a small dish; let stand for one hour at room temperature.

In a large skillet, heat oil until it sizzles. Add the beef slices and marinade mixture, and stir fry until brown.

Add 1 cup water; simmer with lid on for 10-15 minutes, or until meat is tender.

Add remaining ingredients, except pepper flakes. Cook until vegetables are tender, but crisp.

Add pepper flakes to taste. They're very hot, so add only a few at a time.

Serve over hot cooked rice.