This rich, delicious recipe for maitake mushroom soup is layered with complex flavors. An optional splash of cognac gives a wonderfully flavorful nod to french cooking. Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are known for their medicinal value. It is believed that they strengthen the heart, improve immunity, and assist the bodys detoxification process. They are also purported to possess anti-cancer properties. One thing i can promise you: regardless of its medicinal value, this soup is superb.