Well that was odd – when I tried posting this recipe yesterday, it over-wrote my previous post about shopping at the Chinese market, so now that’s gone, except for the first paragraph or so :(.   All that remains is this photo of the produce department at Kam Man, and a bit of text saying how lucky we are to have a thriving Asian community in Boston that has expanded southward to nearby Quincy.  I’ll spare my readers the discussion of odd items and aromas, and simply state that if you also have a Chinese market not too far from home, get thee hence and stock up on any fresh produce or packaged goods that are a far better value than what’s available at traditional supermarkets.  You’ll be surprised at the price differential, and you’ll be stunned at the seemingly endless selection of not just Chinese, but also Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Indian staples.

All the ingredients for my Sesame Noodles could also be found at your regular market, but will cost probably twice as much to prepare this economical and versatile side dish.  I created this over 25 years ago and posted it in the member recipe section of Epicurious, who then asked permission to include it in their cookbook which came out about two years ago.  Very flattered to have this appear on Page 367 of the book:

SESAME NOODLES JORDAN

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. fresh Chinese egg noodles cooked and drained (available at Asian markets)

1/4 cup light soy sauce

1/4 cup sesame oil

1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tbsp chili paste with garlic

1/4 cup lightly toasted white sesame seeds, or untoasted black sesame

1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

1 clove garlic minced or crushed

1 tbsp minced ginger

Additions at your discretion: thinly sliced mushrooms (black, Shiitake, Cremini, etc.; blanched and slivered pea pods, thinlysliced red pepper strips, julienned carrots, etc.)

PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients except noodles in large bowl. Top with drained noodles and toss well. Delicious either as a warm,room temperature, or cold dish.  I like to cut the noodles with a pair of kitchen shears to make them more manageable to eat, and while I’ve heard this may bring bad luck, have not knowingly expereince any ill effects from this practice.