Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce

Description
Serves 4

Ingredients

 * 1 lb or 500 grams Hakka (flat) noodles
 * 2 tbsp dark sesame oil

Dressing

 * 6 tbsp peanut butter
 * ¼ cup water
 * 3 tbsp light soy sauce
 * 6 tbsp dark soy sauce
 * 6 tbsp sesame paste (ground sesame seeds)
 * ½ cup dark sesame oil
 * 2 tbsp sherry or any wine of your choice
 * 4 tsp white vinegar
 * ¼ cup honey or sugar syrup
 * 4 medium cloves garlic, chopped fine
 * 2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
 * ½ cup hot water

Garnish (all are optional, depending on your taste)

 * 1 carrot, peeled, julienned
 * ½ firm medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and julienned
 * ½ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
 * 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

 * 1) Boil noodles in large pot of unsalted water over medium heat until barely tender and still firm.
 * 2) Drain immediately and rinse with cold water until cold.
 * 3) Drain well and toss noodles with (2 tbsp) dark sesame oil so they don't stick together.
 * 4) For dressing, combine all ingredients except hot water in a blender or food processor fitted with steel blade and blend until smooth.
 * 5) Thin with hot water to consistency of whipping cream.
 * 6) For garnish, put carrot julienne in ice water for 30 minutes.
 * 7) Just before serving, toss noodles with sauce.
 * 8) Garnish with cucumber, peanuts, green onion, and carrot.
 * 9) Serve at room temperature.