Chinese Noodle Pancakes with Asparagus

These noodle cakes have a yummy, crispy outside and a soft inside. Mmmmm. If you'd like to spice things up, replace the dark sesame oil with hot chile sesame oil." Original recipe yield: 4 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 pound fresh Chinese wheat noodles
 * ½ pound fresh asparagus
 * 2 tablespoons canola oil
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
 * 1 cup water
 * 1 tablespoon cornstarch
 * 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
 * 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon fermented black beans
 * 8 ounces spinach with stems, rinsed
 * 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
 * salt and pepper to taste

Directions

 * 1) Boil noodles for approx 6 – 7 minutes 2 - cut asparagus into 2 inch lengths.
 * 2) Add ginger and garlic and cook in wok for approx 2 minutes
 * 3) Add cornstarch, water, rice wine, soy sauce, and black beans, bring sauce to a boil and add spinach.
 * 4) Flatten noodles until browned
 * 5) Add sesame oil, salt and pepper and serve.