Oodles of Peanut Noodles

by Susan Gauthier
(Falmouth, Me, USA)

I created this recipe as a cold salad for a family picnic, and later started making it as a hot meal. Sometimes I add sauteed chicken too. The measurements are approximate as I taste it as I go and vary it according to my whims. Our 4 kids love these noodles and love to try to master chopstick while eating them. Now that I've written out the recipe...I just might make these tonight! Yum!

1 pound spaghetti or other favorite noodle
2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 cup snow peas
1/2 cup matchstick carrots (pre-packaged kind is easiest!)
1 cup peanut butter
juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic-chili paste (more or less according to taste)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
+/- 3/4 cup hot water

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse in hot water.

In skillet, heat sesame oil on medium high. Saute snow peas and carrots for about a minute, leaving them hot but still crisp.

In medium bowl, whisk peanut butter through garlic until combined. Slowly add enough hot water to make a nicely textured sauce. Toss veggies and sauce with noodles. Enjoy!