Sometimes I suprise even myself.  I have a tendency to “experiment” in the kitchen.  I like to try new recipes, and I like to make substitutions to make it as tasteless low-fat as possible.  So whenever my husband finds out I am making something new, he secretly cringes and makes a mental note to pick up a hamburger later.  He would deny this of course.  But every once in a while, I’ll make something that is delicious. and we’re usually both pretty surprised.  This was one of those evenings… homemade egg rolls and asian noodle salad.  I’ve watched the egg rolls being made once before and I’ve made similar things to the asian salad, so I wasn’t totally in the dark.  But still, when left to my own devices in the kitchen, you just never know what ‘cha gonna get.  but sometimes i get lucky.  take that as you will.

Anyway, back to dinner….

Sesame Noodles

Honey Soy dressing:

1/4 cup corn oil  I didn’t have corn oil, so used canola. not sure if this was a good idea, it was a little greasy
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes I used chilli powder per another recipe
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Salad:

8 ounces vermicelli or thin spaghetti  I accidently bought regular spaghetti
salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro  I used fresh basil – to taste, instead
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts   omitted b/c my son and I are allergic
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup sliced and chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
leftover chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces  did not use chicken since I had chicken in the egg rolls

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a microwave-safe dish, heat the vegetable oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, in the microwave on high heat for 2 minutes. Add the honey and soy sauce and mix well.

Combine the drained pasta with the dressing in a large bowl until the pasta is well coated. Cover and chill for several hours.

When ready to serve, mix in the cilantro or basil, peanuts, green onions, bell pepper (and chicken, if desired). Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Makes 4-8 servings.