Jayne’s Peanut Butter Noodles

Jayne likes his noodles easy and fast. This is about as fancy as he gets when making them. Just a bit sweet and spicy… if he’s being uncharacteristically generous and sharing them with someone else, he might leave out the cayenne. (Inspired by Joss Whedon’s television show “Firefly” and movie “Serenity.”)

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 1 Jayne-sized serving

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 lb udon noodles
•  water, for boiling
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth (see note below)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger, to taste (see note below)
• 1  tablespoon soy sauce, to taste
• 2  tablespoons  smooth  low-sugar peanut butter
• 1  teaspoon  minced fresh onion
• 2  teaspoons honey, to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne, to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  granulated garlic, to taste (see note below)
• 2  tablespoons  chopped green onions, for garnish
• 2  tablespoons  chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook noodles according to packages directions.
2. When noodles are almost done cooking, in a saucepan combine the broth, ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, fresh yellow or white onion, honey, cayenne, and garlic, and cook over medium heat until the peanut butter melts, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low.
3. When noodles are done and drained well, add them to the saucepan and toss to coat.
4. Put on plates or in bowls and garnish with green onions and peanuts.
5. Makes 1 Jayne-sized serving, or 2 regular size servings.
6. Note: you can use more broth to get the sauce to the consistency you prefer. You can also use fresh ginger and minced fresh garlic if you have them available. Red pepper flakes are also a good addition!