SPICY VEGETABLE LO MEIN

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 ounces soba noodles (or other flat Asian noodle)
2 teaspoons hot chili oil
2 teaspoons ginger root -- grated
2 cloves garlic -- minced
3 1/2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, pkg -- caps thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper -- in short thin strips
2 cups bok choy -- chopped
1/2 cup canned vegetable broth
6 ounces sugar snap peas or snow pea pods
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned or regular rice vinegar
1 tablespoon dark-roasted sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews -- optional

Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile,
heat oil in large deep skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add ginger and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add mushrooms,
bell pepper and bok choy; cook 3 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Add broth and sugar snap peas; simmer until
vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5
minutes. Add tamari or soy sauce, and vinegar.

Drain noodles; add to skillet with vegetables. Add sesame
oil; cook 1 minute, tossing well. Sprinkle with peanutes
or cashews, if desired.