Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

This is a recipe that looks daunting at first glance, but is actually quite easy and straightforward. It might require some shopping if you don't have the basics of a Chinese pantry, but most of those "unusual" ingredients get used quite a bit in other Chinese dishes. (When my husband and I got into cooking more of his food after we left China we used to joke that everything used the same four or five ingredients, just in differing amounts - it's funny 'cause it's kinda true!) I've used the wonderful recipe at the Woks of Life as a base, but adapted it somewhat to my family's tastes. Definitely go to the source if you're wanting to work with a more authentic recipe!

Cold Sesame Noodles

I don't remember having cold sesame noodles till I moved to Manchuria - it was when I was living there that they became a summertime favorite. The winters are cold in northeastern China, but the summers are sweltering and these noodles were a gift on hot, sweaty days at work. (Air conditioning was not much of a thing where I lived.) My favorite wonton restaurant had a delightful version of this dish with chilled wontons - if you have a brand you like, try adding a couple to each serving. Even without wontons this dish is gorgeous, however!