Chicken and Noodle Stir-Fry

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."

This stir-fry takes a little while to make but the results are definitely worth it.  Pork or beef can be used instead of chicken, and the vegetables can be substituted for anything that makes you happy.

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 garlic cloves
3/4 inch ginger
4 tablespoons Chinese rice cooking wine
2 red bell peppers, medium diced
3 bunches scallions, whites and light greens thinly sliced and dark greens sliced 1 inch wide
1/2 head Chinese cabbage, cored and sliced into 1/2 inch wide strips (about 5 cups)
14 ounces fresh Chinese egg noodles
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

Hot and Sour Soup

"To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup."

I looove hot and sour soup and was thrilled with this recipe.  Every memory I have of going to Chinese restaurants as a kid involves a huge family-style bowl of this soup.  I was thrilled to find this easy recipe which makes the best hot and sour soup I've ever had.  You have to go a little out of your way to buy the right ingredients, but it's completely worth it.  Feel free to add pork if desired, but I didn't feel that it was necessary.

15 ounces extra firm tofu (1 package)
1 extra large egg
3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
6 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 cup slivered bamboo shoots
1 can peeled straw mushrooms (or a comparable amount of shiitake mushrooms)
5 tablespoons black Chinese vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons chili oil
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
4 tablespoons soy sauce
scallions, for garnish

Restaurant Review: Jacob Wirth

I've been to Jacob Wirth twice (due to overzealous purchase of Groupons) and wasn't thrilled either time.  The ambiance is quite nice with a cozy feel and tables spaced close together.  On Friday nights, a pianist is brought in to play songs from the 60s-80s and the whole restaurant sings along, which is pretty cool if you plan on singing, but pretty terrible if you plan on conversing.  The restaurant is booked months ahead for Friday nights, so be prepared to wait at least half an hour.