Happy Valentine’s Day

Peanut butter noodles, anyone?

We’ve made it to mid-February, and here in the Northeast, spring is only a few weeks away, even though as I write this, some snow is coming. But it is Valentine’s Day, and you know spring can’t be far behind. Another harbinger is Chinese (Lunar) New Year, and although it was early this year, it seems fitting that I share a recipe for peanut butter noodles. 

During the recent snowstorm, I was hunting around the kitchen for something to eat, and a PB&J sandwich was not going to cut it (although there are times when it really hits the spot). I checked to see if I had some linguine, which I did, and with that decided to make what is now a family favorite ­– peanut butter noodles. This recipe I credit completely to Arthur Schwartz, food editor, writer and author, as well as radio and now podcast host. Way back when I was on the features copy desk at the Daily News, I had the pleasure of working with Arthur. He was a real pro who knew just about anything I could ask about food. Earlier today, I was talking to a friend who gave this blog a look, and she said she used to love listening to him on radio. “Some may not know him, but he’s really worth getting to know.” I agree. He was always ready to listen and quick with a laugh, and you’ll soon feel as though you’ve known him for years. Listen to his podcast, Arthur Schwartz, The Food Maven. 

You need just a few ingredients and can serve this warm or room temperature. The sauce is better if it has a few hours to marinate, if you have the time, but not essential.

I made some small ratio changes to the recipe that you will find in Arthur’s book, “What to Cook When You Think There’s Nothing in the House to Eat.” Published in 1992, it is the most-used cookbook in my kitchen, and I have at least a hundred books, if that tells you anything. The book just falls open to this page, although there are a few other recipes that are close seconds. New England Clam Chowder is one; it calls for a mere six ingredients and is worth a trip to the store to get them. Lentils and Rice is another. You can see how diverse his recipes are from this small sampling. 

You can probably find a used copy of his book online, and I don’t think you would be disappointed. I honestly wish he would re-release the book since it is so practical and would make a great gift to a young couple. 

Here's my version, and this is what you will need: smooth peanut butter, vegetable or olive oil, soy sauce, sugar, white wine vinegar, garlic, linguine (or other spaghetti type you prefer; for me, it’s linguine or nothing), and some hot pepper sauce or flakes or powder.

In the bowl you plan on serving in, mix about ½ cup peanut butter with 2 tablespoons soy sauce (one of the packets from take-out, if you save them, seems to measure about one tablespoon), 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, and a dash of something spicy (use whatever you like to taste; sometimes I use a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, other times a dash or two of Tabasco sauce, this is your call; Arthur uses cayenne). I add some garlic powder, although if you really like garlic, use fresh or jarred, minced or chopped to taste. I go light on garlic, but it does need some, even if just a little. Mix this until it becomes a creamy paste, and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Taste and adjust to your liking. When you’re ready, boil 12 ounces pasta, drain, and add to the peanut butter mixture. It will be sort of dry, which is as it should be. You don’t want the pasta swimming in the sauce. Finish with some chopped parsley, cilantro or scallions if you have. Enjoy!

P.S. I was just in Macy’s shopping for a little Valentine’s something for my daughter and saw that it’s Lancome free gift time with a $40 purchase. Lancome mascara is probably my only consistent makeup splurge because it actually lengthens and looks natural (no clumps). So I got some: the 2-pack Lash Idole and the Cils Booster XL (primer) is $35. Adding an $8 sharpener puts you over $40. The gift has a pretty eye shadow palette (neutrals), another (different) mascara, eye makeup remover and a couple of skin care products. Happy Valentine’s Day!