My sister Maralee came to visit the other day. She brought me some new earrings from Israel, a bag of chocolate bars and a full container of Cold Sesame Noodles. I’ve been eating the noodles for lunch all week. That’s what I call a nice sister.

Here is Maralee’s recipe, a new idea for a cold, summer pasta dish:

Sesame Noodles

Cook and let cool 1 to 1-1/2 pounds rotini or other pasta.

Mix together the following, and let sit for a few hours (if you have time):

• 1/4 c. grated ginger root
• 1 Tbs. sugar
• 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

Mix together the following until smooth:

• 5 Tbs. toasted sesame oil
• 5 rounded Tbs. smooth, unsalted peanut butter (if you use salted peanut butter then reduce amount of soy sauce, below)

Add the following to the first two mixtures:

• 1/4 c. soy sauce
• 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbs. suagr
• 1 large clove garlic, pressed
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped

Add a little water to thin, if needed. Toss the sauce with the cooled noodles.