In China and other Asian countries, it's a custom to eat noodles on your birthday because long noodles are believed to mean you'll live a long life. On your birthday, serve yourself a bowl of noodles. You can find Chinese-style noodles in the refrigerator section of your grocery store. Top your noodles with this tasty peanut sauce.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 tablespoons (25 ml) smooth peanut butter or sesame paste
• 1/4 cup (50 ml) hot water
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
• 4 cups (1 l) cooked Chinese-style noodles or spaghetti
• 2 scallions, cut in 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces (if you want)
• Bean sprouts (if you want)
• Chopped peanuts (if you want)

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

In a large bowl, use a fork to stir the peanut butter or sesame paste with the water until it is creamy. Stir in the soy sauce and honey and set aside.
Drain the cooked noodles and add to the bowl with the peanut butter mixture. Toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve the noodles cold, topped with scallions, sprouts, or chopped peanuts, if you want. Eat with chopsticks.

Serves 4 noodle fans.