Charlie's Peanut Pasta (aka Cold Sesame Chicken/Tofu with Pasta)

A little friend of ours just LOVES peanut pasta, so I make it for Charlie whenever he's here (and it doesnt seem to matter if it's lunch, dinner, or snack).  He's a pretty awesome kid and I love kids that eat what I like to cook.

The kids like it best with chunked up cukes and chicken plus a ton of sesame seeds.  I love it with tofu.  It works fine without anything for a quick and easy side dish.  It's great for a picnic too, since it can be served room temp and it wont spoil like many mayo based pasta salads.

Charlie's Peanut Pasta (aka Cold Sesame Chicken/Tofu with Pasta)

(serves 6-8, great for leftovers)

source unknown

1 lb spaghetti, cooked (whole wheat works great here)

In food processor, mix together:

6 cloves of garlic (or less if you're serving picky little guys)

2T red wine vinegar (cider vinegar works here too)

2T brown sugar (or a splash of maple syrup)

3/4 cup peanut butter (I use natural, unsweetened)

1/2 cup soy sauce

3/4 cup sesame oil

5-6T hot chili oil (I skip this most times)

Mix sauce with pasta.  Serve room temp or cold with options below.

Add in any optional ingredients, JUST before serving:

4 chicken  breasts, cooked, shredded/diced

1 package tofu, fried/baked

Broccoli, diced and cooked

Cucumber, diced

Scallions

Sesame seeds