Soak the Chinese mushrooms in 1 1/4 cups of hot water for 30 minutes. While they are soaking, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and cook teh noodles for 3 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil; set aside.

Remove the mushrooms; strain and reserve 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid for the sauce. Trin and discard the mushroom stems; coarsely chop the caps and set aside. Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl and stir well to dissolve the sugar; set aside. Dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water; set aside.

Place the wok over medium-high heat. When it begins to smoke, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of peanut oil, then the mushrooms, red pepper, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry 2 minutes. Stir the sauce and add it to the wok, and continue to stir-fry until the mixture begins to boil, about 30 seconds. Mix the dissolved cornstarch and add it to the wok. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Add the noodles and toss until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with the sliced scallion. Serve immediately.

If you prefer less spicy food, cut down on the chili paste or leave it out entirely...the noodles are still delicious without it.

MC_Busted by Badams; found at <http://members. Aol. Com/meadowscd/recipes/>; Posted Lu 3/6/98.