Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms

This is (a day late - sorry, I got caught up in all the Superbowl hoopla) a holiday tradition of the Lunar New Year, and it is triple lucky: The noodles represent longevity, scallions = intelligence, and the mushrooms = prosperity. Kinda like eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day. Bon Chance to us all!!
(serves 3-4)

12 fresh Chinese round egg noodles
2 t. sesame oil
12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken thighs, sliced 1/4" thick
1 T. freshly* grated ginger
1 t. plus 1 T. rice wine or dry sherry
1 t. cornstarch
1 t. plus 1 T. Ponzu Citrus Sauce* or soy sauce
1 t. Kosher salt, divided
1/4 t. white pepper
2 T. peanut or veg. oil, divided
1/8*-1/4 t. red pepper flakes
3 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage
4 oz. shitake or button mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup finely shredded scallions

In a 3 qt. saucepan, bring 2 quarts water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add noodles. Return to a rolling boil and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse several times with cold water., shaking well to remove excess water. Return noodles to unwashed pan, add sesame oil, and toss until well combined. Combine chicken, ginger, 1 t. rice wine, cornstarch, 1 t. soy sauce, 1/4 t. salt and white pepper in a shallow bowl. Combine remaining 1 T. rice wine and 1 T. soy sauce in a small bowl. Heat wok (or 12"  skillet) over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1-2 seconds of contact. Swirl in 1 T. oil; add red pepper flakes. Using a metal spatula, stir-fry 10 seconds or until pepper flakes are fragrant. Push flakes to side of wok, add chicken mixture and spread evenly. Cook undisturbed 1 min., letting chicken sear. Stir-fry 30 seconds or more until chicken browns. Add cabbage and mushrooms and stir-fry 1 more min. or cabbage is just wilted. Transfer chicken and veggies to a plate, and keep warm. Swirl remaining 1 T. oil into wok. Add noodles and stir-fry 15 seconds. Swirl soy sauce-rice wine mixture into wok and add scallions and chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 t. salt. Stir-fry 1-2 more mins. or until chicken is cooked through. Note: you can also used dried spaghetti if you can't find fresh Chinese round egg noodles, or Ramen noodles*.

Today, "May I be content with my own assignment: to do what leads to peace and edification."

Have FUN!!

Love,

MM