MARE TRANQUILLITATIS PEOPLE'S CIRCUMLUNAR POTLUCK Soba Noodles in Toasted Sesame Dressing Boil two packages of soba noodles until soft, drain and put in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the dressing. Toast a handful of white sesame seeds and grind in a spice grinder. Puree two cloves of garlic, the ground sesame seeds, a good plop of red miso paste, two splashes of soy sauce, three good drizzles of rice vinegar, and a heaping pinch of sugar. Drain the noodles and toss with enough olive oil to coat (just a couple of drizzles will suffice), then drizzle with a good amount of sesame oil and toss again. Put in a serving bowl and pour the dressing over the noodles. Top with sliced scallions, bean sprouts, and julienned red bell pepper. Smoked tofu or grilled mushrooms are also good toppings.