Longevity noodle w/ black sesame and crispy shallots

[ezcol_1fifth]. [/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_3fifth] It is the first day of the Chinese New Year holiday, and I'm quickly leaving you with my version of a festive and symbolic dish that are served in many Chinese holidays or events.   Taiwanese call it "noodle threads (面线)", or as it is called "wire noodles (索面)" in southern China.  It's extremely long and elastic which makes them resistant to breaking and thus symbolizes longevity and eternity.  And in a deeply superstitious Taiwanese culture, this purpose alone is sufficient to get it invited to every events where they'd like to see good omen literally printed on the menus. But I don't eat it like any of that non-sense.  I love this noodle simply because it's freaking good. It has a super fine, silky and soft but slightly chewy texture with a subtle saltiness.  And it is just the ultimate February-comfort food, especially soaked in dense chicken stock infused with a deeply nutty, gingery and garlicky black sesame paste, and the pungent aroma from crispy fried shallots.  Its smooth and yarn-like body slides effortlessly into the tummy, with a sip of darkened and aromatic broth that lingers in the mouth.  Every time I make this, I wonder why I