4 to 6 c. parboiled noodles
1 tsp. peanut oil
4 tbsp. vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Parboil noodles, drain, mix in peanut oil. Refrigerate 2 hours or more. Heat vegetable oil very hot. Add noodles, separating the strands with a chopstick or wooden fork, so that the noodles heat through evenly. Reduce heat and stir gently. After a minute or 2, turn noodles over to repeat the process. Noodles are done when they are lightly browned, crisp on the outside but soft inside. Sprinkle salt to taste. Add any stir-fried mixture, then top with any garnish.

COMMENTARY: If you add the toppings to the soft-fried noodles without mixing, you have created chow mein. If you mix the toppings thoroughly with the soft-fried noodles, you have lo mein.