peanut sauce & variation

The Moosewood Cookbook recipe (by Mollie Katzen) is really good.
http://recipes.redding.com/recipe.cfm?recordID=349

1/2 cup good peanut butter
1/2 cup water
2 Tbs. soy sauce
2 Tbs. sugar
3 medium cloves garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. cider vinegar (I use balsamic vinegar)
1 to 2 Tbs. minced fresh cilantro
cayenne, to taste
salt, to taste (if peanut butter is unsalted)

Instructions:
1) Place peanut butter in a small bowl. Add the hot water and stir patiently with a spoon or a small whisk until uniformly mixed.
2) Sir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before serving.


I sometimes like my dipping sauce a bit more salty and use this peanut-miso sauce.


Peanut-Miso Dipping Sauce

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet white miso
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Combine ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.