Sichuan Pork and Sausage

Directions

1. For Pepper-Salt, toast the 1/4 cup salt and the peppercorns in a skillet over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, until slightly darkened. Transfer to a spice or coffee grinder and process until fine. (Makes 1/4 cup). Set aside.

2. For sauce, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, cream sherry, sugar, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; whisk in cornstarch.

3. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus and sesame; stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes, just until tender. Transfer to a bowl.

4. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons of the oil in same skillet. Add half the pork, 1 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of the Pepper-Salt; stir-fry 2 minutes. Transfer to another bowl. Repeat process.

5. Heat remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in skillet. Add mushrooms and broth and stir-fry 2 minutes until mushrooms are tender. Whisk sauce again and pour into skillet; bring to a boil. Boil 30 seconds; stir in pork and heat 20 seconds more (no longer, pork will overcook). Transfer to a platter; top with asparagus, green onion and 1/2 teaspoon more of the Pepper-Salt (reserve remaining Pepper-Salt for another use). Makes 4 servings.