Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce

Put it on spring rolls, salads, or use as a topping for chicken, shrimp, etc.  It will make about 3/4 cup and it is tasty!

Ingredients

• 1/4 Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less, however spicy you like your sauces)

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the hoisin, peanut butter, tomato paste, sugar and water.  Mix until smooth.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the oil over high heat and add the garlic and red pepper - ***IMPORTANT:  Once the oil is hot, only cook the garlic and pepper for about 5 seconds.  You don't want to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the peanut mixture and cook for just 3-4 minutes more.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce get to room temperature before serving.