STIR-FRIED CHINESE BROCCOLI AND BACON

Steps:

• Wash the Chinese broccoli in several changes of cold water and drain thoroughly in a colander until dry to the touch. Trim 1/4-inch from the bottom of each stalk. Stalks that are more than 1/2-inch in diameter should be peeled with a paring knife, then halved lengthwise. Cut the broccoli stalks and leaves into 2 1/2-inch long pieces, keeping the stalk ends separate from the leaves and buds. Remove and discard the hard rind and thick layer of fat attached to the rind from the Chinese bacon. Cut into very thin slices crosswise. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar; set aside. Heat a 14-inch flat bottomed wok or skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the vegetable oil and garlic, and stir-fry 15 seconds. Add the Chinese bacon and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add only the broccoli stalks and stir-fry 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until stalks are bright green. Add the leaves and continue stir-frying 1 minute, or until the leaves are just limp. Swirl in the soy sauce mixture and continue stir-frying 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still bright green. Serve immediately.