aem > wrote:

> Black bean sauce is easy. I buy the fermented/preserved black beans,
> dry in plastic bag in a cardboard cylinder package. When you want
> black bean sauce you (optionally rinse them), chop them up with some
> garlic and put them in your hot wok. Add soy, wine, water to taste.
> Bottled black bean sauce is all "one note", whereas you can vary
> whichever of the ingredients you like to your taste when you make your
> own.

Black bean sauce is one thing I do make at home. Even the best
quality beans are only about $1.20/lb and that will last me 2 years.

-sw