Clams In Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce, dark
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 pinch white pepper
• 8 cups water
• 30 small clams, scrubbed well
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & shredded
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons black beans, fermented, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced