Do you know for sure that he makes his own noodles? The only noodle I know that becomes gelatinous when cooked is cellophane noodles. They become translucent and rather springy when cooked. You can find cellophane noodles in the oriental section of the grocery store. They look like a bundle of rough looking white threads. When they're uncooked, they're very tough and you need to cut them with scissors. I take it your relative is not giving up his recipe, I hate that, such a power play. I hope this helps. cmoc/VA