Chinese Beef Noodle Soup

7 cups water

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup Scotch or medium-dry Sherry

1 tablespoon sugar

six 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices fresh ginger root

8 scallion s, trimmed

3 large garlic cloves, chopped

a 3-inch cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon aniseed

1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes

1/2 pound turnip s, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

6 ounces egg noodles

1 teaspoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil if desired