Monday, August 4, 2008

TOFU IDEAS AND RECIPES

TOFU IDEAS AND RECIPES.

Tofu is a staple food and has been eaten in China and Japan for years. It is a good source of protein, easy to digest and simple to prepare. Tofu is a substitute for eggs, cheeses, cottage cheese and creamy dips. If you are allergic to LACTOSE in milk, try Tofu.
Tofu needs a little preparation. Rinse, dry and cut into squares. Place the squares in a glass dish for baking in the oven.

Marinades. These are a few I use.
1. Equal amounts of soya sauce and olive oil, 1crushed clove of garlic. And one teaspoon of fresh ginger. Let the tofu marinade in this for an hour. You can then bake it in an oiled dish in the oven for thirty minutes.

2. Two tablespoons tomato paste, one teaspoon dry mustard, half a teaspoon cayenne pepper, crushed garlic, one cut up onion and two tablespoons of olive oil. Let this stand for one to two hours and add herbs, salt and pepper. If you are in a hurry, fry in a pan. If you have time, bake in a covered dish for twenty minutes in a medium oven. Uncover for last five minutes.

3. Zatar spice, one Tablespoon, three crushed garlic cloves, two tablespoons olive oil, two teaspoons pine kernels and some dried parsley and oregano. This is great when baked and served over a baked potato

TOFUNAISE. I am not a lover of uncooked eggs and create mayonnaise with alternative ways. Use a quarter kilo of tofu and half glass of olive oil. Add half a teaspoon sea salt and two tablespoons of lemon juice. I add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a prepared one you like. Blend the lemon, spices and then the tofu. Shake well before using. Ideal on salads, cabbage salad, with some pumpkin seeds on it

SPINACH SOUFFLE. This is fun for the main course and can be served with steamed carrots, yams and on a bed of rice or quinoa.
I cup Tofu. 2 eggs, separated. Half a cup of yogurt, quarter teaspoon nutmeg, sea salt and some pepper, half a cup grated mozzarella cheese, and two cups of chopped fresh spinach.
Combine tofu and egg yolks in a bowl. Beat well. Add yogurt and seasoning, spinach and half of the cheese Mix all. Beat egg whites stiff and fold them into the tofu mixture. Pour into an oiled dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for an hour in a medium oven until brown. Serve with mashed potatoes that were baked and spiced.

I find that people who discover tofu start eating it every day. Eating tofu a few times a week is enough. We need a variety of foods, vegetables in season, wholesome breads, grains, beans, lentils and barley, wheat kernels and rice.

The Olympic Games start on Friday and you can expect a lot of TV viewing. Prepare some easy meals, quiches, pastas, soups and salads. You can sit down and enjoy the global experience with the family. Shop for great snacks, dried fruit and nuts, lots of salad vegetables, soya ice creams, rice milk for milk shakes, carrots and celery sticks to munch with dips, and plenty to drink. Have fun as East meets West in this global event.
Love and light Rona

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