TOFU FOR YOU?

Hello everyone! This month's article is about tofu...whether or not to try the scary looking bean curd. Of course, I finally faced my fear and found out I actually like it.
AND...there's a recipe below for you to try!


I must tell you that I recently volunteered at Peace Camp in Springfield, and the kids there were VERY WELL INFORMED about tofu! In fact, I learned more from them than anything I could offer in my talk! Wow! Parents out there are certainly more hip than I thought! Some kids said they eat tofu with "yeast" (Nutritional yeast or possibly Brewer's yeast...both found at Food Fantasies) and others wrap their tofu with seaweed. These kids really like their tofu, and so do I. So, enjoy this recipe and don't forget to give me feedback on YOUR tofu experience!


All the best to you,

Linda

Easy Teriyaki Tofu Kabobs(serves 4)

Ingredients:
16 ounces extra firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 bell pepper, sliced into ½ inch pieces

½ fresh pineapple, chunked into ½ inch pieces

Brown rice or Jasmine brown rice, cooked


Teriyaki Grilling Sauce:
1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. rice wine, sake, or mirin

2 T. brown sugar

2 t. sesame oil

2 T. rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1-2 t. minced ginger root


NOTES FROM LINDA: If desired, freeze tofu in water and thaw out for a meatier texture. Be sure to squeeze the excess water before marinating. Fresh pineapple is preferred over canned. Also, you may add any other vegetables to the kabob, such as 4 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½ -inch slices.


Mix the sauce ingredients together. Use half to marinate the tofu, and reserve the rest to use during grilling and to add at the table. The best way to marinate the tofu is to put it in a plastic zip-lock bag with the marinade. Turn the bag often so that all parts of the tofu get marinated. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour.


While the tofu is marinating, soak some bamboo skewers (about 12) in water. When the tofu is ready, thread it onto the skewers, alternating with green pepper and pineapple. Place the kabobs in a large baking dish and pour the tofu marinade over them.


When the fire is ready, place the kabobs on the grill and cook, brushing with some of the reserved teriyaki sauce and turning so that each side is lightly browned. Serve with rice and drizzle with extra sauce at the table. ENJOY!