I LOVE TOFU part 1

Many people tell me that they could never be vegetarian and especially not vegan because they can't stand tofu. That's because they haven't had GOOD tofu. I do have to be honest though and admit that I love tofu so much that I eat it raw while I am preparing it for other dishes.

I am going to offer you a variety of ways to prepare tofu so that hopefully you will enjoy this great source of protein. And no, it does not cause breast cancer or man breasts or any other hormonal problems. Look at the Chinese - they are not a culture of breasted men and they eat a lot of tofu. Worried that your tofu might be made with GMO soy beans? Then eat organic tofu. Either way, man breasts aren't going to bud overnight (or ever) if you add tofu to your diet.

Easy Grilled Tofu with Peanut Sauce (or any sauce you want to make!)

one package of extra firm tofu
If you have the time, put the tofu on a a plate with a lip, put another plate on top and put something heavy on top of that (I used a bag of navel oranges today but a big can or cookbook or whatever you have on hand)

Turn on your broiler to high.

While your tofu is pressing, make the peanut sauce:
1 small can of light coconut milk (about 150ml)
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
3 tsp sambal oelek or other chili paste
1/2 tbsp half-salt soy sauce
1/2 tsp tamarind paste (I am sure this can be optional - how much can 1/2 tsp affect the taste?)
1 tsp minced ginger
1/4 tsp ground coriander (go to Abby's Spice and Tea Store on Kirschner for the best and freshest spices)
freshly ground back pepper

Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and on medium-high heat, stir while it comes up to a boil. Turn down the heat to just below medium, stir one minute then remove from the heat and let cool. You can add water or more coconut milk if it's too thick when it's cool.

Now for the tofu.

Cut the block into 1/4 inch slices - I can get 16 slices out of a tofu rectangle. You can spray your cookie sheet with Pam or use parchment paper or a silpat mat or if you are not afraid, just place the tofu on the cookie sheet. Place under the broiler. When it starts to turn light brown, flip. The tofu may require a bit of convincing if you've just put it on the sheet but it should be flip-able. Brown the other side. The outside will be crispy and the inside will be soft.

Dip the tofu in the peanut sauce. YUMMY! And if you don't like tofu, you won't even be able to taste it.