4 posts from July 2008

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/07/list-ranks-usas.html?csp=34

nothing more needs to be said. go rebs.

i usually don't follow recipes, unless they are found in "the joy of cooking". but, i love this one a lot. except, whenever i make my own dough, it never turns out right. so, i just buy frozen pizza crusts. i'm a cheater.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/chef-daves-grilled-strawberry-and-goat-cheese-dessert-pizza-recipe/index.html

http://moodstream.gettyimages.com/

one of the coolest websites i've seen in a bit.

i went out for chinese the other day with my mom and got this really awesome general tso's tofu.

i love asian-style tofu. it is just perfect all the time. gah. love it.

so anyway. i set out to try to make it. i know, i know ambitious. i thought so too. BUT IT WAS DELICIOUS. i'm not even lying.

Ingredients:
A block of extra firm tofu
One egg
Cornstarch
Lots of veg oil
Chopped onion, if that's your thing. A dash of onion powder works too.
A tbsp of chopped ginger, or a tablespoon and a teaspoon of ginger powder
A tbsp of chopped garlic, or a tablespoon and a teaspoon of garlic powder
A tbsp of ground mustard
Two dashes of sesame seeds
A dash of chile powder
A cup of vegetable broth, or water for a healthier option
3 tbsp and one tsp of soy sauce
3 tbsp and one tsp of sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
A handful or two of green beans
Water chestnuts
A handful or two of canned or frozen corn
Whatever other vegetables you prefer

Press the tofu (if you don't know how, google "how to press tofu"). Cut in into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the egg with a few tbsp of water. Coat each piece of tofu in the egg mixture, and then in the cornstarch. Make sure it is generously coated in cornstarch. You can add a bit of spice to the cornstarch if desired...ginger would be nice. I wish I'd done that.

Fry the tofu in the vegetable oil in a pan. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain the oil...this should be a given.

In another pan, heat a few tbsp of vegetable oil. Add vegetables and spices and stir. Let sit for a few minutes. Add the vegetable broth/water, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Let sit for a few minutes. Add the already-prepared tofu. Add two tablespoons of cornstarch with three of water. Stir. Cover, let sit. If the sauce is not thick enough, add more corn starch and water until you're satisfied. Add the sesame seeds, and serve.