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Jan 21, 2015

Sandwich Maker Tofu with a Zesty Miso Dip






This is an amazing idea!
You just gotta try it out. 
I’m not writing particularly about tofu. I mean, seared tofu? Pffft!!! Anyone can do that. 

I’d seen this idea floating about on the net a while ago and it inspired me to sear some tofu to go with this amazing, tangy, spicy, sweet, sour, zesty, all-textures dip that mum used to make. Brought back a ton of memories…

Anyway, the dip calls for a Chinese fermented bean paste (tau cheong) quite similar to miso. I didn’t have that paste, I had miso. Miso it is. And I think from now on, I’d stick to miso. It’s just so good!

Right, the tofu. 
Everyone has a waffle iron/sandwich maker, right? No? What? Oh …..
Never mind. Whenever you can get your paws on one….
Like I said, it’s such a good way to sear tofu. 
Or hash browns, polenta cakes, mochi……yes, you read right. Mochi. Those gooey little things. It gets crispy on the outside and still soft and gooey on the inside. Yummers!  I’m sure there are more stuff that can be done with a sandwich maker besides a grilled cheese sandwich. Get creative, peeps!
There’s very little oil used too. And it makes a more even shade of sear.


INGREDIENTS

Firm tofu, cut into wedges or whatever shapes that’ll fit your sandwich maker
oil for brushing or spray

Dip: (This is just a guide. Adjust to suit your tastebuds)

1 - 2 tbs dried shrimp, toasted (like you would nuts)
1 tbs brown miso
Juice of 1 large lime (key lime)
2 - 3 tsps sugar
chillies, sliced

METHOD

Mix all of the dip ingredients into a small bowl except the toasted shrimp.
Stir to mix until sugar has completely dissolved. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Stir in toasted dried shrimp just before serving so that it remains crispy.
Leave aside.

Brush or spray the sandwich maker plates with oil. Place the tofu wedges on, cover and let the gadget do its work. When done, check to see if it’s browned or golden enough to your liking. Otherwise, cook a little longer.
Remove and have it warm with the dip.

Makes a great appetiser.











Jan 3, 2015

Banana Chia Power Smoothie






So you’re all pooped from the festivities. 
Need an energy booster? 
Or a cure for a hangover? (Do I sound like an ad?)

This was something I picked up from my travels. An instant energy booster. Yummy to boot.
Just the other day, I’d found it on our local grocer’s chiller and wait …. how much was that? You gotta be kidding me?! Forget it, I’ll make my own ….. 

It makes a great breakfast on the go as well. For someone (me) who isn’t into the whole shebang of slicing, toasting, pan frying, buttering, eat, wash and wash some more … this is just brilliant. 

Make it the night before and you’re all set to take on the world the next day!


INGREDIENTS

(Note: measurements are per 250 - 300 ml bottle / mason jars)

1 - 2 small bananas, sliced (this depends on how thick you want your smoothie to be)
1 cup apple juice
1 tbs chia seeds (too much of this and you’ll get pudding)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
honey / sugar (optional)


METHOD

Puree bananas and 1/2 cup of the apple juice in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Put 1 tbs chia seeds and ground cinnamon into bottle / jars. 
Pour in puree and top up with remaining apple juice, cap and shake to mix it up.
Leave overnight in the fridge.
Glug the next day … watch out, world!