Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3/4 cup raisins, seedless

1/4 cup dates or prunes, chopped

1/2 cup nuts chopped

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup honey

1/2 pound tofu

1 egg

1/2 cup butter softened, or oil

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a 2-quart bowl, mix flour, raisins, dates, nuts and baking soda together.

2. Blend the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor.

3. Mix wet and dry ingredients together.

4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto oiled cookie sheet.

5. Bake at 350~ for 10-15 minutes. These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen, or, kept in a tin container for a few days.

Preparation time takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Cooking takes about 15 minutes. So if you’re up for some client and employee gifts that need not much time in preparation this recipe is best for you. Or it could even become some sort of a company branded gift. Aside from the fact that this tofu cookie recipe will not cost you much, it is proven to be beneficial especially for the long hours of work employees spend in a day. You sure would have lesser time to think of what to eat. Why not reward them with a pack of cookies which are really tasty and healthy at the same time. You do not even have to worry about ruining your diet plan! It doesn’t have to be declared the ‘Year of Cookies’ but hey, anyone who would receive some tofu cookies would surely love it. Happy tofu cookie day!

~Serve with roast chicken or serve with crackers as cocktail snack.~

12 ounces (300g) tofu, pressed, well drained

Teriyaki Sauce; mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Mirin, Sake or white wine

1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Cut tofu into 8 pieces, 1/2-inch (1.2cm) thick. Arrange then tofu in a shallow pan. Pour Teriyaki sauce over marinate fro 15 minutes.

2. Heat oil in skillet. Add tofu and fry on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and serve on plate.

After you indulge in this sumptuous meal you have to remember that the most important thing you can do for yourself is to maintain good oral health. Brush and floss regularly and you might as well pay a visit to the Chicago cosmetic dentists.

~Potatoes, carrots or assorted vegetable tempura can be served with Tofu tempura.~

24 ounces(600g) tofu, well drained

1 egg, beaten

1 cup of ice-cold water

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoons salt(optional)

4 fresh spinach leaves, chopped

Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Instructions:

1. Pat tofu with paper towel to dry then cut it into halves. Cut into 4 triangular pieces; roll each piece in the flour. Set aside. Mix beaten egg, water, flour, salt and spinach leaves until flour is moistened. Batter will be slightly lumpy. Do not stir batter again after the initial mixing.

2. Heat vegetable oil(1 1/2 inches = 2.5cm to 3.7cm ) in work, skillet or deep fryer to 350 to 360 degrees. Dip tofu pieces into batter by hand or with tongs, spoon or chopsticks. Allow excess batter to drip into bowl. Fry a few pieces at a time until golden brown, turning once, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a mesh skimmer or perforated metal spoon or spatula to remove tofu from oil. Allow excess oil to drain from tofu. Transfer tofu on plate or individual small dish. Serve accompanied by Tempura sauce and garnishes. Select according to personal preference.

Ingredients for Tempura Sauce:

1 cup soup-stock for chicken broth

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup Mirin*, Sake* or cooking sherry wine with 1 teaspoon sugar

Combine all ingredients and bring it to a boil. Serve the tempura sauce in individual bowls.

Garnishes

Grated Daikon radish

Grated gingerroot

Toasted sesame seeds

Chopped green onion

Lemon wedges

Salt & pepper

*Available at grocery stores, health food store(some) or at large supermarkets.