Tofu Fries

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to greasy, starch-laden, french-fries? Maybe you just want something different? May I present tofu fries. These are extremely easy to make, not to mention economical and better for you.

Start with a package of extra-firm tofu. Remove the block of tofu and wrap in a double layer of paper towels. Place on a plate, then place another plate on top and weight it down with a skillet or can of corn. Wait 20 minutes, then drain off the water that has been pressed out.

Now take the block and slice it into 3/4" sticks. Use about 1/2 cup of cornstarch on a large plate, then roll each tofu stick in the cornstarch to coat. Heat 2-3 inches of oil to approximately 350 degrees. Use a thermometer to make sure! After the oil has heated, fry the tofu in several batches, using tongs to keep them separated. Cook to golden-brown and delicious, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove the fries and drain on paper towels, then immediately season with sea salt. Serve with Asian ketchup (recipe below).

Asian Ketchup
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1/2 cup ketchup
3 Tbs soy sauce
2 Tbs sesame oil
1 Tbs Sriracha or Sambal Oelek (Asian garlic/pepper sauce)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs fresh ginger, minced

Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Let rest 30 mins before serving to allow flavors to meld.

National Doughnut Day

Today marks the 73rd year of the National Doughnut Day. This day honors the sugary-sweet pastries as well as the women of The Salvation Army who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. The "doughnut lassies" as they were called, also continued the tradition by preparing and serving the fried orbs to hungry soldiers in WWII.

The doughnut is the quintessential pastry of America. Doughnuts fly in the face of traditional and snobby European-style pastries. At their foundation, the simple, sweet dough is fried, then topped with anything from simple powdered sugar to fluorescent-pink glaze with candy sprinkles. Whether you're in the mood for a hefty apple fritter or a lightly dusted crueller, doughnuts are an irresistible American icon.

If you'd like to try your hand at being a doughnut lassie, I've included the original recipe used by The Salvation Army way back in 1938. Simple ingredients, simple prep, delicious results. The recipe will make a bunch - so invite the family and friends over, and don't feel limited to serve them just for breakfast, these are delicious any time of the day!

SALVATION ARMY LASSIES’ DOUGHNUT RECIPE

Yield: 4 doz. doughnuts

5 C flour
2 C sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
Oil/Lard for frying

DIRECTIONS

• Combine all ingredients (except for oil) in a large bowl to make a dough.

• Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a disc, then roll out on a lightly floured board to about 3/8" thick. Cut dough using a 2-3" diameter water glass or metal ring cutter. If you want your doughnuts with holes, use a smaller circle cutter to make the holes in the middle. (When finding items to cut out doughnut circles, be creative!)

• Heat oil until a thermometer reads 375. Carefully drop the rings into the oil, several at a time, cooking in batches to keep the oil temp from dropping too low. Using tongs, turn the doughnuts over slowly to help cook evenly.

• When browned, remove doughnuts, place on wire rack and allow excess fat to drip off.

• Dust with powdered sugar, sugar and cinnamon, drizzle with warm Nutella, maple glaze, chocolate chips, coconut, anything your doughnut dreams desire! Let cool and enjoy.

Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita

The weekend is around the corner, the warmer weather is starting to make it's way into town, the days are getting longer, so what better way to welcome Summer than a deliciously spicy-cool cocktail? I call this the "Green-eyed Girl" - for the simple reason that it's green, and I knew a girl named Margarita once. This interesting combination of flavors is sublime, the coolness of the cucumber keeping the heat from the jalapenos under control. The sweetness of the syrup bringing out the subtle flavors of the tequila, while the tartness of fresh lime juice keeps your lips pursed. So raise a glass to Summer, and welcome all of the tantalizing flavors that are part of this season!

Green-eyed girl
6 slices (about 1/8" thick) of peeled cucumber
3 slices of fresh jalapeno
Juice from 1 lime
1.5 oz quality tequila blanco
3/4oz simple syrup

Muddle the cucumber and jalapeno slices, add lime juice, tequila and syrup. Shake vigorously and serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Simple syrup is easy to make, just mix equal parts water and sugar, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cool. To salt the rim of a glass, just run a sliced lime along the glass edge, then dip into rock salt in a shallow dish. Garnish with a lime wedge and cucumber slice.