Coffee on the Brain

So, I'm playing with free stock photos available online. This one is from FreeFoto.com.

Plus, this is how we drink our cheap, delicious Trader Joe's coffee -- French pressed to perfection.

Scrambled Tofu

After singing the praises of eggs, I will add some Lenten balance to this blog with the following recipe. I don't do a lot of complicated substitutes for non-lenten foods during Lent, but when you're really craving a savory breakfast, this is a nice change from a muffin, cereal, or oatmeal.

This is going to be one of those "just judge" (as my husband's grandmother would say) recipes, so forgive me.

Scrambled Tofu

Some size block of tofu (silken given a more egg-like texture, but regular works fine too, just don't crumble it too finely)
Minced green (or other color) bell pepper (a couple of Tablespoons is sufficient)
Minced onion (same amount as green pepper)
Turmeric
Soy sauce
Black pepper
Margarine or some type of neutral oil

Put about a Tablespoon of margarine or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion and sautee until onion is translucent. Crumble tofu into skillet in scrambled-egg size chunks. Sprinkle on enough turmeric to color the tofu to your liking (start with a little or your tofu will be neon very quickly), and add a generous splash of soy sauce. Mix and cook until spices are evenly distributed and mixture is heated through. Add black pepper and serve.

Notes:
About the soy sauce: this is essential to give it an egg-like taste; however, do not add so much that it tastes like a stir fry. Start with a little (a splash) and add until it tastes right, but make sure you add the turmeric before you taste it. The green pepper also adds to the impression of egg.

Variations:
You may increase the amount of bell pepper and onion and go for more of a scramble. I have also added some smallish chunks of soy sausage after the onion is mostly cooked -- let it brown for a little while before adding the tofu and seasonings. The brand I like is Lightlife's Gimme Lean Ground Sausage Style (available in the tofu and meat-free meat refrigerated section of Trader Joe's) -- it also makes great patties and can be used in spaghetti sauce if you brown it and add it at the last minute. If you cook fake-meat in liquid for very long it gets mushy and soaked-bread-textured. Not too pleasant.

Lenten Desserts?

If you are not opposed to using oil during the fast, try making some Irish Tea Cakes. Scroll down a little ways to find them. I made them for St. Patrick's Day (my Namesday) and they were amazing! I alternated Trader Joe's Blueberry Preserves and some Three-Fruit Irish Wiskey Marmalade. Very good with tea.

Dinner Menu Plan: Mar 27 - Apr 2

I apologize for the recent hiatus in posting. We've been fighting off a couple of different illnesses, and I'm experimenting with letting my daughter watch way less TV. That makes for considerably less posting time but a considerably better behavior from my daughter! Anyway, I'm jumping back in with this week's menu:

• Thurs: Cuban Black Beans and Rice (This is one can of Trader Joe's Cuban Black Beans mixed with however much rice -- I use brown -- looks right to you. I would start with two cups, and possibly add one more.) with a veggie tray and fried plantains (This will be my first attempt frying plantains. I should have read the cookbook before shopping, though. How to Cook Everything wants you to use mostly black plantains, but I'll be trying it with yellow.)
• Fri: CP Moroccan Chick Peas (this is a recipe that my Mom and I changed and converted and I now consider it my own, so I will share it soon) over couscous with a salad if I get around to one.
• Sat: Exploding Noodle Chicken Salad (that's rice sticks, and I'm using up some cabbage instead of shredded iceberg) with fried rice.
• Sun - Brunch: Scrambled Tofu (I'll share this one too) with toast and fruit salad.
• Sun - Dinner: Leftover night (please let me have some leftovers!) or a stir fry of some sort.
• Mon: Gumbo with "Sausage" and Seafood Medley (shrimp, calamari, and scallops) with corn bread and probably rice.
• Tues: Imjaddareh (Arabic dish: lentils, onions, and rice. I will share this recipe or you can look it up online -- spellings will vary.) with Broccoli, Avocado, and Tomato Salad, and bread.
• Wed: Soup, Salad, and Bread night, officially (at church); however, I will be making some chicken and something or other before the service for me and the kids.