Crispy Tofu

I am not the biggest fan of tofu, but every once in a while I find a way to cook it that is good and not all wet and mushy. I found this recipe through Pinterest and my whole family loved it!

Recipe from www.vegandad.blogspot.com

1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into 10-11 equal slices.
Olive oil for frying

Mix together well:
3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. paprika
a pinch of black pepper

In a separate bowl whisk:
1 cup almond milk
2 Tbs. mustard
2 Tbs. hot sauce
1/2 tsp. salt

In another bowl:
1 cup panko bread crumbs

After you cut tofu into slices, line a cookie sheet with a towel, put tofu on it, cover with another towel, and another cookie sheet. Place a few cans of food, or something heavy on top of cookie sheet to help drain the tofu. Leave for 15 minutes.

After you have drained tofu, get some oil heating on medium heat in a large frying pan. Next, you will dip your tofu slices in the milk, then dredge in the flour mixture, back in the milk, then cover with the panko crumbs. Cook 4-5 slices at a time turning every 3-4 minutes until they are golden.

Bean Curry

I am just in a curry mood I suppose. It is something I have decided I like, so I have been trying lots of new recipes :) Here is a good one from Melanie at www.melskitchencafe.com My husband raved, and the kids ate it well too. We had ours with whole wheat naan. That recipe was also from Melanie. I will post that recipe another time! Enjoy!

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger 
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon tumeric
• pinch cayenne, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (If you don't have this, you can look on the internet for a substitute like I did!)
• 3/4 cup half and half (I think next time I will try coconut milk to make it vegan)
• 1 cup vegetable stock or chicken broth
• 1 can black-eyed peas, lightly drained (I used 1 1/2 cans)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; saute 5 minutes or until translucent and slightly browned. Stir in garlic and grated ginger root; stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add tomato; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in turmeric, cayenne, salt, paprika, and garam masala; stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add half and half, stock, and black-eyed peas.
2. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro. Serve immediately with rice, chapati, or naan.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Recipe from www.dinnerdishesanddesserts.com

I absolutely love these, and so do my kids! Also, not too unhealthy as far as muffins go.

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 egg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ⅔ cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
• 1 Tbls + 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ⅔ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 12 cup muffin tin with non stick spray, or liners.
2. In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until combined. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, pumpkin, apple sauce, oil and vanilla until well combined. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and mix until just combined (be careful not to over mix). Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffins tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes. 

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes (Shawnee Pulsipher)

I am going to try and branch out and put other recipes on this blog besides main dishes :) I thought I would start with these pancakes. They are the bomb! Also, you can add different variations to your liking! Here is the way we like them best.

Mix together well in a large bowl:
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 Tbs. Sugar
2 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped pecans

In another bowl add together and mix well:
2 eggs
2 cups of milk (I have used almond milk with great results)
4 Tbs oil (I have used canola, olive, and coconut)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1-2 ripe mashed bananas

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Cook on a greased griddle top at 300 degree's.