Barbecue Tofu

I really like tofu. It is so good for a vegetarian diet. I'm always looking for new tofu recipes because I enjoy having it in the fridge for snacks or to warm up with a meal. I think a lot of people avoid tofu just because they aren't sure what to do with it. I'm always looking for new tofu recipes.

Tofu is like a sponge. First, it comes packed in water so squeezing the water out of it is usually in order. Otherwise, it is quite mushy. Second, tofu absorbs what you cook it in. Once you realize this, its place in a recipe becomes more clear.

This is one of those recipes where a measuring spoon is really not necessary.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound firm tofu
1 1/2 8-oz can tomato sauce (or about 1 1/2 cup homemade)
2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*For extra spice, add a few pinches of cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice tofu into slices about 1-inch thick. Press slices between 2 pans for 1 hour to squeeze the water out and compress the tofu. (Place something heavy on top of the pans, like cookbooks or cans of food. Prop up one end so the water can drain into the lower end of the pan.)

2. While tofu is draining, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon about 1/3 of the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish that has been lightly oiled or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4. Place pressed tofu on sauce. Top with remaining sauce.

5. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour.

This recipe makes excellent leftovers as a cold sandwich or on its own and heated.