Chinese Firecrackers

Ingredients:

• 2 limes
• 1 jalapeno
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons thai curry paste
• 2 sprigs cilantro, finely minced
• 1 brick extra firm tofu
• .25 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped

Preparations:

1. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place in a baking dish. Place a smaller baking dish on top of the tofu and let sit for 20 minutes.
2. Whisk together lime, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic, oil, curry paste, and cilantro. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow heat to develop.
3. Slice tofu into .5-1" cubes. Place into marinade and coat. Let sit for 20 minutes, turning the cubes after 20 minutes.
4. Heat at least 3" of oil in a deep saucepan and when hot enough, deep fry cubes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper.
5. Use the remaining marinade as a sauce and sprinkle tofu with peanuts.

Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Serves: 4

Cheesy Polenta

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 16 oz instant polenta, prepared
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in green pepper, garlic, and green onions; cook until the pepper softens, about 3 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix together fontina and provolone in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread 1/3 of polenta in the dish, top with 1/3 the fontina and provolone mixture. Spread a thin layer of sauce over cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top casserole with Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 25 minutes
5. Can eat purely the polenta or use it as a dip or spread.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8