Pit Stop

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Slowing making our way back to Charlotte!  We stopped at my mom’s house to pick up the dogs and eat lunch.

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My mom put out an amazing salad spread.

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The star of the show was my Perfect Baked Tofu

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I haven’t made this in so long but I’m very glad that mom reminded me of this recipe.  If you’re scared of tofu or just looking for a new, simple recipe, this is it!

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In my salad bowl:

 

  • Greens
  • Radishes
  • Feta
  • Tomatos
  • Carrots
  • Sprouts
  • Onions

 

Plus, bread with buttah and honey and watermelon on the side.

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It was a great meal.  Thanks, Mom!

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And… we’re off!

 

What’s your favorite way to make tofu?  Or are you not a fan?

{ 88 comments }

 

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) August 26, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I am a biiiig tofu fan! i like it with soy sauce and baked or stir fried so it goes all crispy 😀

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 26, 2010, 1:38 pm

    I like the pre-cubed tofu and baking it until it’s super crispy! Yum!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa August 26, 2010, 1:39 pm

    I just can’t get into tofu, its the consistency. However, I do think that if I were into tofu, I would be into baked tofu. It looks delicious.

  • Trac August 26, 2010, 1:44 pm

    I’ve never tried tofu. After reading your blog and looking at the tofu meals that you eat, I’m thinking about giving it a try. Your meals always look good.

  • Evan Thomas August 26, 2010, 1:49 pm

    I can’t believe I used to be afraid of tofu. Over the past year I’ve cooked it so many ways. It’s good baked in maple syrup, or heated in a pan and given a sweet chili glaze, or scrambled like an egg, or stuffed into a veggie burger recipe–endless possibilities!

  • Cindi August 26, 2010, 1:49 pm

    So far I’ve only tried tofu on miso soup – perhaps someday I’ll branch out!

  • Stacey August 26, 2010, 1:49 pm

    I”ve only tried making tofu 2 times, and both times turned out HORRIBLE. It was like Jell-O, very very disgusting. Since then I’ve been scared to make it again!
    I bet you were happy to see the doggies again 😀

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin August 26, 2010, 1:50 pm

    I just got a Tofu Xpress that makes the tofu so much better! I used to use paper towels and a plate but the press just does such a better job. I love having it grilled or baked with brown sugar and other spices. Mm!

  • janetha g. August 26, 2010, 1:54 pm

    your mom knows how to fix a meal! that looks good. i love tofu and have made it so much more often ever since receiving a tofuXpress. my favorite way to eat tofu is in indian curries.

  • Lisa August 26, 2010, 1:57 pm

    We’ve been having really excellent watermelon this summer! Very sweet!

  • Amanda August 26, 2010, 1:58 pm

    I am still a bit scared to try tofu. I don’t know if I could handle the texture. But on a funny note, I did name one of my chickens Tofu 🙂

  • Holly B August 26, 2010, 1:59 pm

    I tried Tofu a few times about a year and a half ago and it really just was never my bag… I’m actually pretty glad it never struck a chord with my tastebuds though, because it is rather processed and I’d rather just have beans, ricotta, or heck, edemame! Really any other protein much closer to it’s natural state (preferably a state I can actually see and understand where it came from!).

  • Tina August 26, 2010, 2:02 pm

    I only really like tofu baked…or however they cook it at chinese restaurants (fried?). That looks like a much better pit stop meal than fast food!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 26, 2010, 2:03 pm

    Oh I love tofu, but discovered I am horribly allergic to it when I stopped eating meat. So sad…I love it baked with just salt and pepper! Drive safely!

  • Christie {Honoring Health} August 26, 2010, 2:05 pm

    I love tofu all sorts of ways but my favorite way is probably baked into rectangles and then dipped in ketchup like fries. 😀

  • Kelly August 26, 2010, 2:08 pm

    I’ve only ever made it in a stir fry type of way. I need to try baking it.

  • Erin Q. August 26, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Baked tofu and grilled marinated tofu are definitely neck and neck for my favorite kind of tofu preparation–but tofu scrambles are /really/ awesome. I generally make mine with turmeric, paprika and lots of pepper. Also tofu in a quick egg drop soup is great.

  • Kiersten August 26, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Tofu scrambles are probably my favorite way to use tofu.

  • Stephanie August 26, 2010, 2:12 pm

    I love love love tofu, but unfortunately I am incapable of cooking it correctly. Have given it numerous tries and it never comes out right. I’ve given up and stick to ordering it out as a special treat.

  • Sarah for Real August 26, 2010, 2:12 pm

    Not a fan. But I can honestly say I think it’s all in the preparation. I should try you recipe maybe!

  • Chelsea August 26, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Your very own salad bar! So nice of your mom, especially having the tofu!!

    I love tofu either baked with a marinade (like your Perfect Baked Tofu), or made crispy like Emily at The Front Burner makes it, both so good. I don’t like the texture of tofu usually (raw tofu gives me the creeps), but both your recipe and Emily’s make the texture really nice

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 26, 2010, 2:16 pm

    i am most definitely NOT a fan of tofu…although i’d like to try the silken kind IN recipes!

    this has got to be one of my favorite photographic posts you’ve done!

  • emily August 26, 2010, 2:22 pm

    I make coconut crusted tofu that my husband is sort of obsessed with.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 26, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I love tofu. I love the texture for some reason. Usually I make it into scrambled “eggs” though. I do want to try your recipe though.

  • Heather August 26, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I’ve baked tofu before and it was pretty good, but I want to try grilling it next. It’s also good in stir frys because it soaks up any sauce I stir fry with nicely.

  • stephanie August 26, 2010, 2:28 pm

    I love to marinate cubed tofu in a mixture of coconut oil, San-J soy sauce, tamarind concentrate, agave, ginger and garlic and then bake until firm on the outside and warm/soft on the inside. I adore this recipe and have even gotten my boyfriend to eat tofu this way too! (trust me, this is a big deal considering he’s 6’5″ 230lbs and comes from an Italian family where tofu isn’t even in their vocabulary haha 😉 )

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini August 26, 2010, 2:32 pm

    I’ve been using The Front Burner tofu method and it works perfect. Tofu is so tasty. I’ve been kinda obsessed with it the past few weeks.

  • Stacy August 26, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Tofu is new to me food. I have tried it in the past, and it tasted squishy and yucky! But… I tried it again at the HLS and it was delicious! I’m not sure if it was the way it was cooked or the flavor of it, or maybe it’s because I am older and wiser 😉 I am trying to learn various ways to cook it and seasonings to use with it. I have an unrelated question, would brands of tofu would you recommend? Are there differences between the brands? And what about the stories out there that too much soy is bad for you? I hope you have a safe trip home, and I am proud of you for taking a much needed mini-vacation!

  • Junia August 26, 2010, 2:35 pm

    My favorite is the classic Japanese/Korean way. Dice up fresh firm tofu in chunks (no need to drain them!). Mix together soy sauce, vinegar, korean red hot pepper flakes (finely grounded, chopped scallion, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Eat the yummy tofu with the dressing!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow August 26, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I’m in the same camp with a few about the consistency of tofu. I have yet to get past it…but I want to!!!

  • Sarah August 26, 2010, 2:43 pm

    The concept of tofu scares me. But I would be willing to try …

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat August 26, 2010, 2:48 pm

    I haven’t tried tofu yet. I think I’d like to, but I am scared to try it at home–my fear is that I would make it wrong and then would hate it forever!

  • Brooke - One Healthy Cookie August 26, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I am allergic to tofu 🙁 But I like it baked.

  • Britney August 26, 2010, 2:57 pm

    I just had tofu for the first time in five years recently, and I liked it, but in the past I’ve had mixed experiences. I have yet to try preparing it myself. 🙂

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) August 26, 2010, 3:01 pm

    I’m a tofu virgin, but I love it in hot and sour soup!! 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 26, 2010, 3:03 pm

    I just can’t do the tofu. The texture just doesn’t do it for me.

  • Rachael @ Houston Health Blogs August 26, 2010, 3:10 pm

    That salad looks delish! Thank you so much for tweeting about Houston Health Blogs!

  • Shanna, like Banana August 26, 2010, 3:24 pm

    Usually I make tofu stir fry — YUM

    But last week I did tofu Mexi style 😉

    http://shannalikebanana.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/pass-the-polenta-did-you-epl/

  • Penny August 26, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I have tried tofu a coupls of times, but the texture just doesn’t sit well with me. I am going to keep trying it though. Trying your method is at the top of my tofu priority list. 🙂

  • Amanda (tomboythatwearsmakeup August 26, 2010, 3:35 pm

    Tofu is good in small doses. I like to put it in a veggie stir fry, or make burrito’s with it.
    Good times!

  • Liza @ Health Nutting August 26, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Rcently, I’ve been LOVING Kath’s BBQ sauce recipe baked tofu!!! I pretty much just love ketchup on everything in the world and in every recipe. Haha.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg August 26, 2010, 4:01 pm

    Mmmm, I LOVE oven-baked tofu! So chewy and delicious!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 26, 2010, 4:08 pm

    I love tofu!! My favorite way to eat is probably raw…I’m weird, I know. This DOES look like the perfect baked tofu though!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing August 26, 2010, 4:17 pm

    I made baked tofu marinated in soy, garlic and red pepper flakes the other day and it was yummy! My fave though is fried tofu :). I know that’s not healthy but oh-so-delish!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) August 26, 2010, 4:19 pm

    I love *grilling* tofu!

    I simply marinate the pressed tofu in a bit of peanut sauce while preheating the grill. Then I place a peice of foil directly on the grill, spray with cooking spray and place the tofu on top of the foil. Close the lid, walk away for 5 minutes or so, and go back to flip it once the bottom is browned. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the bottom is browned and crispy.

    Easy and it tastes *ah-mazing*. 😀

  • Heather August 26, 2010, 4:19 pm

    unfortunately not a fan, way picky eater over here!

  • Rebekah @ Rebeltarian August 26, 2010, 4:20 pm

    I love to mix it all up in a stir fry, so that all the juices and sauce get sucked up by the tofu…..delicious!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef August 26, 2010, 4:34 pm

    i’ve never really been a fan but i tried a bit recently and liked it. i think it’s all in the prep. maybe i’ll try it again soon.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 26, 2010, 4:37 pm

    I have never made/prepared tofu myself. I do get it in restaurants sometimes, in soups or in stir-fries. I do have a problem with the texture sometimes, it just reminds me that I’m eating a processed slab of soybeans 🙁

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy August 26, 2010, 4:48 pm

    Love the American flag outside your mums house. We just don’t do things like that in the UK. 🙂

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 7:34 pm

      I saw England flags all over the place when I was there!!! 🙂

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 7:34 pm

      I saw England flags all over the place when I was there!!! 🙂

  • Cassie August 26, 2010, 4:50 pm

    I have to say that your tofu looks delish, but I’m not sure I’d like the taste as much…maybe one day!

  • Amber@momsgottheruns August 26, 2010, 5:22 pm

    well…I’ve only made tofu once (pan fried with some olive oil and seasonings), but hated how the inside tasted. It kinda creeped me out a little for whatever reason. I’ll have to try our your recipe!

  • vegantickles August 26, 2010, 5:22 pm

    SWEET AND SOUR TOFU from VEGANYUMYUM.COM. Best recipe ever. Only bad thing is that the tofu is fried.

  • Samantha August 26, 2010, 5:24 pm

    It looks like your cabin getaway was wonderful! As for hiking, it uses different muscles and stability than running…don’t be disheartened, be proud! 6.6 miles is not chump change!

    I made your baked tofu for the first time this week. (and two more times after the first!) It’s so quick, easy and excellent. I’m not a huge tofu fan, but it’s a good protein source so I stomach it. It’s much more doable this way.

  • Andrea August 26, 2010, 5:24 pm

    I like it breaded in cornmeal and drizzled with maple syrup! Unfortunately, I can’t eat tofu/soy anymore because it doesn’t sit well in my stomach.

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet August 26, 2010, 5:28 pm

    i definitely prefer baked tofu, maybe even broiled for a couple of minutes

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) August 26, 2010, 5:31 pm

    I like it either cubed/pan fried and tossed with noodles (a la pad thai) or with rice, or marinated and grilled. But seeing as summer is ending in Chicago and grilling will be out of the question, I’ll have to give your recipe a try! 🙂

  • kate August 26, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I love tofu in pad thai. I havent mastered a healthier version of it yet, but Im determined!

  • eatmovelove August 26, 2010, 6:15 pm

    I’ve only really grilled tofu. Wait, I have sauteed/fryed it (isn’t it just “frying” if it’s in a pan?!) But I think the baking sounds good? Ketchup and mustard…and spaghetti sauce is usually (always) involved.

    When do you blog during the day Caitlin? In your car lol?!! After talking/eating with the family? Is the computer your side “companion”? 🙂

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward August 26, 2010, 6:18 pm

    I love tofu but am not very good at preparing it!

    Have a safe trip back!

  • Camille August 26, 2010, 6:19 pm

    I have actually never really learned how to prepare tofu! I need to do that…

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 26, 2010, 6:32 pm

    I really like tofu. I love it in a good curry with rice. Amazing.

    What I don’t like is tempeh. No matter how I cook it, it tastes funny to me.

  • Amara@GirlinaWhirl August 26, 2010, 7:09 pm

    Caitlin, I was going to try the tofu recipe for dinner, but was wondering if it’s right where it says 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper? That seems like a ton.

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 7:16 pm

      Thats what I use – sprinkle less if you want!

      • Amara@GirlinaWhirl August 27, 2010, 12:16 am

        I tried it, and cut way back on the pepper….and it was bland! I should have listened! We’ll go for round two next week.

  • Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries August 26, 2010, 8:01 pm

    I love tofu; I just got soem at WF called “fumi tofu” and it was delish!

  • Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries August 26, 2010, 8:03 pm

    *some

  • laurie August 26, 2010, 8:15 pm

    Going to try the tofu recipe soon. I had posted earlier about recognizing the place where you stayed, and yes, that is exactly where we stayed a few summers ago! My husband was laughing-he said “What are the chances that you would recognize a place by a photo in a blog!” And then he asked, “Is this the same girl the guys at the Chevy place were talking about?” and I had to laugh. We went to test drive am Equinox and I mentioned that I saw the girlfriend getaway promo from your blog, and the manager said, “Oh yeah, Cailtin was really lucky, we gave her a loaded car!” (I live in Ormond Beach). For some reason you keep popping up–I think that means I should go buy an Operation Beautiful book!! 🙂

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 8:20 pm

      it means we are e-bffs!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 26, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Your mom can make a great lunch.

  • BroccoliHut August 26, 2010, 8:36 pm

    Tofu is pretty much my favorite food, so I love it ALL ways (even raw), but I really love Cashew Ginger Tofu from Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan.

  • Chelsey August 26, 2010, 8:58 pm

    I love tofu – I try not to eat TOO much of it though, as I am very hormone sensitive and too much soy can be detrimental.. BUT! I do love Emily’s version of her crispy sauteed tofu.. I need to try yours too!

  • cassie August 26, 2010, 8:58 pm

    i’m not a huge tofu fan, but i have made it several times and it’s usually stir fried with veggies, onions and garlic with an asian sauce… usually soy sauce or teriyaki..

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life August 26, 2010, 9:01 pm

    I love to cube tofu and saute it with some olive oil and soy sauce and make a stir-fry out of it with fresh veggies.

  • Wei-Wei August 26, 2010, 9:21 pm

    I love tofu! But I just like it in simple Asian dishes like my mother makes. They’re a light, refreshing sort of thing to have on the table. Love it. 😀

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) August 26, 2010, 9:51 pm

    I love tofu in stirfries. I have never drained tofu like a lot of people do … I buy the extra firm, and I don’t find that it needs draining.

  • diana August 26, 2010, 10:01 pm

    its good to see you back from your vacay!

    i really like tofu covered with eggs. cut tofu into rectangular segments. beat the egg and you can add chopped scallion if you like. then dip the tofu in the egg. you can fry-pan it or bake it!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now August 26, 2010, 11:26 pm

    I’ve only tried it once, but I didn’t like the texture… I think I am too afraid to try again!

  • Laura (Starloz) August 27, 2010, 12:15 am

    I’ve fallen in love with Tofu, i bake it in the oven!

  • Sana August 27, 2010, 1:32 am

    scared of tofu? Hehehe I am just annoyed whenever I have to press it. But I am just lazyyy

  • Juani August 27, 2010, 6:31 am

    I live in a really small town in South Africa,and to be honest the shops around here aren’t exactly brimming with the healthiest choices.I’ve always wanted to try tofu (since I’m not big on meat) but I don’t know where to find any 🙁

  • Megan August 27, 2010, 7:27 am

    I’m glad you posted the link to your tofu recipe! My husband and I tried cooking it a while back, and it was just okay, so we’ve been searching for ways to cook it. We’ll have to try this!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 27, 2010, 8:17 am

    I actually just like to cube my tofu and fry it in a pan with a bit of olive oil. I don’t generally use a marinade because I like the flavour of tofu as it is!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion August 27, 2010, 11:16 am

    I like it baked or stir-fryed. I like to make baked buffalo tofu. Tofu+buffalo sauce is a match made in foodie heaven! Glad you had a relaxing for days!

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