Tofu in Caramel Sauce

This is a very tasty tofu recipe. Our entire family loves it. Serve with whole grain rice and stir-fry veggies, or with fried rice.

Adapted from Sunset magazine

• 1 pound extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

1. Cut tofu into 2- by 3-inch, 1/2-inch-thick slices and pat dry.

2. Place sugar in a large frying pan over medium-high heat; shake pan often until sugar is melted and amber colored, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup hot water (mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.

3. Stir in soy sauce, shallots, ginger, and garlic; stir often over high heat until boiling. Lay tofu pieces in a single layer in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Then turn pieces over; simmer until hot and coated with sauce, 3 to 4 minutes longer.

Yield: 4 servings