Serves: 5

Tofu, made of soybean curd that is pressed into a block, is high in protein and low in fat, making it a good choice for rounding out vegetarian meals. It has a very mild flavor of its own, and can easily carry the flavor of hot peppers, garlic and other ingredients.

Varieties of tofu include firm, which holds its shape for use in soups and stir-fries soft, which works well for blended dishes and silken, which is smooth and delicate, somewhat like custard.

Tofu comes packed in water. After you open the package, change the water every other day. Tofu is highly perishable and should be refrigerated for no more than a week. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing will change the texture, making it slightly chewier. Discard tofu if it develops a sour or "off" odor.

Easy ways to use tofu include:

*Mash with cottage cheese, chopped celery, chopped onion and herbs to make a sandwich spread.

*Boost protein content and thickness of a milk shake.

*Cut into tiny cubes or strips as a garnish for soup or tossed salad.

*Add to the blender when pureeing soup.

*Mash with potatoes.

*Add to a vegetable stir-fry.

More Recipes from the Cook'n with Pillsbury Cookbook:
Asparagus Risotto
Asparagus Stir-Fry
Black Bean Enchiladas
Cheese and Veggie Wraps
Cheesy Rice Casserole
Chunky Marinara Sauce
Coconut Curried Vegetables with Rice
Colorful Vegetable Stroganoff
Cook's Note: Asparagus
Cook's Note: Tofu
Creamy Mushroom Lasagna with Fresh Tomatoes
Curried Tofu Salad Sandwiches
Eggs Foo Yong
Fettuccine Alfredo
Five-Spice Mushroom and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce over Pasta
Garden Vegetable Quesadillas
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Hearty Grain Burgers
Hummus Sandwiches
Jerked Tofu and Vegetable Packets
Lentil Rice Loaf
Linguine With Red Pepper Pesto
Linguine with Roasted Vegetables
Low-Fat Alfredo Sauce over Fettuccine
Mediterranean Pasta Torte
Mexican Rice and Veggie Skillet
New Potato, Pasta and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Penne Provencal
Pesto
Polenta Wedges with Spaghetti Sauce
Portobello Muffuletta Sandwiches
Potatoes Curry
Powerful Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Quesadillas
Ravioli with Salsa-Black Bean Sauce
Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches with Spicy Green Chile dressing
Spicy Bean Burgers
Spicy Corn and Zucchini with Ramen Noodles
Spinach Gnocchi
Spinach Lasagna
Spinach Potato Loaf
Spinach and Tofu Manicotti
Thai Tofu and Vegetables in Peanut Sauce
Tofu Piccata
Vegetable and Bean Polenta Pie
Vegetable-Filled Manicotti
Vegetarian Fajitas
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Veggie Kabobs with Cumin-Scented Couscous