Cooking with Cat: Tofu Sticks, Cucumber Dip & Hummus
A perfect meal for your toddler.
Ever since I read this recipe, I have been interested to see how this would taste. I have tried tofu a couple of times and enjoyed it, but I never made it on my own. Tofu provides calcium and other necessary nutrients to promote healthy growth. Check out the Nutrient Chart for an overview of more essential vitamins and minerals your baby needs. Pairing tofu sticks with dips is a great way to introduce new foods to baby.
Cooking with tofu seemed intimidating to me at first, but surprisingly it was quite simple. The tofu sticks turned out very tasty and the cucumber dip and hummus were great for dipping. After serving these dips with the tofu sticks, you can use the dips with fresh fruits, veggies or whole wheat pita.
Here is what you will need:
1 pound firm or extra firm tofu, drained and water pressed out
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp. Oregano (optional)
1/2 tsp. Parsley (optional)
1/4 cup Olive oil
paprika (optional)
Cut tofu into 3 by 1/2 inch stripes.
Pour parsley into bowl with breadcrumbs.
Pour oregano into bowl with breadcrumbs.
Mix spices with bread crumbs.
Lightly spread olive oil onto tofu.
Dip each piece of tofu into the breadcrumbs.
Note* be sure to cover all sides of the tofu with breadcrumbs.
Lightly brush baking sheet with olive oil & place tofu sticks onto the baking sheet.
Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake for 20 -30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until lightly browned.
Note* The thicker the tofu sticks are, the longer they will need to cook. I left mine in the oven for 30 minutes.
While the Tofu Sticks are baking, you can prepare the hummus and cucumber dip.
Here is what you will need to make Honey of a Hummus.
Note* Honey should only be offered to children after their first birthday.
1 can drained chick peas (garbanzo beans)
1/4 cup tahini (add more or less until you get the desired consistency)
1/4 cup honey
Mix tahini with chick peas, and using immersion blender and blend.
Tahini has a strong taste, I would recommend trying the hummus as you add more. Also, you can substitute tahini with liquids like tomato juice, olive oil,lemon oil or sesame oil.
Note* The mixture will be a little thick.
Add honey.
Mix with blender until you get the desired consistency. Refrigerate when finished with hummus.
Here is what you will need for the Quick and Easy Cucumber Dip.
2 English cucumbers
1 8 oz container of plain yogurt
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
Peel cucumber.
Cut cucumber.
Puree cucumbers with immersion blender and drain excess liquid with a strainer.
Mix garlic powder with yogurt.
Pour yogurt in with pureed cucumbers.
Mix yogurt with cucumber. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Remove the Tofu Sticks from the oven and let cool.
Serve and enjoy.
Dips are great for picnics and travel.
Yummy!