My 7

[dalthauser]

mztasia picked these interests for me so comment about.  If you want to play too, let me know and I'll pick 7 interests for you to write about in a comment here - then post in your own journal (etc.)
 
Alternative energy, Invader Zim, Tempeh, Tofu, Alan Watts, and Peter Salett

Alternative Energy - I am facinated with all forms of alternative energy from solar to peddling.  I still don't understand why we stopped going in the direction of the electric car (though I think big oil had a lot to do with it). 

Invader Zim - My daughter introduced me.  Animated TV show that was on Nickelodeon.  The creator is the same person who does the graphic novels including Johnny The Homicidal Maniac (great entertainment - seriously).  I can't believe they took Zim off the air.  I think there just wasn't a niche for that type of show (the closest thing to it that I know of is SouthPark). 

Tempeh - When I first became "vegetarian" (I hate labels - but if you just say you prefer to not eat meat people think that's even weirder) I looked for alternative forms of condensed protein.  They didn't sell tempeh in Japan (at least not anywhere near where I live), but they did have it in an indonesian restaurant I went to.  A woman who worked there taught me how to ferment it myself - and I've been making it ever since.

Tofu - My favorite Tofu is deep fried with panko breading - with tempura dipping dauce on the side.  Yum!!

Alan Watts - My hero.  Seriously - he changed my life - opened my eyes up to every possibility under the sun.  After reading a few of his books I wasn't afraid to question my reality and explore beyond the limits I thought I had.

Peter Salett - I heard his music from the movie Down in the Valley, and I fell in love.  I now have all his CD's, but I STILL don't have the one song that got me hooked (Sunshine) because it's not on any of his CD's.  I heard you can download it, but I don't have the ability to do that.

Comments

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I don't really have a recipe, but here's how I make it:

I use extra firm tofu (if you use firm - press the excess moisture out between two towels). Cut it into cubes - size depends on how you will eat it. It's also good in 1/2" slabs if you are making sandwiches.

Make three bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour/Spice Mixture (spices can depend on how you want the flavor of the tofu to be. I like to use wasabi powder sometimes - sometimes curry powder). I really spice up the flour good so the flavor comes through when it's done.

Bowl 2: Beaten egg (how many eggs depends on how much tofu you're doing - for me, it just takes one.

Bowl 3: Panko (or bread crumbs - I like panko best though)

Dredge tofu in the flour mixture, then dip in egg mixture coating all over - hold it up for a few seconds to let most of excess egg drip off - then roll in panko/breadcrumbs. Set on pan.

When all the tofu is breaded put the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes (not enough to freeze tofu - just enough to thoroughly chill everything).

Heat your oil (I use canola, but that's only because it's the only thing in my house besides olive oil) to 350-360 (oil shouldn't be smoking, but it should be good and hot).

Fry until medium golden brown on all sides. As each is cooked placed them on paper towels to drain.

For tempura-style dipping sauce I put 2 parts mirin, 1 part water, 1 part shoyu, and minced ginger / garlic to taste.

[artkouros.livejournal.com]

Thanks!