A Taste of Tofu: Quick & Easy    by Yukiko Moriyama Order:  USA  Can Kodansha International, 2004 (2000) Hardcover, Softcover     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Tired of eating the same old things? Looking for something new and different? Inexpensive and healthy as well? I have just the thing. Tofu! I know. You're thinking 'that white stuff. I don't know what to do with it. What can you do with it? It looks strange. My family will turn up their noses.' Well, don't knock it until you've tried it. A Taste of Tofu will answer all your questions and shift that creative spark you have into high gear. I have to admit that once I didn't understand tofu and avoided it. My chef daughter changed that. I saw her toddler son one day eating tofu cubes sprinkled with sesame oil and a tiny bit of tamari heated a moment in the microwave. That to him was a snack! He loved it. He's fourteen now and still loves it. Opened my eyes. And this great cookbook will open your eyes. All the ingredients you will need to perfect the dishes presented are listed, as well as the equipment needed. The photos are glorious - full color and mouthwatering. To start, try Tofu Cheese Balls - or maybe you'd prefer the Tuna Balls. Great snack food for a party. Tofu Casserole, Tofu Teriyaki Steak and Spicy Grilled Tofu all look wonderful. There's Tofu Tempura, Stir-Fried Seafood and Vegetables, Sautéed Shrimp with Hoisin Sauce. Have I whetted your appetite yet? Mine's on high alert, just from leafing through the recipes. And these are just the Entrées. You can even make Tofu Mayonnaise! Keep in mind that these are mainly vegetarian recipes, although some incorporate chicken and seafood. Tofu is naturally low-calorie and high protein; an added bonus. I'm a devotee of omelets and have had the Tofu Omelet as well as tofu mixed with scrambled eggs. Nutricious, filling, and delicious. Deep-Fried Tofu Pouch Sushi would work well as a change for brunch or picnic fare. Then there's Tofu Cheese Cake topped with Kiwi Fruit. And Banana Pudding Pie. Even Pancakes and Cookies. You can make burgers, spaghetti sauce, braised chicken and even crabmeat patties. Tell me. Do you know of any other more versatile food than tofu? Bet not. Treat yourselves to something new and different. It's a shame to miss a new adventure in eating because you don't know what to do with it or fear you won't like it. As I said, you won't know until you try. Peruse the information section at the back. Everything you'll need to know to cook this fabulous food is there for your edification. Go for it. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews