tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post114287643880165604..comments2024-03-09T23:07:41.551-08:00Comments on Vegan Lunch Box: Tofu-Vegetable SpreadJennifershmoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1144285273589973732006-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:002006-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:00ohohohoh!! that fruit leather is the best!ohohohoh!! that fruit leather is the best!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143685850637831522006-03-29T18:30:00.000-08:002006-03-29T18:30:00.000-08:00I've never simmered it. I just press the tofu betw...I've never simmered it. I just press the tofu between two plates with about 5 lbs on top to get the water out, then I dry it with a towel. I love your blog by the way...fabulous pictures. if you feel like making lunch for others, let me know ;)Bearettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14695540798528134304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143563077739008242006-03-28T08:24:00.000-08:002006-03-28T08:24:00.000-08:00I've definitely heard that you should blanch tofu ...I've definitely heard that you should blanch tofu if you're using it raw, but I never do it myself--even for my kids. And I've never had a problem. I also don't buy it in bulk, I get it in packages.Amy O'Neill Houckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04554411237706815410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143236591103615602006-03-24T13:43:00.000-08:002006-03-24T13:43:00.000-08:00I don't know if this is a vote, but I would never ...I don't know if this is a vote, but I would never eat uncooked tofu (except for Japanese-style silken tofu). I advise my readers to cook it too. If you're working on a cookbook, it's better to be safe than sorry.<BR/><BR/>If it's too much trouble to cook it for "egg" salad, then use the silken style.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143053834494219682006-03-22T10:57:00.000-08:002006-03-22T10:57:00.000-08:00I hate to point out the obvious, but that girl doi...I hate to point out the obvious, but that girl doing the science experiment with the ice is not a true lab scientist. If it's just a kid doing an experiment, she's not in a controlled lab. It's much like the Myth Busters show. They do "experiments" but they aren't really all that well done, or done in a true lab fashion. Yes, the findings are gross, but I hesistate to freak out about it and believe it as gospel truth or something. <BR/><BR/>Also, bacteria seems very vague. There are good bacteria and there are bad bacteria. We need the good bacteria. So just saying that there are "bacteria breeding" in something sounds like a scare tactic to me. It's one thing if that bacteria causes infections, food poisoning, or something of that caliber. But the general term bacteria means nothing. Yogurt has bacteria in it. We've just been socialized by chemical commericals and the media sensationalizing everything, to freak out about the word bacteria like it's a disease itself. <BR/>Personally, I probably would not worry about steaming the tofu.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142993549919886832006-03-21T18:12:00.000-08:002006-03-21T18:12:00.000-08:00Thanks for the advice re: frezing silken tofu. The...Thanks for the advice re: frezing silken tofu. The package doesn't seem to have expanded too much. I think I'll attempt to use it. I'm going to crumble it up really small anyway or cream it. I don't like the texture of tofu, so I don't cook with pieces big enough that I'd have to chew them. :)<BR/><BR/>(Right now, I'm eating the flatua idea from last week and it's pretty good. I used too much oil but it's fairly tasty.)Copy Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18152273437083075422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142974711841752962006-03-21T12:58:00.000-08:002006-03-21T12:58:00.000-08:00I think what they mean is when it comes in the BIG...I think what they mean is when it comes in the BIG bulk tubs and you buy it by the piece. In that case, I would DEFINITELY cook it/simmer it whatever before eating it because who knows if people stick their hands in the tubs or what.<BR/><BR/>Tofu like Nasoya that is in individual block packages factory sealed should be fine as is. It would be heat treated before leaving the factory and should be fine as long as its still sealed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142974381075771162006-03-21T12:53:00.000-08:002006-03-21T12:53:00.000-08:00LOL!LOL!Jennifershmoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142973566268047112006-03-21T12:39:00.000-08:002006-03-21T12:39:00.000-08:00We use the 7th generation napkins, as well. Mostl...We use the 7th generation napkins, as well. Mostly because we'd have to have two weeks worth of cloth napkins. . . <BR/><BR/>I mean, not that we put off doing the laundry. . .<BR/><BR/>Uh, never mind.Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15744306048642372564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142970651578228142006-03-21T11:50:00.000-08:002006-03-21T11:50:00.000-08:00The Seventh Generation Company makes paper napkins...The Seventh Generation Company makes paper napkins from recycled material that are kind of a light brownish color. That's what I use for everything. They are supposed to be biodegradable also. <BR/>Especially, if the cloth ones are going to get lost anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142969891989551442006-03-21T11:38:00.000-08:002006-03-21T11:38:00.000-08:00Here's another person who doesn't steam tofu befor...Here's another person who doesn't steam tofu before using. Jo Stepaniak's recipes are the only place I've run into that before. I tried it the first time I used one of her recipes, and then never bothered again. The commercially prepared tofu is certainly safe ... if bacteria were growing in it (say because it has not been kept cold enough, or the package has developed a small puncture) you'd notice by the package bulging. I've seen a few packages like that.<BR/><BR/>RE: you comments on paper vs. cloth napkins, I may be in the minority, but for kids I wouldn't bother with anything except paper. Even for myself, for all the lunches I pack for me, I always take paper since 1)my home cloth napkins are too pretty and I don't want to loose them, and 2)one less thing I have to remember to bring back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142966915244943352006-03-21T10:48:00.000-08:002006-03-21T10:48:00.000-08:00I just have to tell you that this blog is the most...I just have to tell you that this blog is the most adorable thing I've seen in months. Your shmoo is one lucky lil fella!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142966135175178982006-03-21T10:35:00.000-08:002006-03-21T10:35:00.000-08:00I've been simmering my tofu for several years now ...I've been simmering my tofu for several years now with a little vinegar thrown in the water. I went to a 7th Day Adventist cooking class where it was recommended whenever tofu was not going to be cooked in any way. The exception is the Mori-nu boxed type which you can use as is right out of the box. Most things I use tofu in are cooked or sauteed in some way except for when I make my Eggless Egg Salad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142965830139646742006-03-21T10:30:00.000-08:002006-03-21T10:30:00.000-08:00All I can say is "wow, wow, wow!!" Your blog is s...All I can say is "wow, wow, wow!!" Your blog is so amazing Jennifer, I wish I could get my kids to eat half of the delish stuff your shmoo eats! I always leave your blog a little envious..;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142965297687613882006-03-21T10:21:00.000-08:002006-03-21T10:21:00.000-08:00Ever wondered what you could do with Tofu Containe...Ever wondered what you could do with Tofu Container?<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.postpunkkitchen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3800" REL="nofollow">The Tofu Container Challenge! page 2</A> (this is old and over) and scroll down to post #32.<BR/><BR/>(Also check out <A HREF="http://www.postpunkkitchen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=220&p=1" REL="nofollow">page 1</A>.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142961981588015502006-03-21T09:26:00.000-08:002006-03-21T09:26:00.000-08:00I almost always eat my tofu raw, and I do not boil...I almost always eat my tofu raw, and I do not boil it before I eat it, but I always remove it from the water in which it was packed and then place it in a new container with fresh water. I change the water every day for 2-3 days and then I eat the tofu raw. A lot of stuff comes out of the tofu over those days...I'm not sure if soaking it really helps me in any substantive sense, and it could just be an old Japanese wives' tale that my mom told me, but it can't hurt, I guess.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142961018092234542006-03-21T09:10:00.000-08:002006-03-21T09:10:00.000-08:00here's yet another vote for not boiling tofu. gran...here's yet another vote for not boiling tofu. granted, i rarely i eat it raw, but i've never had food poisoning (stomach ache, flu symptoms, etc) from tofu. and if there does happen to be *some* bacteria in it, i'm okay with that. as previously mentioned, i think we all need a little bacteria to keep our immune systems on its toes. <BR/><BR/>however, i always rinse tofu thoroughly, whether it's being prepared raw or cooked. that's just because i can't stand the taste of the water it's packed in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142960977770137082006-03-21T09:09:00.000-08:002006-03-21T09:09:00.000-08:00oh Jennifer...I can't wait for the cookbook...woul...oh Jennifer...I can't wait for the cookbook...would you share the napkin instructions temporarily on your blog? Pretty, pretty please with vegan whipped cream and a cherry on top?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142959423551325602006-03-21T08:43:00.000-08:002006-03-21T08:43:00.000-08:00TV show "The View" has a segment today about Meat....TV show "The View" has a segment today about Meat. (3-21-06)<BR/><BR/>More of a reason to become a Vegan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142958851234651242006-03-21T08:34:00.000-08:002006-03-21T08:34:00.000-08:00>>so would you or dee share the instructions for t...>>so would you or dee share the instructions for the napkins?'<BR/><BR/>Yes, they're going in the cookbook!<BR/><BR/>>>I took a whole wheat mini-pita<BR/><BR/>That sounds so good! I drove all over this city looking for mini-pitas last month, and they are nowhere to be found. :-(Jennifershmoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142957765888871792006-03-21T08:16:00.000-08:002006-03-21T08:16:00.000-08:00I boil my tofu for recipes like eggless egg salad....I boil my tofu for recipes like eggless egg salad. (shrug) Extra step, and maybe not necessary, but I figure I might as well be safe. I like to be careful in the kitchen, esp since DH eats meat, which means possible cross-contamination issues, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142955357037010972006-03-21T07:35:00.000-08:002006-03-21T07:35:00.000-08:00According to the government, foodborne pathogens a...According to the government, foodborne pathogens are "Estimated to cause 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,200 deaths in the United States each year." That's enough to make me want to take the extra time heating that bean curd up! And to those who say they've "never gotten sick" from eating it -- how do you know? In most cases, foodborne illness gets passed off as something else (those pesky "stomach bugs" or days when you don't feel so hot).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142953658886076022006-03-21T07:07:00.000-08:002006-03-21T07:07:00.000-08:00To those who have suggested microwaving tofu to ki...To those who have suggested microwaving tofu to kill bacteria, microwaving tofu changes its texture significantly. I quite like it since it makes it chewy, but it's not necessarily what you want in recipes where tofu would normally be raw. Here's a picture of what microwaving does to tofu: http://www.pakupaku.info/sushifillings.shtml#pinktofu.Kourtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00334410909940214416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142952681200812232006-03-21T06:51:00.000-08:002006-03-21T06:51:00.000-08:00Some kids are just prone to losing things. I used ...Some kids are just prone to losing things. I used to be one of those kids (although I remembered where I left it later and had to go get it).<BR/><BR/>I just bought 2 of the Laptop Lunches (one for me, one for my son whose lunch/snacks I pack for daycare every day). His daycare has broken some of my glass containers that I send for hot stuff, but I'm thinking the Laptop lunches will be useful for the cold stuff and snacks and I won't be using sandwich bags for stuff anymore.<BR/><BR/>Being inspired by your food blog, I made something that was REALLY GOOD!!!! I took a whole wheat mini-pita, cut it in half. I spread some almond butter on the inside, and then put 2 blackberries in each little pocket. They were to die for. My kids, however, were not impressed and wanted to eat the apple I packed instead.<BR/><BR/>Neither have they been impressed with my breakfast spreads. This morning I served them bran/yogurt muffins (with a blueberry on top of each one, I imagine it would taste OK with soy yogurt. I got the recipe off the box of bran cereal), some fresh pineapple and a couple pieces of orange. My daughter saw the plate when she came downstairs and said "I DON'T WANT THAT!!!! I WANT CEREAL!!!" (mutter, ungrateful....)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1142952637448727602006-03-21T06:50:00.001-08:002006-03-21T06:50:00.001-08:00He lost his coats? Oh my! I remember loosing some ...He lost his coats? Oh my! I remember loosing some winter wear in grade 1. I insisted that I looked and couldn't find them. My mom came to the school and checked the Lost and Found box. There were my mittens, scarf and hat! Lost and Found box...what a concept! :-)<BR/>Today's lunch is simple but yet yummy. Anyone can have a delicious and nutritious lunch.Everyday Superherohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01770767316431629647noreply@blogger.com