Who would have guessed you could eat healthy, tasty tofu in so many different ethnic recipes? Even if regional cooking isn’t a favorite, you can still use tofu to make hearty American fare better for you.  Try slimming down your appetizers, soups, entrees and even desserts with a good-for-you ingredient that can take the place of eggs, cheese, cream and even meat in recipes. A soy-bean product that’s a staple in Asia, tofu takes on the flavor of other ingredients in a dish, and using this chameleon is a fast and easy way to control fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.

These ten recipes options are showstoppers, but you can easily add tofu to your soups, mac and cheese and other everyday picks.

10. Hot and Sour Soup. Quick and easy to make, your hot and sour soup creation will taste like Chinese takeout. It’s high in protein and calcium too.  Another advantage:  it will clear your head and chest congestion instantly.

9. Tofu in a Dessert. When you substitute tofu for some of the fattening ingredients in desserts, like cream and cheese, you’re adding protein and losing the fat. Your creations will be high in calcium and  lactose free.

8. Deep fried Tofu with Dipping Sauces. An Asian take on fried cheese sticks, fried tofu is crunchy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.

7. Eggless Egg Salad. This one’s great for people watching their cholesterol and vegetarians who lust after an occasional eggy indulgence. Choose firm tofu and dice it fine.

6. Crispy Barbecued Tofu Slices. When the grill is fired up and you have vegetarian friends over, this is a good way to include them in the fun. It’s also a great way to get the BBQ vibe without the fat.

5. No-Turkey Turkey. A vegetarian and cholesterol free thanksgiving meal that won’t put you to sleep before dark. Who could ask for more?

4. Tofu Parmigiana. Honestly, you won’t be able to tell that the tofu isn’t eggplant or veal.

3. Tasty Tofu Tacos. When you have a craving for healthy food but can’t afford to be naughty, try a tofu taco with your salsa.

2. Grilled Tofu and Chicken Pad Thai. If you have a craving for Thai food but don’t feel like climbing out of your fuzzy slippers, you can whip up a tofu meal that will make you feel like a world traveler. Tofu cooking is easy, even for a beginner.

1. Easy Tofu Dressing. Tofu doesn’t have to be chunked, diced or sliced. Use this versatile ingredient as a base for salad dressing, sandwich spread or vegetable dip. Just select a silken tofu and start blending.

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