Instructions: 1. TOFU: Cut 1/2-inch slices from tofu block. Press and blot with paper towels until barely moist. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat half the oil (see tips) in a large nonstick skillet or stir-fry pan over medium high heat. Add tofu and stir fry. When beginning to brown, sprinkle with 5-spice and pepper and continue to cook for a total of 7 to 8 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle with salt; toss and remove tofu from pan.

2. FRIED RICE: Cook the frozen vegetables (see tip). Drain and cool; blot dry with paper towels. Coarsely chop. Set aside. Heat remaining oil in pan over medium high setting. Add bell pepper and green onions and saute 2 minutes. Add frozen vegetables including the peas: saute 1 minute. Make space in the bottom of the pan. Add the rice; sprinkle with 5-spice powder. Cook rice 1 minute. Stir to combine and continue to cook 2 minutes. Add tofu, soy sauce, half the cilantro, and all the pineapple chunks; Stir gently to combine. Cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in peanuts. Serve; garnish each portion with remaining cilantro.

PANTRY TIPS :
*Oil: a light cold-pressed peanut oil plus a few drops of aromatic toasted sesame oil.
*Spice: McCormicks Thai Seasoning (similar to 5 spice).
*Vegetables: total of 1/2 cup mixed vegetable per main dish serving or 1 1/2 cups total. Original recipe suggested snow peas.

Tested with a medley that included broccoli, celery, onion, waterchestnut, sugar snap peas, green beans, carrots.
*Cilantro: increase green onion if omitting cilantro.

Description: "Leftover brown rice; some canned pineapple"

Serving Ideas : Side dish: peel and cut a large orange; mix with remaining pineapple and juice; sprinkle with a little sugar if desired.

NOTES : Nutty brown rice was very satisfying and combined well with the other ingredients - better than white would have. Bob who is not a tofu fan likes this tofu dish. Great dish for both the daily or occasionally vegetarian.

Serves 3 to 6 as entree or side dish. The instruction times were accurate.

This recipe was modified from the original to include more vegetables with more variety; less oil and slightly less rice and pineapple.

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