CARAMELIZED GOLDEN TOFU

1 (1 pound) package Chinese-style firm tofu, cut into slabs about 3/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Drain, then blot the tofu with paper towels. Cut it into thin slices.

Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet over fairly high heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden. It takes several minutes to color, so let it cook undisturbed while you do something else, then come back and turn the pieces. While you should let the tofu slices color, don't let them get dry and hard.

Mix the soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl, then add to the tofu in the wok. Toss well, then simmer 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Let the tofu cool in the syrup for 10 minutes, then transfer to a serving dish.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Source: The Ottawa Citizen, January 17 2001