Thom Christopher's Wok-sauteed Tofu And Vegetables

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

Title: THOM CHRISTOPHER'S WOK-SAUTEED TOFU AND VEGETABLES
Categories: Vegetables
Yield: 8 servings

2 tb Sesame oil
1/4 lb Broccoli florets
12 Asparagus tips
2 Carrots, julienned
1 sm Zucchini, cut into wheels
1/4 lb Snow peas
1 md Red pepper, julienned
1 md Green pepper, julienned
1 lb Tofu, cut into thin strips
2 Scallions, chopped
Tamari or soy sauce to taste

Thom Christopher may have walked away with an Emmy for his role as drug
kingpin Carlo Hesser on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, but he says his mother, Nancy,
swept the awards when it came to talent in the kitchen. "My mother was the
most incredible Italian cook," recalls Christopher (who was transformed
into jewel expert Mortimer Bern on the ABC show after his character Carlo
was murdered). "What's always fascinated me about my mom is that she could
work and come home and unexpectedly make meals for 20 people and upward."
Which is exactly what she did one evening in 1961 for Christopher and a
group of actors who had been rehearsing all afternoon: "Everyone said,
'What are we going to do with a party of 24?' I called home and said, 'Mom,
I'd like to bring the company home for dinner', and she said, 'How many?' I
said, 'About 24.' By the time we got home, she had made chicken with tomato
sauce, shells in tomato sauce, stuffed braciola, chicken soup with
escarole. To this day, we all remember that awesome meal."

Christopher's mom passed on her passion for cooking. The actor now enjoys
his own elaborate dinner parties with his wife, Judy, in their Manhattan
town house. Judy creates the entrees while Christopher whips up the
appetizers and desserts - from tuna-fish specialties to banana trifle.

His recipe for sauteed tofu and vegetables - which can be served as an
appetizer or a side dish - reflects his cooking philosophy. "I believe in
economy in the kitchen," he says. "You can eat very nicely without spending
the kitchen sink."

Coat the cooking area of a wok or deep frying pan with sesame oil and heat
until very hot. First, saute broccoli, asparagus, and carrots for a few
minutes. Then add zucchini, snow peas, and peppers and cook for another
minute or two. Add tofu and scallions last. Saute everything in sesame oil
for 2 more minutes. Then add tamari or soy sauce to taste and cook a little
longer, until vegetables are tender but not overcooked. Vegetables should
be stirred frequently and cooking time should not exceed 20 minutes.

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