a new type of meatball (and sid relaxes...)

now that i can't eat gluten, i can no longer partake of any fake meat products. this is not really a problem for me as i rarely ate them in the past. if you don't eat meat, why would you want a fake meat product? however, i did enjoy veggie meatballs and bacon on occassion. meatballs, because tofu is just not satisfying with pasta and bacon when i wanted something smoky--because i'm not a fan of fake smoke flavoring either. bacon alternatives will have to be explored another day. but today, i can tell you about the tofu ball!

i modified this recipe from one on the post-punk kitchen site, again, my favorite vegan ladies. they were really good! i used peanut butter and co's the heat is on peanut butter and shallots rather than onion. AMAZING! but next time, i will not bother to coat in flour and pan fry. it's too labor-intensive. instead, i will coat my hands in oil and rub the balls down (yikes!!!) and bake them until they are browned and crispy-ish on the outside.

tofu balls

1 lb. extra firm tofu
1 shallot, fine diced and sauteed
3 tbsp peanut butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (i used a gluten free brand)
black pepper, to taste
dried basil, to taste
dried oregano, to taste

1. combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. squish together with your hands really well!
2. roll into 1 1/2 inch balls.
if frying:
3. coat in flour of your choice--i used white rice flour. pan fry in a non-stick skillet with hot oil until browned on all sides.
or bake as i mentioned above.

and the next morning, this is what my cat sid looked like. these are too cute not to post. he was tuckered out from something! perhaps he was still digesting delicious tofu balls :) (just kidding, he did not eat them, but he would because MAN does he love peanut butter!) in any case, he has never sat like this on the couch before, so i couldn't resist taking pictures.

full sun in the face.

and with his head down.

awwww...