The Fear of Thankgiving!

Terror set in when my daughter asked if my sister was making her something special for Thanksgiving dinner. I told my daughter as a guest and the only vegetarian you can't expect her to cook just for you. My words kept echoing in my head, "There will be side dishes that you can eat." It was out of guilt that I stumpled upon a Tofurky Recipe which I modified to work with ingredients found in my cabinets. I'm thankful that I was able to make my daughter's day special with this faux turkey!

Tofu Turkey
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound firm tofu
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces cubed bread crumbs
2/3 cup water with vegetable boullion
Dried imported mushrooms
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon sage
2 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 teaspoon barbeque sauce
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon appricot jam
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:
1. Drain and rinse tofu; in a food processor or blender, process tofu until smooth. Stir in salt, marjoram, poultry seasoning and pepper. Line a sieve with 2 sheets of paper towel and place over an empty bowl. Place tofu in lined sieve and press against sides to form a deep well in the middle. Place 2 more sheets of paper towel over tofu and refrigerate for 2 hours.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat combine bread cubes, 2/3 cup water and margarine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes and fluff with a fork. To the stuffing add sauted celery and green onions (both optional), dried mushroom (pre-soaked in water), sage and 2 tablespoons water.

3. After tofu has chilled for 2 hours, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). With 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, grease a baking sheet.

4. Remove the top layer of paper towels from the tofu. If necessary, again press tofu against the sides of the sieve to form a well. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the well and smooth the surface with a spoon. Invert the tofu mold onto prepared baking sheet. Remove the remaining paper towel layer and shape the tofu with your hands if it has cracked or lost its shape.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining barbecue sauce, mustard, apricot jam, orange juice, sesame seeds and remaining 3 tablespoons oil. After tofu has baked for 30 minutes, brush or spoon the glaze over it. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes more.

7. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tofu is browned and crispy.