Et tu, Tofu?

These days, it seems everyone is talking tofu—and for good reason. That little gelatinous white brick of soy curd not only packs a powerful protein punch, but soy also provides tons of other body benefits, as well.

According to the American Dietetic Association, soy protein may aid in the prevention of several major diseases.

“In heart disease, soy helps lower blood cholesterol and possibly increases the good cholesterol. It might even help prevent some forms of cancer, reduce the symptoms of menopause and provide calcium to prevent osteoporosis, “ the ADA states.

Tofu is also low in fat, cholesterol and calories (three ounces of light, extra firm tofu contains a half a gram of fat, no cholesterol and only thirty-five calories) and is an excellent source of isoflavones, soy compounds that are similar to our bodies’ estrogen which studies are indicating may be useful in helping to prevent breast cancer.

Seems tofu is the food of the gods. So why, then, aren’t Americans eating more of it? Good question. In Southeast Asian countries, where soy foods like tofu are diet staples, “the incidence of breast, prostate and uterine cancer is substantially lower than in the USA,” say Helen Kim and Stephen Barnes, professors of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

But we Western meat-and-potatoes diners often shun the unknown, even when (or maybe especially when) we know it’s good for us. If you’ve ever sifted through your Chinese take-out to avoid those unidentifiable masses you know what I’m talking about.

In fact, many of the most common tofu recipes are Asian-inspired, so if you’re not a fan of soy sauce and sesame oil or you’re not a whiz with a wok, you may have been hesitant to give tofu a go.

It goes without saying that a sure way to get the good stuff down you is to make it more appealing. Well, what’s more appealing to an American palate than dessert? Sneaking tofu into an after-supper treat is a great way to reap the health benefits of soy while feeling a little indulgent. And these low-fat recipes will allow you to skip the guilt. It’s kinda like having your cake and eating tofu, too.

Citrus Tofu Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 pound 8 ounces silken tofu
1 pound Neufchatel (1/3 fat cream cheese)
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon grated lime rind
1/4 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
3 egg whites
Lime, orange and lemon rind curls for garnish

Directions:

Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press mixture into bottom of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake eight minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until golden brown. Cool.

In a large bowl, beat tofu at medium speed until smooth. Add cream cheese, sugar, flour, lemon, orange and lime rinds and vanilla; mix well. Beat in eggs and whites, one at a time until well combined. Pour mixture over crust.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit 50 to 60 minutes or until filling is set and edges of are slightly browned. Cool on wire rack to room temperature and then refrigerate at least four hours or overnight.

Remove from pan and garnish with citrus rind curls.

Makes 12 servings.

Note: To make rind curls, using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel a thin horizontal “equator” around citrus fruit.