Caramelized Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry

I just can't understand why so many people are afraid of such a versatile, healthy and mild food like tofu. To me, tofu resembles a soft cheese like mozzarella (in fact it's sometimes called the cheese of Asia), but it's lower in fat and calories and high in protein and minerals that our bodies need. You can give tofu flavor with any marinade, and give it texture by draining and baking, grilling or sautéing it so it can take the place of meat in many dishes. When my kids were toddlers, I used to put little cubes of tofu on their high chair trays for their baby buffets. The silken-style tofu is an excellent replacement for dairy products in sauces, especially when pureed. My friend and acclaimed food writer, April Fulton, host of the NPR food blog, The Salt, shared her delightful recipe for this savory, colorful, and flavorful meatless dish. If you haven't liked tofu in the past, I hope you'll keep an open mind and give one of my favorite foods a try. However, if you have an irrational fear of tofu, use chicken or beef in this recipe instead. Serve it with white or brown rice.