Hoisin Tofu Salad with Pickled Carrots

Hoisin Tofu Salad with Pickled Carrots
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If you’re not much of a tofu fan, there is a chance this Hoisin Tofu Salad could change your mind. I am a huge tofu fan, particularly when it comes to extra firm tofu. It has a satisfying texture, is capable of taking on just about any flavor, and is as cheap as chips. Personally, I find it as satisfying as meat. And while that may not be true for you and is potentially blasphemous to suggest, I still think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this tofu. Why? Because it’s hands down the best tofu I’ve ever made and I’ve made a lot of tofu. So if you’re game, let’s make it.

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Seared Duck Salad with Hoisin Marmalade Glaze

Seared Duck Salad with Hoisin Marmalade Glaze
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I realize I say this a lot on this blog but today’s Seared Duck Salad with Hoisin Marmalade Glaze is my new favorite recipe. For me, this isn’t a surprise. It has everything I love and look for in a meal. A rich piece of protein paired with a refreshing pile of greens dressed in a sharp, acidic dressing. It offers indulgent flavors that rest heavily on the palette before being ushered away by brighter, lighter notes. This dish provides contrast but is balanced. And it is surprisingly easy to prepare. No really, searing a duck breast is easier than poaching an egg. To be honest, I think everything is easier than poaching an egg. Nothing gives me the sweats more than the thought of poaching eggs for a crowd. But that’s beside the point.

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Fresh Fig Salad with Fried Olives

Fresh Fig Salad with Fried Olives
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Sometimes the extra mile isn’t that far down the road. Take this Fresh Fig Salad for example. I think we can all agree this dish looks pretty fancy. It has segmented orange slices, whipped ricotta, and figs, arguably the fanciest fruit. So yeah, it’s a little over the top. But while this salad looks high-end, it’s actually fairly simple to pull off. And it’s so satisfying, you could serve it as the main event to much fanfare. There are certainly a few components to this dish and it does unfortunately generate its fair share of dirty dishes. But there is a lot here that you can make ahead, and as I mentioned, make this salad and a dessert and call it a day. Your dinner guests will not be left wanting.

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Tajín Shrimp Bowls with Mango Curtido

Tajin Shrimp Bowls with Mango Curtido
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Canadian Thanksgiving is officially two weeks away, so I thought I’d squeeze one last rational recipe in before the onslaught of holiday content begins. Today’s Tajín Shrimp Bowls are by design extremely low-key. They are the perfect thing to eat while binging questionable television in a mostly clean hoodie. Or at least that’s what I did with them. This is strictly a meal I make when I’m home alone. Mostly because Sunny, my lovely and patient partner, is a shrimp-hater. He’s trying his best with other shellfish but shrimp has proven to be a bridge too far. But that’s fine, more shrimp for me.

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