Continuing our Quick from Scratch series I present to you my absolute favorite recipe, the page in my copy of the cookbook that’s falling out : Tofu with Spicy Pork and Snow Peas, a.k.a Fu Manchu Pork. While I don’t know if Fu Manchu partook of this particular dish I’m sure it would be enjoyed by super-villain and super-hero alike. It’s similar to mapo tofu but not nearly as spicy or complex. However, it’s very comforting and easy to put together, and takes less than 30 minutes from start of prep to serving. It’s great over rice but we typically have it by itself as a sort of stew. Just tonight we had some kimchi on the side. Be sure to add the sesame oil at the end, it adds a wonderful nutty flavor you would definitely miss (it’s Sharon’s favorite part).
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Allow me to introduce you to my favorite cookbook. Sure, I have prettier cookbooks, cookbooks I like to read like novels, cookbooks that look great on a shelf, but this one is falling apart, stained, riddled with notes and has pages I have to peel apart. Quick from Scratch: Real food for busy weeknights from Food & Wine Books is the cookbook I return to time and again. It has recipes I’ve nicknamed “Baby Soup” and “Fu Manchu Pork” (doesn’t everyone have nicknames for favorite recipes?). I’ve even given it as a gift.
Unfortunately, the book is out of print and the recipes aren’t available on the Food & Wine website. So, I will share some of our favorites with you. The first is a dead simple Mediterranean-style sandwich/pizza that’s perfect for summer. I’ve changed the recipe slightly by using lamb but use beef instead if you prefer. I love to top it with the garlicky tzatziki sauce but it’s entirely optional.
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