Biscotti!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup light olive oil
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 eggs

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups pistachio nuts

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, mix together oil and sugar until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually stir into egg mixture. Mix in cranberries and nuts by hand.
• Divide dough in half. Form two logs (12x2 inches) on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Dough may be sticky; wet hands with cool water to handle dough more easily.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until logs are light brown. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
• Cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 inch thick slices. Lay on sides on parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until dry; cool.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Tofu

Ingredients

Brown rice

• 1¼ cup brown rice, preferably short grain

Roasted brussels sprouts

• 1½ pound Brussels sprouts
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• Fine grain sea salt

Extra crispy baked tofu

• 1 block of extra-firm tofu
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 T tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 T cornstarch or flour

Spicy honey-sesame glaze

• ¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
• 3 T honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 T rice vinegar
• 2 t toasted sesame oil
• 1 -3 t sriracha

Garnish

• 2 T sesame seeds
• Big handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Position your oven racks in the lower third and upper third of the oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Cook rice in rice cooker
3. Drain the tofu and use your palms to gently squeeze out some of the water. Slice the tofu in half lengthwise so you have two one-inch thick slabs. Transfer the tofu to a plate lined with a lint-free tea towel or paper towels. Fold the towel over one tofu slab, then place the other slab on top (see photo). Top with more towel and place something heavy on top to help the tofu drain.
4. Trim the nubby ends and any discolored leaves off the Brussels sprouts, then cut the sprouts in halves lengthwise. Toss the sprouts with a light, even layer of olive oil. On a large baking sheet, arrange the sprouts in an even layer, flat sides down, and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Transfer the drained tofu to a cutting board. Slice three long columns and five rows on each slab. Whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil and tamari, then drizzle it over the tofu and toss to coat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch over the tofu, and toss the tofu until the starch is evenly incorporated (no powdery spots remaining). Arrange the tofu in an even layer on a baking sheet (I lined mine with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
6. To bake the sprouts and tofu: Transfer the pan of Brussels sprouts to the lower oven rack, and the pan of tofu to the top rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing the contents of each pan halfway through cooking, until the sprouts and tofu are deeply golden on the edges.
7. To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the glaze ingredients (start with 1 teaspoon sriracha and add more to taste). Bring the glaze to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often and reducing heat as necessary, until the glaze is reduced by about half (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat.
8. To toast the sesame seeds: Pour the sesame seeds into a small pan. Toast for about 4 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning, until the seeds are turning golden and starting to make popping noises.
9. To assemble: Divide rice onto four plates. Top each plate with sprouts and tofu and drizzle with glaze. Finish each plate with a very generous sprinkling of sesame seeds and a small handful of chopped cilantro.