celebrate | vegetable and tofu in chili ginger sauce

"This looks amazing" says my husband as he sees the plate of  arranged vegetables in a block of tofu.

"Do I hear sarcasm?" I retort back.

"No for real, it is a compliment" says he.

I look at him in disbelief.  Earlier while I was plating the veggies, I'd imagine him say something like: "have you gone nuts?" coupled with his usual rolling of the eyes.

"Someone is inspired" he says again.

Inspired? Well maybe yes and I giggle. I couldn't wait for us to sit down to tell him how I got an email from Yahoo! You see I am now a regular contributor for Yahoo! Voice.  This is an opportunity I welcome... and I celebrate as a food blogger.  I feel my heart is applauding the moment. (I'm sure my foodblogger friends know what I mean).

I take the celebration and inspiration to heart, and look how this simple side dish turn out to be the piece de resistance of our dinner.

"But wait a minute", he says.  "How come the tofu does not taste like anything?"

"Well the secret is in the sauce."  I reply.

"Hmm I love the crunch of the veggies and that sauce, wow you have your stamp on it.  But make sure to tell your readers that the secret is in the sauce ok?"

I smile back... so let me share with you Vegetables and Tofu with Chili Ginger Sauce and remember the "secret is in the sauce!"

Vegetable and Tofu in Chili Ginger Sauce

1 bag of mixed vegetables
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp of water or soup stock
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce (add more if you want it spicy)
1 clove garlic, minced
green onions, sliced

Pour a cup of water in a stock pot.  Add a teaspoon of baking powder.  Let it boil.  Drop the veggies and remove it 1-2 minutes after boiling.  Drain the excess water.

For the sauce:  Mix soy sauce, soup stock, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic and green onions in a bowl.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Adjust to taste.  Serve veggies with the sauce on the side.  But remember to tell your family and friends that the "secret is in the sauce" haha!  I like this dish spicy.  Enjoy!