"I miss summer already" salad

After reading the title of this post I know what you might be thinking, "Emily, it's only a few weeks into fall and you're already missing summer?!". What can I say? After having grown up on the salty coast of southeastern Virginia, I'm thoroughly a warm weather kind of gal. Don't get me wrong, I love early autumn with its lovely crisp air, leaves of various hues and foodie offerings like pumpkin pie and cider. BUT with the weather getting cooler, I'm already missing summer's warmth. Today's recipe is a salad that has the flavor of summer but has enough heat to keep you toasty in this cooler weather (especially if you like to go overboard on the black pepper like me!!).

"I miss summer already" salad
Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
6 oz firm or extra-firm tofu (~1/2 a container's worth; I promise, tofu is NOT as scary as it may sound!)
1/4 Bell pepper (in this salad orange and yellow are best)
1/2 Tomato
Alfalfa sprouts
Olive oil
Black pepper
Lime juice (optional)


Tofu

1. Place onto a plate and use a fork to crumble the tofu
2. Put the tofu on a skillet and mix in a little olive oil
3. Heat on medium heat for about 8 minutes while you prepare the veggies, stirring occasionally

Veggies

1. Wash and slice tomato and bell pepper to desired size
2. Wash alfalfa sprouts, blot on paper towel

Culmination

1. Remove tofu from heat and place on a plate
2. Sprinkle black pepper
3. Add alfalfa sprouts
4. Add sliced veggies
5. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle even more black pepper, and if desired, a spritz of lime juice
6. Bon appetit! 

Sunset on Lewes Beach - Summer 2010