Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

 * 1 cup cubed, firm tofu (½-in. cubes)
 * 2 stalks celery, cut into julienne strips
 * 2 carrots, shredded
 * 2 Italian plum tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
 * ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
 * 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
 * 1 cup broccoli florets
 * ½ cup Szechuwan peanut dressing

Garnish

 * raisins
 * toasted sesame seeds
 * fresh watercress sprigs
 * unsalted peanuts, optional

Szechuwan peanut dressing

 * ⅓ cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
 * ½ cup hot vegetable stock or hot water
 * 1 tsp soy sauce
 * 2 tbsp rice vinegar
 * 2 tbsp safflower oil
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * ½ tsp dry crushed red pepper

Directions

 * 1) In a large bowl, gently toss together salad ingredients.
 * 2) In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients.
 * 3) Pour over salad and toss again.
 * 4) Top with garnish.
 * 5) Advance preparation: both salad ingredients and dressing may be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
 * 6) For best quality, toss together just before serving.