I cannot believe how many people are involved in buying a house!  I guess it’s one of those things that you just don’t fully understand until you go through it.  There are realtors, lawyers, paralegals, inspectors, brokers… Whew.   But I’m learning a lot from all these professionals, which is fun!  I want to know everything I can about home ownership. 

 

We met with our broker today to sign gobs of paperwork (if anyone in Charlotte needs a recommendation, e-mail me – our lady is awesome!), and now we’re heading out for another inspection.

 

Breakfast were waffles (made with this mix), sunflower butter, maple syrup, and strawberries.

IMG_5824

And lunch featured the next “Prepping…” series ingredient:  Simple Baked Tofu!

IMG_5838

Tofu is very versatile, but my favorite way to cook it is to bake it.  I love the Perfect Baked Tofu marinade, but it requires longer prep and cooking time.  This Easy Baked Tofu isn’t as flavorful because there is no marinade, but it is crunchy, tasty, and works quite well as a salad topper or in wraps. 

 

For baking, extra firm is the best.

IMG_5830

Slice the container and drain out the liquid.  Don’t worry about pressing the tofu.

IMG_5831

Slice the tofu in 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick slices. 

IMG_5834

Lay out on a greased glass casserole dish. 

IMG_5835

After preheating the oven to 400 degrees, bake for 35 minutes (or until it gets crispy).

 

Serve and enjoy.   Easy, huh?

IMG_5837

IMG_5840

With a spinach salad – goat cheese, beets, strawberries, and creamy balsamic. Yum.

 

Hey – the Husband’s news spot is online!  He’s Kristien Boyle from the Holistic Wellness Center and come on about halfway through.  Is he more soft-spoken than you expected?

Whoop whoop!

 

Oh, and I just want to say that I really enjoyed reading the variety of comments on The Power of the Media Debate.  In my opinion, the most important thing is that we, as consumers, continue to discuss the impact of the media.  This forces companies to behave more responsibly and also helps other people feel not-so-alone if they are struggling.  I think it’s so great that we can all come together and share different opinions and learn from each other (I’m not just saying it, I really mean that!).  Thanks again for being so smart and awesome!

{ 98 comments }

 

  • Liz June 17, 2011, 1:59 pm

    Bummer.. the link to see your husband says you have to have a login.

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 4:26 pm

      It’s holisticcharlotte.com. I put the wrong URL!

  • colleen June 17, 2011, 2:03 pm

    Wait until you close on the house – more paperwork to sign and the pile you get sent home with is huge. Saw the news spot – for some reason I thought his accent wouldn’t be so strong. I could actually sit and hear him talk all day though.

  • Jodi June 17, 2011, 2:03 pm

    Your hubby sounds so much different than I thought he would, very soft-spoken indeed! And I’m still scared to try tofu…..

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 17, 2011, 2:03 pm

    That balsamic glaze looks good. I’m not a fan of tofu without some sort of marinade or dressing on it when it’s baked. It’s just too flavorless for me. I love it lightly “fried” in a saute pan though when it gets crispy!

  • Meghan June 17, 2011, 2:03 pm

    Weird, it played fine for me. Interesting to hear him talk! I was expecting a little more Estuary English for some reason, but he could be on the BBC!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) June 17, 2011, 2:05 pm

    I am definitely going to try preparing tofu this way. I loved your Perfect Baked Tofu, so I can’t wait to try this method!

    Your husband did a great job! I would be terrified to speak on camera!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 17, 2011, 2:07 pm

    I made and reviewed your Perfect Baked Tofu a while back here: http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2011/01/perfect-baked-tofu

    It was so so good! Definitely easy and tasty to make.

  • Bethany June 17, 2011, 2:07 pm

    Love your husbands accent. Great news piece.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat June 17, 2011, 2:08 pm

    You’re my tofu-baking twin – I make mine the same way! I agree that there’s totally no need to press it. Totally adding some to my dinner tonight!

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots June 17, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I am SO scared to make tofu. I’ve heard about all of these crazy intricate steps of draining and pressing and then it always being soggy. You make it look so easy. Must. Try.

  • katie June 17, 2011, 2:12 pm

    exactly how I thought he’d sound!

  • Jen G. June 17, 2011, 2:13 pm

    Ooh! I hadn’t seen your baked tofu marinade (I can’t eat it dry)… it looks incredible!

  • chloe @ 321delish June 17, 2011, 2:13 pm

    mmmmm I love beets! So good in so many dishes!

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out June 17, 2011, 2:16 pm

    I don’t think you link for the waffle mix works.

    I love tofu but don’t eat it often. Do you ever worry about too much soy consumption and it’s effect on estrogen levels?

  • Chelsea June 17, 2011, 2:20 pm

    Awh your husband did a great interview! I love his accent haha! So cool! I hope the bill gets passed for you guys 🙂 Best of luck!

  • Christena June 17, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I knew he was a Brit, but I was still surprised by the accent! He’s so proper and distinguished-sounding! I love it!

  • Shayla June 17, 2011, 2:22 pm

    OMG I love your hubby’s voice!!! I know he’s British, but I guess for some reason I imagined his accent to not be as thick since he’s lived here awhile? I dunno, but you have a hot sexy looking and sounding hubby! 😉 He did a great job by the way too, never would have guessed he would be afraid of public speaking 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:04 pm

      He moved here 11 years ago 🙂 Thank you very much!

  • *Andrea* June 17, 2011, 2:33 pm

    very well spoken!!! loveee the accent, so cute 🙂

  • Ally June 17, 2011, 2:34 pm

    What an awesome accent. It’s so proper! Sometimes I tend to imagine British-speaking people as straight-up Cockney or Essex-sounding (that kind of tough, sawed-off accent) but it’s so cool to hear someone with the Reserved Pronunciation. And it doesn’t seem like he’s lost it at all in the years he’s been here. Awesome stuff. And yes, very soft-spoken! (And can you tell I was a dialects student? lol)

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews June 17, 2011, 2:38 pm

    Love the video! How awesome. He’s a star!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 17, 2011, 2:50 pm

    I LOVE it! Oh and you made me miss tofu now with that lunch! I miss it so…

    I hope you have a great afternoon!

  • Sarah Jayne June 17, 2011, 2:52 pm

    HOOmahdah. I don’t think I would ever be able to carry on a conversation with him in person…that English liit would have me totally hypnotized. I am such a typical sucker for a man with an accent! (PLEASE don’t tell my fiance 🙂 )

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:05 pm

      Hahah that is really funny. I was the same way when we met.

  • Lauren @ Lettuce Eat Cake June 17, 2011, 2:52 pm

    I know you’ve said Kristien has an accent, but for some reason I didn’t really believe it. Haha. Anyway, it’s very adorable! I’d love to see a video Q&A of you guys interacting some time, maybe answering questions about your relationship together (if he was willing of course). Glad the clinic got some publicity!

  • Baking 'n' Books June 17, 2011, 2:53 pm

    Do you have it plain or marinate it? …the tofu I mean 😉

    I l(ur)ve tempeh and admit to buying the pre-packaged Sesame and garlic one…so wrong, but so right.

    • Baking 'n' Books June 17, 2011, 2:54 pm

      Okay – so now I see you mentioned the marinade.

  • Catherine June 17, 2011, 2:53 pm

    I just recently started eating tofu and I was wondering how to give it a little crunch without overcooking it. I’m excited to try your method and the marinade, as well!

    Kristien sounded adorable, yet very refined :)And I definitely agree with his perspective on the issue at hand. Good job, Kristien!

  • Sarah Jayne June 17, 2011, 2:53 pm

    Homahgah**=omg. Dont think anyone would ever figure out HOOmahdah. Wth iphone autocorrect!

  • Rachel @ No Need For Speed June 17, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Everyone said that YOUR voice sounded deeper than we would have guessed, and to me, your husband’s voice sounds higher than I would have guessed. Crazy!

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:05 pm

      Heheh that’s funny 🙂

  • Jess (In My Healthy Opinion) June 17, 2011, 3:12 pm

    I love your husband’s accent! It sounds a little different than I expected, but I’m a huge fan of any accent. 🙂

    I still have lots to learn about tofu, even as a vegan – thanks for the tips!

  • Rachel June 17, 2011, 3:18 pm

    seriously, Caitlin, your husband’s accent is RIDIC! he sounds so cute & proper 🙂 i was wondering if you ever worry about phytoestrogens w/ all the soy & tofu you eat. got me wondering if it maybe had some inmpact on your irregular pap? thoughts?

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:04 pm

      Hmm I don’t know if there is a soy/irregular pap connection but I do try to limit to once a day for that very reason!

  • Carol June 17, 2011, 3:19 pm

    I love preparing tofu on my indoor grill. I sprinkle some powdered ginger and sesame seeds on it. Yummy!

    Love your hubby’s accent! You should do a post together:)

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) June 17, 2011, 3:24 pm

    The discussions this morning about the media were very interesting!

    I’ve never ate tofu… I am a wimp when it comes to trying new things!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 17, 2011, 3:34 pm

    I buy the extra firm already cubed tofu and it gets SO crispy in the oven!

  • Julie @ Shining From Within June 17, 2011, 3:34 pm

    Love tofu! I can’t see the video 🙁

  • Laurie June 17, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Love the accent! (Caitlin, you’re so lucky! :)) He did a great job on the interview!

  • The Teenage Taste June 17, 2011, 3:42 pm

    Wow! I’ve always pan-fried or grilled my tofu, but I have to give this a try! It’s so simple! 😀

  • Ashley June 17, 2011, 3:43 pm

    Love his accent! It’s very soothing…lol, is that creepy? 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 17, 2011, 3:45 pm

    Whoa, buying a house sounds intense! I’ll go down that path when it comes…. thanks for the prep work!!

  • Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com) June 17, 2011, 3:46 pm

    I need to give tofu ‘another chance’. I’ve made it at home 1-2 before and it was just ‘okay’. I always like it in restaurants though! Thanks for the simple ‘prepping how to’

  • Marissa June 17, 2011, 3:48 pm

    I love tofu when I get it out in restaurants… but I just had a BAD experience with eating expired tofu I prepared myself (for some reason I thought it was NORMAL for it to smell like feet?!) and I’m not sure I’m willing to try again so soon after that!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga June 17, 2011, 4:05 pm

    I have a big Tofu Preps Tip post on my site under Tofu Recipes section. I always say that people who say they dont like tofu arent prepping it properly b/c if not done properly, tofu tastes like a wet old sponge to me, too. haha 🙂

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun June 17, 2011, 4:13 pm

    he did an awesome job!!!! i knew he was british, but somehow i when i imagined him speaking he didnt have a british accent…haha! i love hearing peoples voices after i think i know what they would sound like, im hardly ever right. people are always surprised by my voice because i sound like a dumb redneck….cant hide my southern accent at ALL!

  • Amy June 17, 2011, 4:18 pm

    The husband = hottie mchotterson!

  • Jennifer June 17, 2011, 4:19 pm

    He did such a great job! LOVE the accent. He sounds so proper, and well, English. 🙂

  • Marissa C June 17, 2011, 4:27 pm

    Those waffles look awesome–what mix was it?

  • Kiran June 17, 2011, 4:30 pm

    Those waffles has my name all over it 🙂

  • E June 17, 2011, 4:37 pm

    Adorable! I’m a sucker for a British accent 🙂

  • E June 17, 2011, 4:37 pm

    Adorable! I’m a sucker for a British accent 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 17, 2011, 4:40 pm

    I looove his accent! Nooo not at all~~I actually think that he’s surprisingly, exactly how I imagined him to be! He seems soft spoken/mellow to me 🙂 It’s great that he was on TV! I think that’ll help him a lot with clients as well.

  • Cara June 17, 2011, 4:43 pm

    That salad looks insanely delicious! I’ve never tried baked tofu, but now I can’t wait!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 17, 2011, 4:59 pm

    YOUR HUSBAND HAS THE MOST AWESOME ACCENT EVER!!! 😀 LOVE!!! … sorry… was that creepy? haha

  • monicanelsonfitness June 17, 2011, 5:09 pm

    I checked out the link! Well done Cailin’s Husband. 🙂

    BTW, this is my dream salad, bravo!

  • Johanna B June 17, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Wow, your last tweet was a cliffhanger and now I’ll have to wait til Monday AM to find out what’s happening.

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:02 pm

      Ugh There is no reason yet – but it’s a HUGE headache 🙁

  • Lindsey June 17, 2011, 5:29 pm

    Thanks for this post! I have bought tofu a few times but can never seem to prepare it right. I will give it another shot with your steps 🙂

  • susan June 17, 2011, 5:36 pm

    woohoooo hubby’s accent!!!!!!!!!!

    there’s nothing better than a british accent!!! =)

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 17, 2011, 5:37 pm

    I think that I’m going to make tofu my July goal. I think I’ve only had it once or twice before!

    Accent? That should be a requirement for all men….and glasses!!

  • Carey @ Positively Blonde June 17, 2011, 5:46 pm

    I had no idea your husband had an accent! But love tofu, I usually marinate mine but I like it baked plain as well!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews June 17, 2011, 6:37 pm

    Has anyone ever told you that you look just like Ashley the Bachelorette? I just started watching it today and cannot get over how similar you look : )

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 9:02 pm

      Haha I have not heard that before but I see the similarity!

  • Sana June 17, 2011, 7:09 pm

    I just adoreeee your husbands accent!!!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal June 17, 2011, 7:15 pm

    love Kristien’s accent!
    Instead of pressing tofu for an hour, I just give it a good squeeze with my hands in between some paper towels, then bake away! haha

  • Angela June 17, 2011, 7:33 pm

    He sounds like a quiet Russell Brand! Is he from Essex?

    It’s much better than my accent, a bit northern but not too Manchester!

    • CaitlinHTP June 17, 2011, 8:57 pm

      He’s from Reading!

  • Floey June 17, 2011, 7:44 pm

    Haha omg your husband has SUCH a sexy accent! (no worries, I have a boyfriend) 😀

  • Amy June 17, 2011, 8:09 pm

    Yay! The husband did so good! I love his accent!!

  • Jas June 17, 2011, 8:16 pm

    I have to agree with Floey, your husband’s accent would make me weak in the knees too 😉

  • Jaime June 17, 2011, 8:33 pm

    OMG, the Husband’s accent is SO adorable!!!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey June 17, 2011, 8:40 pm

    I love Baked Tofu – it’s the best! I didn’t want to turn my oven on today though, so I just sauteed it on the stovetop!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 17, 2011, 9:20 pm

    I am way too lazy to bake tofu in the oven! I always just pan fry it with a bit of EVO. Except I did try your perfect baked tofu recipe once and it was delicious! 😉

  • Theresa June 17, 2011, 9:54 pm

    I think it is unusually great that you show how to cook tofu and what the heck it comes in. The first time I bought, I was really scared. Not really, but really (like, wth is this?). I’m past that, but I know that as a someone new to it these pics would have helped. Who new it came packed in liquid. It’s kind of weird!

  • Laura June 17, 2011, 10:19 pm

    “North Caroliner”! Awww, adorable :).

    I am going to have to try your baked tofu soon, it sounds delicious. And I don’t have the excuse of not having the recipe handy now 🙂

    • Caitlin June 18, 2011, 7:01 pm

      I didn’t notice he did this until we watched the video – LOLz!

  • Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter) June 17, 2011, 11:26 pm

    Oh my gosh- I totally want a waffle now after seeing those for your bfast!

    I still have not successfully made tofu.. I think I need to follow your recipe step by step. When i try on my own it always comes out icky.

    • Laura June 17, 2011, 11:38 pm

      I’ll bet you’re not cooking it long enough. If too much moisture stays in it after the cooking process, it can be kind of gluey and gross.

  • Khushboo June 18, 2011, 2:06 am

    Although I haven’t seen the Yoplait ad, I’m really glad you raised the debate! I had a read-through the comments and it was really insightful to read about its effects from different perspectives!

  • Nathalie June 18, 2011, 10:13 am

    Just what I needed to decide on what to do with that block of tofu sitting in my fridge 🙂

    Great TV clip- I imagined your husband to have lost a bit of his British accent after all that time in the US, but apparently…not! He’s very well-spoken and if he was nervous about the interview it sure didn’t show!

    Just watched this video of Dr Mark Hyman talking at TED MED and though you and the husband might find it interesting too, if you haven’t seen it already:
    http://drhyman.com/mark-hyman-at-tedmed-2010-5339/
    (Hope it’s ok to post a link?!)

    • Nathalie June 18, 2011, 10:15 am

      thought…not though. Sorry 🙂

  • Ashley June 18, 2011, 10:15 am

    Your husband did a great job! Thanks for uploading the video; it’s a very interesting issue, and I’m happy to know the legislature is discussing licensing. Kristien’s voice reminds me of James Callis, of Battlestar Galactica, Bridget Jones, and other things, who I adore 🙂

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy June 18, 2011, 11:50 am

    We are closing on our first home on Friday, and it’s been a ton of paperwork! We took a week off of work (technically the first half of our honeymoon) to do the inspections, meet with insurance brokers, etc. because there’s no way we could have done everything after the 9-5 timeframe.

    Your husband has such a smooth voice, I wish I had a British doctor lol

    • Caitlin June 18, 2011, 7:03 pm

      It’s crazy isn’t it? There is so much to do!

  • Amber K June 18, 2011, 12:42 pm

    The hubs was definitely more soft-spoken then I thought!

    And you definitely made baked tofu sound super easy. One day I might get enough patience to try it 😉

  • Verna June 18, 2011, 1:54 pm

    Your hubby is such a stud! ; )

  • Carly June 18, 2011, 2:46 pm

    How cute is that accent?! 🙂

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 18, 2011, 3:51 pm

    He doesn’t sound more soft-spoken than I thought… just more… British. LOL. I love accents, though! I am notorious among my friends for swooning over them. My boyfriend has one, too!

  • Jen June 18, 2011, 5:50 pm

    Your husband’s accent is awesome! And I love that he says “naturopath” properly! (compared to the interviewer who kept saying “nature-o-path”…I kinda wanted to punch him).

    • Caitlin June 18, 2011, 7:03 pm

      Haha I thought that was odd, too!

  • faith June 19, 2011, 9:15 am

    Kristien did great on tv! Increased awknowledgement of alternative medicine can only be good for his practice, as my husband says “a rising tide lifts all boats”.

  • Amy June 23, 2011, 4:29 pm

    I die! I love love his accent and he did so great!

  • MomHTP December 30, 2012, 12:42 pm

    Glad to see Dr. Boyle is spreading the word about a much needed licensure in NC. Great job Kristien.

Healthy Tipping Point