Better-for-you Peanut Butter Pie
Silken tofu transforms this popular dessert

(Family Features) - Looking for a rich, creamy dessert for a celebration or special occasion? Need a little splurge for dinner, but don't want to turn on the stove or spend a lot of time on prep?

This heart-healthy, soy version of peanut butter pie tastes decadent, but has zero trans fats or cholesterol. Best of all, it takes mere minutes to make. Simply combine Nasoya Organic Silken tofu, peanut butter, honey, oil and vanilla in your blender, pour into a pre-baked pie shell and freeze.

"Health-conscious dessert lovers will love cooking with silken tofu because it provides all the smooth and creamy texture of cream cheese, without the fat and calories," says Jim Coleman, chef and host of PBS's "Healthy Flavors" cooking show.

Coleman notes that silken tofu can be substituted for butter, cream cheese, whipped cream or heavy cream in a variety of recipes. It works wonders in sweet recipes ranging from breakfast smoothies to puddings to pies. Silken tofu also gives a luxurious, velvety texture to dips and pasta sauces that would normally be laden with butter or cream.

In addition to working as a great stand-in for richer products with more saturated fat and calories, tofu also boasts great health benefits. As a soy product, tofu is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Consumption of soy products like tofu has also been linked to decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

Tofu Tips

There are several types of tofu-silken, soft, firm and extra firm. Some tofu even comes cubed or with added spices for convenience. Most recipes will specify which type of tofu is needed.

Tofu may be prepared many different ways. You can bake it, stir-fry, grill or slow-cook it; take any recipe and try swapping out the meat (chicken, beef, pork or fish) for tofu. You can also blend silken or soft tofu in desserts, dips and sauces.

Take care when storing and using tofu. Most tofu is water-packed, which means it must stay in water, so it doesn't dry out. Keep the tofu in its original package, refrigerated, until opened. Once opened, use all tofu, or store the remaining amount in the original container, filled with water, covered and refrigerated. Also, be sure to check the "Use By" date to ensure freshness.

For more creative and healthy recipes featuring silken and regular tofu, visit www.vitasoy-usa.com.

Frozen Organic Peanut Butter Pie
Makes: 8 servings

1 package Nasoya Organic Silken Tofu
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 9-inch pie shell (baked)

In a blender, puree all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour mixture into pie shell. Decorate with semi-sweet chocolate shavings or curls. Freeze for one hour. Before serving, let thaw for about 10 minutes.

Nutrients per serving: 380 calories, 4.5g saturated fat, 26g total fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 31g total carbohydrate, 21g sugars, 2g dietary fiber, 9g protein, 6% calcium.

SOURCE: Vitasoy