Lately I've been reading several books and articles about the notion of simplicity. How so often we think of living "simple" in terms of having a lack of material possessions. While this is a great aspect of living this way, I am finding that this isn't the hardest part of maintaining that lifestyle... it's the complicated aspects of our social life, career, and endless responsibilities we put on ourselves that prevent most of us from that simple existence. With all the amazing technology at our reach to help us to become more efficient in our daily routine, you'd think we'd live a simpler life. Far from it. It seems like with this technology more distractions persist and the need to do more, because we can, is always chipping away at us. In an effort to become less stressed, better focused, and more efficient with my time I've started to pay attention to aspects of my day where I truly can simplify. For me that means not using social media as much, paring down my goal lists, stop multi-tasking, not attending every event I'm invited too, and cooking less fancy meals.

I once thought that a great cook (and wife) would never make the same meals over and over. That in order to become better at cooking I had to experiment all the time with different foods. As fun as that is, it's time consuming. When you don't know a recipe by heart, you can't just whip up dinner. So I'm stripping it all away. Going back to the basics. Because at the end of the day, we just want food in our bellies. No frills, just food. 

In my mind, sandwiches are the easiest thing in the whole to make; anyone can do it! You really can't go wrong with peanut butter and jelly, but for those days when you just want something more - spicy pb & jelly tofu sure doesn't disappoint. I know, it sounds bizarre, but if you love combining sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, you'll dig this guy. Not to mention, it makes a killer breakfast sandwich, so don't forget the coffee!!!

Spicy PB & Jelly Tofu Sandwich

Ingredients

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

2 TB Tamari or Soy Sauce

3 TB Rice Vinegar

1/2 TB Agave

5 TB hot sauce

1 pkg Firm Tofu

Greens

Peanut Butter

Jelly/Jam

Crusty Bread 

Directions

Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to drain water out of it. 

Combine garlic cloves, tamari, rice vinegar, agave, hot sauce, and mix well. 

Cut tofu into desired pieces. Arrange tofu in a baking dish and cover with marinade. 

Marinate for 15-30 minutes. Lightly oil a skillet and pan fry the tofu until the outside is well browned. Toast your bread then spread peanut butter on one or both bread pieces. Add lettuce and tofu, covering the tofu with lots of jelly. If you added more hot sauce, the jelly helps tame the spice! 

What's your go to sandwich?