1/2 lb. ground beef (may use sm. shrimp, chicken, pork or fish)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder)
1 lb. carton med. firm tofu
1 c. frozen peas/carrots, cooked & drained
1 tbsp. scallions, chopped in 1/4" lengths
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. chili pepper, optional

Coat raw meat with salt and cornstarch. Heat oil in skillet, brown garlic for 2 minutes (if using garlic powder, add with peas and carrots). Remove garlic cloves.

Use remaining oil to brown ground meat for 3-4 minutes. Drain off excess fat. Add tofu, stirring mixture gently. Reduce heat, simmer 5 minutes or until mixture is heated through. Add peas and carrots, scallions, soy sauce and chili if used. Simmer 2 minutes. Mix well and serve. Good served with steamed rice. Makes five 3/4 cup servings.