Crunchy Tofu Burgers

From the kitchen of a friend

Oil or vegetable spray for cooking
1 large package of firm tofu
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp soy bacon bits
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion

To serve:
6 whole-wheat burger buns
6 lettuce leaves
6 tomato slices
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
Carrot curls (optional garnish)
Cucumber slices (optional garnish)

In a medium bowl, mass tofu. Add oatmeal, cheese, walnuts, ketchup, soy bacon bits, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mix well and set aside.

Prepare pan using vegetable spray (or take a paper towel and spread the oil lightly over the frying pan). In a small skillet, over medium heat, heat oil. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until onion is cooked to desired tenderness. Stir into tofu mixture. Mix thoroughly and shape into six burgers.

Arrange burgers on broiler pan and broil until well browned (5 minutes or so) and do not turn.

Serve on slightly toasted buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, sprouts. Garnish with carrot curls and cucumber slices.

Makes 6 burgers.