Ari's Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Tofu

This is a recipe that I originally created for a food-related art show in Philadelphia. I wanted to come up with something that was equal parts fun, unusual and delicious. The crunchiness of the bacon and caramelized brown sugar compliments the soft, chewy interior of the tofu. Tofu is very absorbent, so it also soaks up the smoky, bacon flavor. Sweet bacon-wrapped tofu is best served as an appetizer, but it can also hold its own as an entree with some greens on the side.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. extra firm tofu
- 1 lb. thick-sliced market bacon
- 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tbs. chili powder

Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2) Cut tofu into 1" cubes and cut each bacon slice into thirds. 3) Wrap each tofu cube with a piece of bacon. They should naturally stick together. 4) Stir together brown sugar and chili powder in a separate bowl. 5) Dredge wrapped tofu in brown sugar mixture. 6) Coat a rack and broiler pan with oil or a non-stick cooking spray. 7) Place wrapped tofu on broiler pan and place in oven. 8) Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and thoroughly cooked.