Creole Stuffed Tofu

Using a small knife, gently scoop out a 1/3-inch deep rectangle in each piece of tofu, leaving a 1/3-inch border. Salt the tofu pieces all over and set them cut sides down on paper towels to drain for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the butter. Add the scallions and a pinch of salt, cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until the scallions are very soft, 10 minutes; transfer to a blender. Add the half-and-half and puree. Season with salt.

Pat the tofu dry and mound the sausage in the cutouts. In a skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil. Add the tofu, sausage side up, cover with a splatter screen and cook over moderately high heat until browned. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to moderate and cook until the sausage is cooked through, 5 minutes.

Warm the scallion sauce and spoon onto plates. Top with the tofu. Garnish with celery and serve with lemon wedges and Tabasco.