Mushroom-Walnut Pate

1/4 cup water
3/4 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 lb. firm tofu, mashed
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 green bell pepper, cored and seeded
1/2 loaf of French bread
• Heat the water in a medium skillet over medium heat, then cook the mushrooms, onion, and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Put the vegetables and tofu in a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. Add the walnuts, salt, and pepper and purée for another 5 minutes.
• Chill the pâté thoroughly. Slice the bell pepper into rings. Top thin slices of crusty French bread with the rings, and fill the rings with the pâté.

Makes 6 to 8 servings