Best "bacon" you will ever taste

      

    OK-- now that I have your attention what is pictured above is a vegan BLT made with portobello mushrooms.  I have to say that it was one of the best all time sandwiches I have ever had.  I have never been a fan of bacon because even though it tastes good it has to be one of the most unhealthy foods you can eat.  I have learned from my vegan Daughter how good vegan food can taste if you know how to prepare it.

    The sliced mushrooms are marinated in a combination of liquid smoke and maple syrup and then baked in the oven.   For crispy strips put them under the broiler for just a minute (watch them closely so they don't burn).

     To keep the sandwich vegan use a vegan mayo by Hampton Creek sold at Giant. The taste of these strips is better than maple flavored bacon. For a burger you can just use the whole portobello mushroom cap.  You can also crumble the mushroom for using in place of bacon in any recipe.

P.S.
     I also like to add a little balsamic vinegar reduction to my marinade for a little more bite to the mushrooms.

P.S.
    My daughter's vegan brownies are also the best I have ever had.  Here is the recipe for those:


Ingredients for vegan brownies:
1 1/2 C. granulated sugar
3/4 C. unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
1/2 C. water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 C. unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C. chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions
1 Preheat oven to 350 F. With canola oil, grease an 8x8 baking pan.
2 In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, applesauce, and 2 tablespoons water.
3 In a small bowl or food processor, combine the ground flaxseed with 1/2 water (until thick & frothy). Add this to the applesauce mixture, along with the vanilla and stir to combine.
4 In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Add to the applesauce mixture and stir just to combine.
5 Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes. The finished product should be moist. Bake longer if you like a cakier result. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting.


#hocofood