Mushroom Bacon

I have to tell you, I am so over coconut bacon. As I have been very open about in the past, unlike many folks in the wellness world, I don't believe coconuts perform miracles. The oil is heavy and greasy. With coconut bacon, its the texture. I once threw a bunch into something I made for Adam and I and he told me it was like eating paper. I have to admit, he's right! I will stick with coconut milk thanks, and everyone else can eat all the bacon and oil.

Anyways, I've seen people use various veggies to make bacon substitutes and decided I wanted to try making one with mushrooms since I not only love them, but they are naturally meaty. I have to tell you, I am completely smitten. I threw these into a pasta dish, but I am already fantasizing about using them in omelettes, salads or just shoveling them into my pie whole as fast as possible. They are ridiculously good. And super easy to make too. The only thing is, you need to get dried mushrooms. Fresh has too much moisture in it. I can get big packs of shitake mushrooms dried at my Korean market for $5. If you can't find them, order them online.

4 cups dried shitake mushrooms
1/4 cup boiling water
4 tbsp sherry vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or vegan and/or gluten-free substitute such as tamari or coconut aminos)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp pure maple extract + stevia, to taste (or 2 tbsp pure maple syrup)

Crumble dried mushrooms into bowl. Add all remaining ingredients and stir well. Let sit until mushrooms have absorbed all the liquid. Bake at 350F on parchment lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes or so, but make sure mushrooms don't burn. Keep refrigerated up to a week.

Roasted Cauliflower and Grapes

Geez, how long has it been since I posted a recipe here?

Its not because I am not constantly cooking and baking up new things, its just all going on my Konjac for Life website and Instagram page.

But here is one for you. As you know, I adore roasted veggies, but a lot of fruits can also be roasted too for awesome results. This dish combines the two giving you a delicious sweet, savory recipe that's simple and flavourful.

I've made it a few times now for dinner parties, because its a little different than the usual stuff. Its low calorie, nutritious, high in fibre, gluten-free and vegan!

Roasted Cauliflower and Grapes

1 large, or 2 small heads, cauliflower, cut/chopped into bite sized pieces
1 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups seedless, red grapes
1/4-1/3 Balsamic vinegar (I used a cranberry pear balsamic, but regular balsamic, or even white balsamic work too!)

Steam cauliflower a few minutes until tender crisp. Transfer to large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread on foil or parchment lined baking sheet and roast at 375F until it starts to brown. Add grapes and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Toss with balsamic and serve warm or room temperature.

Enjoy!

Homemade Strawberry "Quest" Bars

If you avoid protein bars because you worry about the ingredients, don't like the taste of most of them, or can't afford the expense (These days the good ones are over $3 each!), than make your own.

These are so super easy and you can customize them to your taste and nutritional needs.

Using Vitafiber syrup makes them high in fibre. Using a plant-based protein powder will keep them vegan, and if you use coconut flour, instead of almond flour, they are nut-free.

If you don't want strawberry flavour, you can sub another type of freeze dried fruit. You can also make them a bit more decadent by drizzling melted chocolate over top. But in warm weather, that will make them a bit messier if you are eating them on the go.

Homemade Strawberry "Quest" Bars

1.5 cups Vitafiber syrup (or other IMO syrup)
2 cups vanilla or berry flavoured protein powder, sugar-free
1 cup freeze dried strawberries, whirled in blender
8 tbsp coconut flour (or 10 tbsp almond flour)
1 tsp beet juice powder (optional)

Pour syrup into pot and heat until bubbling over medium. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until well mixed. Dump dough into parchment lined baking dish (either 9x9 for thicker bars, or 9x12 for thinner bars). Chill until firm. Remove from pan with parchment paper. Cut into desired size and shape. Keep in airtight container in cool place for up to 3 weeks.

I have shared this recipe with Urban Naturale's Plant-based Pot-Luck party.