Vegan Smoked Country Coconut Bacon

Vegan Smoked Country Coconut Bacon

Bacon. The word alone causes many to drool or preach animal rights. The bacon craze is making people make everything  from everything from lip balm to baby formula...yes baby formula, look it up...I'll wait. Bacon is something that is an attention grabber no matter the side that you are on. I think that if you are vegan, we should have the option to enjoy everything that a meat-eater enjoys. Some of us are vegan for health and some for ethical reasons and by doing so we stand by our morals regardless. Now by doing this it doesn't make us any less ethical if we enjoy a vegan product that "mimics" a meat-eaters product. We do what we do because we want less suffering and more peaceful thinking. Whether you are a newbie to the vegan lifestyle or a vegan pro, no one can make you feel any less about your lifestyle just because you want to enjoy a meal that is in all ways compassionate over another. Okay okay, enough with the mushy preaching, we came here for the food!!

So what are we enjoying today? Bacon, but not just bacon...vegan bacon! Vegan bacon is wonderful and you can find everything from tempeh to soy. Many recently have been enjoying coconut bacon and all things bacon with it. Why not jump on the bandwagon too? But as I look around, there are a lot of the same old same old. I wanted to spice up the mix and try something a little different. This recipe shows you how to not only make coconut bacon but how to make a country style smoked variety...Did I mention its gluten-free too? This country bacon has everything that you could want...sweet, smokey, spiced, and oh soooo nice. Am I making you drool yet? This vegan bacon recipe can be served on everything from salads and sandwiches, as well as any recipe you want a bacon edge to...its also not bad on its own eaten out of the container, just saying. Anyway you serve it, you will surprise any picky eater with this crunchy alternative. Just serve and wait, you will get many crunchy smiles. Enjoy!

Vegan Smoked Country Coconut Bacon

Ingredients

3 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
2 Tablespoon liquid smoke (to taste)
3 Tablespoons soy sauce (Gluten-Free)
1 Tablespoon Molasses 
1 Tablespoon organic maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste (liberally)

Directions

Heat oven to 300 Degrees

Before you start, organize your ingredients and get it ready to use. 

Combine your seasoning ingredients in a bowl, whisk to combine.

Once you have your seasoning mixed, add it to the coconut and combine. Make sure to mix well, you want the coconut evenly coated. 

Place coconut in a shallow lightly greased baking sheet to assure there would be no sticking.

Bake at 300 for 20 minutes or until crisp.

You will want to check every 5-10 minutes. When you check it, use a spatula to turn each time. Once it has cooked, remove from the oven and place on the counter to rest. The coconut will continue to crisp as it cools.

Once at room temperature, enjoy with everything from sandwiches to salads and other vegan bacon friendly recipes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Ready to Serve Vegan BLT with the Recipe

-Amy