Friday, September 14, 2007

Makin' Bakin

I love a challenge, so when asked about the hydrogenated fats in imitation bacon bits, I started on a quest. I normally don't buy premade meat analogs anyway, so why not figure out how to make these little bits of bacon-y goodness.

Of course, buying a jar of Bac-os is still the easiest.

Second easiest: Smart Bacon. Prepare as directed on the package, let cool and crumble.


But wait, that's still buying a premade meat analog?!? Well, at least there are no pesky hydrogenated fats...

Now, if you are a smidge adventurous, try this:

Imitation Bakin Bits
Ingredients
1/4 cup dry TVP granules
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp liquid smoke
1/8 tsp salt
a few drops of vegan red food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Mix together the water, liquid smoke, salt and food coloring. In a microwave safe dish, add it to the TVP and mix together. Cover with plastic wrap and cook for 2-3 minutes. In a dry pan, on medium high heat, place the reconstituted bits in a single layer and "toast" until the moisture is gone, constantly moving the bits around so they don't burn. Use as you would any imitation bacon bit.


6 comments:

Steffi said...

I'd love to make the TVP bacon, but no liquid smoke round here. do you think tamari would make a good substitute?

Joni Marie Newman said...

probably not, sorry. i think you will just end up with salty bits.

Anonymous said...

*worships you*

Anonymous said...

I just made them ["sans" food coloring] and I reiterate the worshiping bit. :)
[I managed to burn my finger when removing the bowl from the microwave though. hooray for being wide awake now!]

Anonymous said...

Great idea, but do you have any recommendations for a particular kind/brand of liquid smoke? Where I live (Washington state) there are almost a dozen!

Joni Marie Newman said...

aspirant...i think any brand would work, honestly, i usually buy the chapest one i see. i have "Wright's All Natural Hickory Smoke" in the fridge right now, but I recently found a brand called "Figaro" at the 99cent store so I bought a bottle! I would just use whatever your favorite flavor is, since you only need a smidge, you'll have a lot leftover and you'll be able to use it for lots of other stuff too!

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