Coconut Bacon

Sounds strange, huh? If you haven't heard, it's the new hot thing in the Veg world. I was dying to get my hands on some so I ventured out on a limb here and made my own. It was super simple and turned out so yummy. I ate a handful of this straight from the pan.

Then with restraint I put the rest away. It would be great for a BLT sandwich, over a salad, or over a baked/mashed potatoes, really- the options are endless.

3 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked, not shredded, coconut (I bought mine at Whole Foods)
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Preheat oven to 325° degrees. Combine liquid smoke, braggs, maple syrup, water, and paprika if using, in a large mixing bowl. Pour in flaked coconut, using a wooden spoon to gently toss the coconut in the liquid mixture. You want the coconut to absorb the liquid mixture since that's where the flavor comes from, keep tossing until all the liquid is absorbed and the flakes are well coated. Save yourself from a mess and use a huge mixing bowl. Once the coconut is evenly coated, pour it onto a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and stick it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, using a spatula to flip the coconut bacon about every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly. Keep your eyes peeled, this will burn if you're not constantly flipping it. Store in a sealed bag or container for up to a week in a cool dry place.

Recipe from Fettle Vegan

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - See more at: http://www.fettlevegan.com/4/post/2012/07/coconut-bacon.html#sthash.87RCV0YZ.dpuf