People! Vegan "Bacon"

Ok. So I used to love bacon every once in awhile. Not turkey or vegan bacon. Pure, original fat-drippings-off-of-the-pan bacon. However, when I was going through a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit craving spurt (hi, McDonald's), I couldn't get myself to keep enjoying bacon the way I would like. Sooo ... I figured there has to be another way to enjoy this savory (or sweet) piece of goodness without the guilt *cue MUSHROOMS*

I'm always sautéing king oyster mushrooms because of their meaty texture and taste, so when this popped into my head I thought I'd do a little research. Adapted from Serious Eats, I took it upon myself to do a little tweaking and they turned out great! Seriously. I'm begging you to try these.

To be honest, I'm sure you can use shiitake mushrooms but I wanted to come as close as the real thing as possible and the shape of these bad boys, after slicing, hit the mark.

I mean, c'mon.

Don't worry, after devouring these things you don't have to feel any sort of guilt (which, you shouldn't anyway) because the health benefits are amazing:

- Good source of anti-oxidants which protects against disease and early aging

- Low in calories

- Rich in fiber

- Able to reduce blood cholesterol levels

- Easy on the stomach and digestive system <--- Yes!

Here are a couple of ways I incorporated my 'shrooms:

- Tossed on salads

- Bacon, egg and cheese biscuit

- Pasta

- BLT

Ingredients

- About a cup of King Oyster mushrooms, cut lengthwise into vertical slices

- 3 tablespoons avocado oil

- Himalayan pink salt

- Freshly ground black pepper

- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional)

- Pinch of coconut sugar

- Pinch of garlic powder

- Pinch of paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F or 176.6° C

2. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil

3. Place oven rack to center position

4. Add 2 tbsp avocado oil and brush evenly on each side of slices

5. Lay sliced mushrooms on sheet in a single layer - sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.

6. Transfer to oven and cook for 15-20 minutes - gently turn mushroom slices carefully with a thin spatula

+ Mushrooms quickly overcook, so monitor them carefully! Remove from oven and transfer mushrooms to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

7. Transfer mushrooms to a bowl and toss with maple syrup, sugar, spices and remaining oil.

8. (optional) Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

If you have any suggestions on how to incorporate this bacon, please comment, email me or tag Candid Health on your Instagram post!

ENJOY! Don't forget to be candid and live authentically!