Using imaginary bacon to vegetarianize a recipe

Morning Star Farms Bacon Strips

While most vegetarians find the idea of eating bacon to be repulsive, many still have a residual taste for the extra flavor  it can provide to an otherwise lackluster dish. Fortunately, there are several excellent vegetarian substitutes on the market.

One of my favorites is Morningstar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips, heareafter referred to as "imaginary bacon".

Alas, this product contains egg whites, so it is not vegan. But, if you can tolerate a little egg white in your diet, it makes a delicious bacon substitute in almost any recipe you want to vegetarianize.

Cooking imaginary bacon

 Here is a full proof way to cook imaginary bacon.

imaginary bacon strips ready to microwave 

1. Spread slices on a microwave plate so they are not touching.

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cooked imaginary bacon  

2. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the strength of your oven. The strips are ready when they barely start to brown.

turning hot strips to keep them from sticking 

3. Turn each of the strips over as soon as you remove them from the microwave. Turn them while they are hot to keep them from sticking to the plate.

Tip: If the strips are too floppy, cook them a few seconds more. You'll know exactly how long to cook your imaginary bacon after you make a few batches.

• Yves Meatless Canadian Bacon (vegan)
• LIghtlife Smart Bacon (vegan)

What's your favorite brand of imaginary bacon?

See also:

Vegetarian Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich