Happy National Bacon Day! Wait, what!? What’s this vegan talking about, celebrating bacon? Hang tight with me, I’m offering up my own meat-free version of a BLT! So, renaming the infamous sandwich to a MALT (because this avo lover added a few slices on top)!

Here’s a truth: I LOVE mushrooms! All kinds, including cremini, portabellos, button, and especially shitake! The taste, texture, minerals, and health benefits are just a few of the reasons I love them so.

And, did you know, shiitake mushrooms help fight cancer cells? This makes my cancer surviving, life thriving heart jump for more! The lentinan in shiitakes help heal chromosome damage caused by anticancer treatments (from a 2006 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine).

Shiitake mushrooms make a perfect alternative to traditional meat-based bacon, and act like little sponges to soak up flavor.

And, if you do happen to choose the traditional bacon goods, opt for the best you can find. With NO antibiotics, added growth hormones, artificial preservatives, animal byproducts, or small crates or cages used for animals, you know you’re getting the highest quality possible.

PREP TIME: 5-10 Min Prep; 15-20 Min Cook
SERVES: 1-2
TAGS: Vegan, lunch, dinner, meat-alternative, topping, gluten-free

INGREDIENTS (FOR THE BACON MUSHROOMS)

• 5-6 Shiitake Mushrooms
• 1-2 tsp EVOO or Coconut Oil
• 2 cloves diced garlic
• 6-8 pumps Amino Acids Soy Sauce Alternative Spray
• 1/2 tsp Ground pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice up a handful of fresh shiitakes (see below the beauties I handpicked fresh from @wholefoodsmiami South Beach, who have a full selection of fresh mushrooms to choose from!)
2. Toss lightly in olive or coconut oil, sprinkle on fresh ground pepper, 1-2 crushed garlic cloves, and add a spray of Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative
3. Roast on med-high (or 350°) for 15-30 minutes flipping over around the 10 minute mark
4. Serve immediately to top of your #MALT, or add to any salad, side dish, with an egg and kale, or any dish where you’re typically use animal bacon

CARNIVOROUS TWO CENTS

If you do happen to choose the traditional bacon goods, opt for the best you can find. Whole Foods offers meat options (including bacon) with NO antibiotics, added growth hormones, artificial preservatives, animal byproducts, or small crates or cages used for animals, you know you’re getting the highest quality possible.

@livefreewarrior partnered with Whole Foods Miami to share an inspiring way to celebrate this holiday with you, offering a vegan alternative.