Coconut Bacon Love

You've heard of if, right? Coconut Bacon? It's been around for a while, but I'm usually late to the party, so it only just came into my awareness recently. I immediately went in search of a recipe, and there are many. I also found ready-made coconut bacons which of course are easier, but a lot more expensive than making your own. It's simple enough to make, but I wanted it even simpler than what I found out there, and I didn't want to buy liquid smoke, because I think the name is creepy. Sometimes that's how I decide.

This version is about as easy as it gets, it works in my little kitchen, and takes only four ingredients, all of which I already had - and none of which are liquid smoke. The finished "bacon" is ridiculously good. Use it on sandwiches, salads, cupcakes, whatever. We have a tendency to just sit with a bowl of the stuff and eat it all by itself.

Coconut Bacon
makes about 1 1/2 cups

1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
2 T tamari
1 T maple syrup
1 1/2 cups large unsweetened, untoasted coconut flakes

In a large bowl, mix together the paprika, tamari, and maple syrup.
Stir in the coconut flakes.
Let it all soak up the goodness for about an hour.
Preheat your oven to 250º, and line a baking pan with parchment.
Spread the coconut mixture on the pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on how crunchy you like it, stirring every 10 minutes. It will get crispier as it cools, so no need to overcook it.

Mix it all up and let it soak for an hour.

Spread evenly on parchment lined baking pan.

I made my first batch in a 350º oven, and baked it for only 20 minutes, stirring once half way through. The edges burned but the un-charred bits were quite good. I think it's better to turn the heat down and be patient. It's worth it. I baked this batch in my small oven at 250º for 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. It. Is. Awesome.

No pigs were harmed in the making of this bacon. :o)

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