How was that for a title, Frugal Feeding? ha.
(((I made sure today’s title was particularly horrendous for my British blogging friend
who loves my witty titles)))
One of my favorite things about my childhood
happened to be a certain day of the week:
Sunday.
My family and I would wake up, leave our pajamas on,
and pray to the Almighty bready breakfast food gods.
Depending on my mother’s mood,
we either sang our praises to pancakes or waffles drenched in syrup,
but always to bacon! Bacon was always present.
So in honor of this week of de-glutenizing and veganizing
my favorite childhood foods,
and because bacon really has a soft spot in my heart,
I thought I would give it a shot:
I’ve been hearing all about Tempeh on the blogging world,
something that I never knew about 2 months ago.
So when I saw bacon tempeh in the store, I was super excited to try it
until I realized that wheat was in the ingredients.
So I stood in the store, studying the list
so I could go home and attempt to recreate it with the original tempeh.
Thinly slice tempeh.
Prepare the Marinade:
- 1/4 c. soy sauce (gluten free!)
- 1/3 c. maple syrup
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Place into a shallow dish.
Place tempeh slices into the dish so it can absorb the marinade.
Allow to set for at least 20 minutes. You can even allow it to set overnight.
Heat up a frying pan with some oil on medium heat. Place slices in pan and allow to crisp/brown for 2-3 minutes per side. Set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
And what better way to eat some tempeh bacon
than in a classic B.L.T.A. Sandwich?!
Movita, you inspired this writing style on the photo.
Oh yeah, you better believe that I did the robot the moment I made this.
Come to think about it, nothing has possessed me to do the robot yet…
until now.
It’s a robot-worthy sandwich, filled with:
Tempeh Bacon
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Avocado
Heaven. I have missed sandwiches!
What’s that you ask?
What, those two incredibly sexy slices that are making the sandwich?
Oh, that.
I guess it’s safe to say that YES this bread IS free of gluten, eggs, and dairy!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, this is for those of us who are GF/Vegan.
I give to you–bread porn:
Can you hear that horrible 70′s music rolling?
You can find the awesome recipe for this bread here.
Do you need a moment alone?
Here’s a napkin to wipe the drool off…
AND DON’T FORGET!
65 comments
Sarah says:
May 6, 2013
A tip for those new to cooking tempeh…
After you slice it, steam it for ten minutes (I use my bamboo baskets). It takes out some of that bitterness and I find that it takes marinades better.
I wish I knew this trick sooner. It took me years to tolerate tempeh and now I am in love with it!
Cara says:
May 7, 2013
Love this tip! Never have done it myself so I will test it out, thank you Sarah.
frugalfeeding says:
Nov 9, 2012
Why did I never comment on this?! Mental… Silly title…
Heather says:
Jan 12, 2012
This looks like the best.tempeh.bacon.ever – period!
I absolutely adore maple syrup in and on practically everything and LOVE avocado on my sammies
Cara says:
Jan 12, 2012
I cannot believe that this was my first time trying it! You know what it would be good as really? Tempeh jerky. Maybe I will work on that one…sooooo good. (Huge avocado fan here, too!)
People, People, People: Redeeming the unredeemable | Walking the Labyrinth says:
Jan 10, 2012
[...] Fork and Beans. A wonderful blog about life gluten free vegan food everything. [...]
Lou says:
Jan 10, 2012
This is great – I’ve never even seen ready-made tempeh bacon in the stores here, so this is perfect. I’m still trying to convince my partner that tempeh is yummy, so I think this will be just the ticket. Must track down some liquid smoke… another thing not too common round these parts!
I love cheesy 70s “bow chicka wow wow” music hehehe.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oh, I hope you find the liquid smoke because it makes the bacon, really. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, my love. And you just made me snort with the bow chicka wow wow!!! haha
cadryskitchen says:
Jan 10, 2012
That’s a good lookin’ sandwich! Avocado really makes it, doesn’t it? I generally feel that without avocado, I’ll just skip the BLT. Our green, fatty friend adds so much. I like the script around the picture too. It brings it to life.
Hey, have you tried the smoky Soy Curls from Vegan Diner? They’re gluten free and my new favorite veggie bacon. They take on a really nice crispness and have a great texture. Plus, there’s none of that fermented taste to compete with and so it just focuses on the smoky, maple flavors. You should check it out if you haven’t already!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
I live off of avocados, really. I oculd eat guacamole every day. Oh wait, I do…
Note to self: Buy Vegan Diner now. Sounds delicious! I cannot believe I am just NOW getting into this stuff… HA.
Babs says:
Jan 10, 2012
BAAAAACON….Mmmm, Looks so dang tasty and won’t make me vomit from that meat smell.
SOLD!!!!
Wish I could be there to partake in some Sinful Sandies.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
HAHA. Sinful Sandies. I wish you were here to enjoy all the treaties baked up today and yesterday
You are right, when you leave, all the showstoppers come out. Maybe you shouldn’t leave anymore… hehe. BaaaAAAAAcoooooonnnn! I think you would love the BLTA, bud!
Sissy says:
Jan 10, 2012
Hahahahahaaaa. I totally remember those breakfasts. Not sure why I never learned to cook it but whatever. My favorite was scrambled eggs and toast … For dinner!!!! Yum!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
You mean the kind of scrambled eggs that you heat up in the microwave? Remember that? Man, that used to be my favorite thing to do–put 2 eggs into a mug, add some milk, mix it up and then put it into the microwave and watch it magically puff up. That is nasty, really. ha.
Richa@HobbyandMore says:
Jan 10, 2012
ooooh.. that sandwich is drooolicious! ok.. seriously i have never ever tasted bacon, but i know the smell coz so many peeps always end up getting some fried strips or some type around. and i never liked the smell. i got those strips once for hubbs for his blt, and that mix of spices is the real thing, coz as soon as i put that on the stove, my pom came out all ears up and sniffing around till he located the origin of the smell and there he sat the entire time! i’d rather tikka-fy my tempeh.
That bread looks gorgeous! can u please send me all your gf bread reference links so i can make my bread strategy! i have a bunch of questions, which i am going to post on your gf guide !
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
I just so heart you and all your little stories you leave as a comment. Makes me so happy!
Richa@HobbyandMore says:
Jan 10, 2012
its all your super fun write ups and titles!.. i read the post with a smile, then even funner memories get triggered, more smiles..and i dump those random things here.. a perfect day!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Well, don’t stop them because I so love them and they make *my* day! xo
coldandsleepy says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oh, I love tempeh any way you cut it… literally… but that bread looks amazing. It’s funny, I was really just wondering this morning: do non-wheat flours rise when you add yeast to them? What kind of crumb do they get? That picture answers a lot of questions for me!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Look at that! I am reading your mind
Lizzie says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oh, hell yes. Reminds me of a sandwich I had in Hawai’i, remains one of the best sandwiches I ever had. The avocado just totally brings it home. Mmmm….
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Was it a BLT also? If a sandwich can make you think of Hawai’i, well then, I have done my job correctly
The Hook says:
Jan 10, 2012
Looks… interesting.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Meat love, are you? bahaha.I could tell from “interesting”…You sound frightened
For those of us who can’t eat meat (for various reasons) it’s not bad really 
It’s not bacon, but not bad…
mj monaghan says:
Jan 10, 2012
Cara, Here’s Award #2:
Congratulations! It’s official – The Academy, okay, mj monaghan, has ALSO recognized your wonderful blog with the Candle Lighter Award!
Here’s the envelope with more details: http://wp.me/p1JIsL-cQ!
mj monaghan says:
Jan 10, 2012
BTW, note my first “thing about myself” at the bottom of the award link! No vegan, though!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
How funny and ironic! ha.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
TWO??? I think you are spoiling me now…now I’m going to be a diva or something
haha. THANK YOU. Goodness, you are way too kind, MJ!
lolabees says:
Jan 10, 2012
This is how I found your blog! I love food photos, and yours are amazing! I dig the GF thing, but like MJ, I’d have to stick with the real bacon. Avoiding soy too rules out tempeh for me. Congrats on both awards!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Aw, thank you so much for everything you said!! Wow, so appreciated, really. I am so happy that MJ introduced us
mj monaghan says:
Jan 10, 2012
Well, sister, you’re getting the most clicks through from all the blog links on the awards – Congrats!!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
They’re just wondering who in the world eats forks!
xo
mj monaghan says:
Jan 10, 2012
Congratulations! It’s official – The Academy, okay, mj monaghan, has recognized your wonderful blog with the Liebster Blog Award!
Here’s the envelope with more details: http://wp.me/p1JIsL-cQ!
Oh, and there’s one more coming for you, Cara!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
WOW. Thank you MJ! This means so much, really. I cannot believe people like you keep coming back for more for my insanity, so truly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Brooke says:
Jan 10, 2012
Brown chicken brown cow! I’ve only had tempeh a couple of times and haven’t been particularly impressed with it. Maybe I’ll give it a try again. In fact, I’m kinda wishing I had it in my fridge right now… Pooh.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
This was the first time I have tried it–not a bad way to break it in
Yes, you must attempt this and tell me what you think… Signed, Dookiedoo Baba Loo Shamalama Ding Dong. HA
Laurel says:
Jan 10, 2012
The Whole Nutrition Kitchen has so many great ideas. I’ve been meaning to try that one for over a year now. But Cara, darling, I must take you to task. As wonderful as that beautifully photographed tempeh would be for the GF soy eater, um, have you read the ingredients in Soy Sauce? If memory serves the first one is WHEAT. Hopefully, it was just a slip and you really meant to type Tamari. Seems strange, doesn’t it? That stuff hides in the weirdest places. Like my shampoo! I swear it’s like the blob, it’s coming after us. It was hiding in the robot. What me? Paranoid?
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
No really a typo, I have a gluten free soy sauce on hand. Maybe I should go back and specify…Thanks for the catch.
Laurel says:
Jan 10, 2012
See here I’ve been shaking my head and wondering where I’d gone wrong. I humbly beg your apology. On my knees, even – a tear running down my cheek (um, you’re buying this, right?) <3
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
I’m going to need a little more… hahaha. Silly!
GiGi says:
Jan 10, 2012
Nothing tepid about tempeh! Love it! I’m glad you gave it a shot. Bread is divine. I don’t eat sandwiches a lot, even though they are like my fave thing ever. This sandwich is like the perfect dagwood!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
It has been so long since I had a hearty sandwich that I forgot how filling it is! Bread *is* divine. I’m convinced it is what God first created.
naturalnoshing says:
Jan 10, 2012
Food porn in bread and bacon form…what a fantastic way to start my day!!!!!
I’ll have to give this tempeh bacon a try, It looks delicious, nice work! And you better believe I’m super proud of you for making loaf bread—woohoo, I could totally go for some homemade toast this morning! See, you are a pro!!!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
I am making 2012 my year to tackle bread. Enough of this crappy store-bought stuff. They are all terrible! I will heat a slice up for you and slather some tempeh bacon on it for you for breakfast
naturalnoshing says:
Jan 10, 2012
That’s a great goal! I completely agree – store bought = yucky
Yes please – I’ll take one (or two) slices with tempeh bacon. I’ll bring homemade jam!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oooohhh, what flavor? And did YOU make it? If so, I want my own jar
jess says:
Jan 10, 2012
mmmm, yep, tempeh bacon is where it’s at girl! sometimes when i make it i like to overcook a few of the slices until they’re well past crispy and then crumble them over a pseudo caesar salad. try it – you won’t be sorry.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
And do you have this recipe you speak of for a pseudo caesar salad, and if so, might I use it to sprinkle my overcooked tempeh bacon with? Like NOW???! haha. That sounds fantastic!
AnonymousBurn says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oh man. That looks fantastic! What is tempeh? Is it soyless? Is there hope for me?! Also, tomorrow you will see (maybe) a post on my blog in which I nominated you for awesomeness. I know you already know about your awesomeness but I’m a spread-the-love kinda girl.
AnonymousBurn says:
Jan 10, 2012
NOOOOOOOOOOO! I googled my own question. Well hell…
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
A girl never gets used to her awesomeness. In all seriously though, Thank you so much for the potential of tomorrow
I cannot tell how that touches me so! xo. And sorry about the tempeh 
I will let you cry on my shoulder…
Caitlin says:
Jan 10, 2012
i used to love bacon, too. i actually preferred mine a little burnt and i would dip it into my sunny-side up egg yolk. gross now, though..
to be honest, i’m more obsessed and in aww of that bread. i am making it this week fr sure!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Again: ME TOO! And also again: Gross to me too! haha. I swear I’m not just copying everything you say and agree with it
Yeah, I’m a little obsessed with the bread myself… This is why I *had* to make a bread porn section 
xo
Caitlin says:
Jan 10, 2012
haha i love how eerily similar we are
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Quick. What number am I thinking of???
RecipeAdaptors says:
Jan 10, 2012
That looks very tasty!
Cara says:
Jan 16, 2012
And it WAS!
reid says:
Jan 10, 2012
Awesome! I have this mental image of you taking a bite out of the sandwich and then moonwalking across your kitchen!!
I’m not a sandwich gal, but you really rocked the BLTA… we used to call em BLATs where I worked.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Reid, it was if you were in the kitchen with me yesterday! hahaha. The moon walk. I actually did do the Robo Cop a little later as well. That sandwich put the extra pep in my step
GiGi says:
Jan 10, 2012
OOoh I like the word BLATS!
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Me too!! haha. I feel like I should be sticking my tongue out while saying it.
GiGi says:
Jan 10, 2012
haha. With you hands behind your ears.
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Precisely! BLAT.
Mrs. D says:
Jan 10, 2012
What a clever way to cook tempe. I’ve been eating tempe since I was little but never thought something like this. TFS, might try this for my 1 day being a vegetarian
Cara says:
Jan 10, 2012
Oooohhh, welcome to vegetarianism–the time of my life when I actually began to get creative in the kitchen
WHat made you decide to make the switch, Mrs. D? And I wish I could take credit for the tempeh bacon, but I’m just a bit behind in this technique. hehe. Try it though! Not exactly bacon but a good addition to a sandwich!