AFBLT is the BLT for Meatless Monday & Kids Cook Monday

Although bacon is often referred to as the “gateway meat” in vegetarian circles, it comes, undeniably, from an animal (a pig, to be precise) and is not a part of this recipe. In an effort to offer easy options for meatless meals, this simple and satisfying meal substitutes “fakin’ bacon” for the real thing and adds a small salad sandwiched between two slices of whole grain bread. “Fakin’ bacon” is a smoky flavored tempeh product. I’m not going to promise that it’s an exact replica of what the pig creates, but it’s definitely a delicious and fun way to try tempeh (considered to be one of the healthiest ways to eat soy beans).

I recently made these with my daughters. While I cooked the “bacon” on the stove, they took care of all the other steps and within no time we all sat down together to assemble and enjoy our AFBLTs (Avocado, Fakin’ Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato).

AFBLT Sandwiches

• 1 package of fakin’ bacon (enough for 3-4 sandwiches)
• splash of oil for frying
• 2 slices whole wheat bread (or of the grain/gluten content of your liking) per person
• avocado, sliced
• lettuce, 2 leaves per person
• tomato, 1-2 slices per person
• mayonaisse
• whole flaxseeds, ground (up to 1 teaspoon for every 1 tablespoon of mayo)

mustard

Method:

Heat splash of oil in skillet to cook fakin’ bacon strips.

Meanwhile slice tomato, remove and wash lettuce leaves, slice avocado, and toast bread slices.

Heighten the nutritional value of this sandwich by adding up to a teaspoon of freshly ground flaxseeds* to each tablespoon of mayo. Add mustard to the mixture if you like, or offer it separately.

Set out all the fillings (A, FB, L and T) on the table, sit down together and build your own sandwiches. Happy Meatless Monday and Kids Cook Monday!

Interested in trying another tempeh recipe? How about a quick stir fry with colorful vegetables, such as Beans, Tomatoes and Tempeh.

* Flaxseeds are an excellent addition to any diet. It is, however, important to grind them and keep their oils fresh in order to take advantage of their health benefits. I recommend keeping a designated coffee/spice grinder in the refrigerator and grinding and using flaxseed meal regularly. You can read more about their health benefits here.

Note to wheat- or gluten-free eaters: “fakin’ bacon” contains wheat.

Note to meat eaters: If you prepare real bacon for yourself and your children, look for 100% organic, free-range, antibiotic-free bacon without nitrites or nitrates for the highest quality meat. If high quality meat is not readily available where you are, you might be able to find a good source using the Eat Wild Directory or through the new FarmPlate website.