Homemade Vegan Imitation Bacon Bits!

I came across this and wowsa, what a great idea! I no longer have to search for bacon bits that do not contain natrural flavoring! So easy to make at home.You can add the maple extract or not, it's good both ways. I used an idea from a reviewer to tweek the recipe just a little. Thank you Joni Marie Newman. Update: I have added more flavor by using soy sauce and molasses.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 1 cup, about

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons liquid smoke (30 ml)
• 2  tablespoons soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon molasses
• 3⁄4 cup water (about)
• 1  cup  textured vegetable protein, granules (TVP-96 g)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 -3  drops  red food coloring (optional)
• 3  tablespoons canola oil (or other neutral vegetable oil-45 ml)
• 2  drops  maple extract (optional)

Directions

1. Add the liquid smoke, soy sauce, molasses to a measuring cup , then fill with water to get one cup.
2. In a microwave safe dish, mix together liquid smoke mixture, TVP and salt.
3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for five minutes. Carefully remove the wrap.
4. Preheat a skillet with the oil.
5. If using maple extract, add to the reconstituted TVP now and mix well.
6. Add reconstituted TVP to the pan and toss to make sure it all gets coated with oil. Pan fry until desired crispness. Stir often. You don’t necessarily want to “brown” them, but dry them out. This should take about ten minutes.
7. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
8. Store in the refrigerator. The bits should last at least a week. Or you can store in the freezer, they will last a long time!