Tofu Benedict with Hollandaise and Shiitake Bacon

Serves 6

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. Toss the sliced shiitake mushrooms with the olive oil and maple syrup, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper then spread evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stir and continue baking an additional 10-12 minutes or until crispy and brown. Set aside and let cool.
2. Combine all ingredients listed for the Hollandaise sauce in a blender jar. Blend on high speed until smooth adding a few tablespoons of filtered water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Set aside.
3. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut the tofu into rounds. Brush each piece of tofu lightly on both sides with the tablespoon of olive oil. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl then coat piece on both sides with seasonings. Prepare a lightly oiled hot grill or frying pan, cook each cutlet 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
4. Toast the english muffin halves, top each piece with a spoonful of the hollandaise sauce, add the optional steamed kale or spinach then a slice of tomato, add an additional spoonful of the sauce and a sprinkling of shiitake bacon, then top with the grilled tofu. Add a generous spoonful of the Hollandaise sauce over the top and garnish with sliced avocado and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with a side of additional shiitake bacon and fresh fruit.
5. *Note:
6. This richly satisfying plant-based version of a traditional favorite recipe proves you can have it all again without the saturated fat and cholesterol.
7. Tip: Use leftover tofu to make tofu egg salad, just crumble and stir in Vegenaise mayo with chopped celery, onion, and your favorite seasonings. A little turmeric is used to make it look like traditional egg salad. Tofu egg salad is so much like the traditional recipe that some people can’t tell the difference!
8. Learn about the amazing versatility of tofu and it’s health benefits by visiting the Soyfoods Council and get a second opinion on soy and your health from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Tofu is an ancient superfood that promotes good health and we are just now discovering it’s amazing versatilely and nutritional benefits.
9. *Recipe courtesy of Liz Gary. For information about free local community cooking classes and special events visit [url=http://www.newoptionsfoodgroup.com]www.newoptionsfoodgroup.com[/url]