tempeh bacon sandwich

After 3 weeks, 4 states, and 55 hours of travel, I have finally landed back home. On my drive from New York to Pennsylvania, I stopped by a Trader Joe's and I picked up some tempeh. After a spectacularly unsuccessful attempt to make tempeh shepard's pie, I have been gun-shy about using tempeh for the last few years. But, after having the BLT at Blossom in Chelsea, I was willing to give tempeh another chance. As soon as I got home, I soaked the tempeh in this marinade, and the next day whipped up this sandwich.

tempeh marinade (makes enough for two sandwiches)

1/2 package of tempeh
1/4 c soy sauce or Bragg's
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 shake of BBQ seasoning, spice rub, or a combination of cumin, paprika and cayenne
1 tbsp sesame oil
splash of liquid smoke

Marinate as long as you can stand it. When ready to make the sandwiches, cook the tempeh in a thin sheen of oil until it browns and caramelizes.

sandwich, assemble! (for one sandwich)

2 slices Ezekiel 7 grain bread
4 slices tempeh bacon
butter lettuce
1/4 avocado
vegenaisse
mustard

Smash the avocado into one slice of bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread a combination of the mayo and mustard on the other half of the bread. Layer the tempeh and lettuce.