Am I A Pain in the Ass? & Crunchy Coconut Vegan Bacon
I ask a lot of questions. I try not to be annoying, but I am curious about most things. Next week I head out to a very exciting vegan seminar called farms to forks. It takes place in a remote area of the country and accommodations are challenging. I decided to go the B&B route mainly because I couldn't find anything else. I haven't stayed in many B&Bs in my life, actually I think I have only stayed in one so I didn't know what to expect. While booking my room, I asked the gentlemen who owns the B&B a few questions. Here, is how the conversation went.
Him – I have one room left if you want it, and you will be sharing a bathroom.
Me – Oh! It doesn't have a bathroom.
Him – It doesn't have a private bathroom.
Me – Would I be sharing that with a man or a woman?
Him – A woman.
Me – Does it have a shower?
Him – Yes it has a shower, and the bathroom is off the kitchen.
Me – So I have to walk through the kitchen to take a shower.
Him – Yes.
Now I am picturing myself walking through a kitchen in my robe with a roomful of people. In my mind, I'm thinking – oh no I don't have a cute robe. Need to run to the mall.
Me – Can I get a photo of the room?
Him – The photos of the rooms are on the website.
Me – Oh yeah, I'll look at the website. Hmmm – how many people will be staying there?
Him – I'm not sure what the issue is with how many people will be at my BnB. This sounds like it may be an uncomfortable situation for you, and I worry you will be dissatisfied. So I think you should take your time and see if you can find another place.
Me (now panicking because I know there's no other place else to stay)
I didn't mean to offend you. I haven't stayed at many B&Bs so I was just curious. Your home looks beautiful, and if the room is available, I would like to take it.
Him – You didn't offend me. I just felt that you might not be comfortable here. You are welcome, if you wish to come.
Whew – I dodged a bullet. I sensed his disappointment that I was taking the room, but I had no where else to stay. Also, the place looks gorgeous so I am exceptionally lucky to be staying there. So I would love to know your opinion. Was I a pain in the ass? Do I ask too many questions??? On to food.
Read a lot of different recipes using coconut flakes to make vegan bacon. Could it possibly taste good? I didn't expect much and to my surprise, it was delicious. You could just eat it straight up, sprinkle on salads, soups or make some cheesy potato skins like I did and sprinkle it on top.
- 3½ cups flaked coconut
- 2 TBSP liquid smoke
- 1½ TBSP Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
- 1 TBSP pure maple syrup
- ½ TBSP water
- 1 TSP freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine liquid smoke, Braggs (or soy), maple syrup and water in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in flaked coconut, using a wooden spoon to gently toss the coconut in the liquid mixture. Once the coconut is evenly coated, pour it onto a non-stick baking sheet and slide it into the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, using a spatula to flip the bacon about every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly. This will burn if you are not keeping an eye on it. Don't make too dark. Remove when everything is a crispy brown (not dark brown). Coconut bacon can be stored in a sealed bag or container for up to a week, refrigerator optional.
So thrilled to meet you, Nancy and look forward to following your blog AND trying your recipes!
I, too, ask a lot of questions. I don’t think that is the issue. I think that there was a misinterpretation based on the tone in which the question is asked. Tone is crucial and most people respond to tone more than words even! So maybe check your tone and see if there is something there that might be triggering the misunderstanding. Otherwise, it could just be a communication breakdown on their end! I wouldn’t stop asking questions–but that’s from a fellow question asker so take that for what it is! Oh, and I’ve been meaning to try this recipe…I thank you for the reminder! 🙂
I don’t think that was too many questions at all! He should have been willing to be as transparent as possible.
so…when did you think the pain in the ass part came in? I didn’t think you asked too many questions, but apparently he felt threatened, probably becuz he knew (1) sharing a bathroom and (2) having to traipse thru the kitchen to get there was probably not most people’s ideal situation….I have only stayed in a B&B once….it did have a private shower, but the door surrounding it would not open….sigh…..I like hotels better 🙂
looking forward to trying this recipe…not had much luck yet with a satisfactory bacon…maybe this will be it
Good luck at B&B