Vegetarian meat substitutes are a great way to sneak vegetables into your family’s diet, or just to lighten up a bit from heavier fare. This recipe is great for sandwiches, or as a party spread with bread or crackers (whole-grain, please!), or celery sticks.

Bakon bits (soy bacon) are available in any supermarket, and Gimme Lean can be found in health food stores and in many supermarkets (Look for it in the produce section).

Vegetarian Liver Paté

1 Tbs vegetable oil (high-oleic safflower oil recommended)
1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
1 package Gimme Lean Sausage Flavor, crumbled into small bits
1/4 cup bakon bits (like Bac*Os)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and sauté slowly, stirring frequently, until light golden brown -- about 10 minutes.
Add crumbled Gimme Lean, and sauté until slightly browned.
Add bakon bits, and sauté 1 minute.
Transfer the sauteed mixture to a food processor or blender.
Add the pecans. Process to a smooth paste.
Scrape the mixture into a bowl.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover, and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes.
Keep refrigerated.