Caramelized Onion Cheese Dip With Shiitake Bacon
[Vegan]

To Make the Shiitake Bacon:

1. Wash and slice Shiitake, soak in the mixture for as long as you can (the longer the better), and bake in the oven on 200°F for 30-40 minutes. Rotate midway for an even cook. Mushrooms should be soft, yet crispy. You can do this in advance.

To Make the Onions:

1. Place onions in a crock pot on low, add the butter, coconut sugar, season with salt, and cook for at least 3 hours until browned. Stir every 30-45 minutes (the slower the better, it adds more flavor), or if you have less time cook sliced onions over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until onions turn a deep golden brown color, about 20 minutes.

To Make the Cheese Dip:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place drained tofu in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients, then blend again. Add the mixture to a greased skillet. Top with the shredded vegan cheese.
2. Cook for 10-15 minutes, remove from heat, top with mushrooms and onions, and cook for and additional 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp.
3. Remove from heat, top with additional thyme, and serve with toast points.