Black Bean Apple Burgers With Shiitake Bacon
[Vegan]

To Make the Burgers:

1.  Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place all ingredients in a food processor with an "S"-shaped blade and process until well combined.
3. Form burgers into four equal patties and place in refrigerator for one hour.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-heat. Spray with non-stick cooking oil and cook each patty for 4 minutes on each side or until browned and crispy. Place in oven for an additional 4 minutes per side.
5. Serve on rolls with sliced tomato, lettuce, BBQ sauce and shiitake bacon.

To Make the Caramelized Onion Chipotle BBQ Sauce:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.  Add diced onions and stir. Keep stirring until the onions start to stick and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable stock. Repeat this step, stirring often for 30 minutes, deglazing pan every so often with a small amount of vegetable stock. Cook onions for 30 minutes or until onions are dark in color with the desired caramelized flavor.
2. Place onions with remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor with an "S"-shaped blade and process until smooth.
3.  Transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

To Make the Shiitake Bacon:

1. Combine mushrooms, liquid aminos, and veggie stock in a shallow bowl. Marinate for one hour, stirring once after 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Spread mushrooms onto baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until crispy.
3. Make sure you get these nice and crispy otherwise it will just be roasted mushrooms. Increase your oven temperature if you need to or throw on the broiler for a few minutes to crisp.