How to Make an Awesome BLT (an Ode to Mama)
Posted on August 6th, 2009 by theapartmentkitchen
Instead of asking “How are you?” when we answer the phone, my mother and I ask each other “What did you have for dinner?”. The response from either side is usually: “Ooooh, that sounds good.” This was my response when she gushed about the BLTs she was going to make last week with veggies from her garden. I began to long for a BLT, and it made me ponder all the great ways to do up this amazing summer sandwich. Read on for great tips for fantastic BLTs…
The Bread:
-Try all different kinds depending on the toppings you’re putting on your sandwich. I love whole wheat, but sometimes I’ll shake it up with sourdough, a crusty baguette, even flatbreads like pita!
The Spread:
-Most people in my family are mayo lovers. I am not – and it’s not the only delicious spread that will taste smashing on a BLT! Try herbed ricotta cheese, hummus, pesto, or garlicky aioli.
The B:
-I like to really bring out the flavor of the bacon on my sandwich. Tonight I had peppered bacon, but I’ve also done lacquered bacon (with brown sugar or maple syrup), spiced bacon (try the spice rub I used on ribs), or even pancetta.
The L:
-Good lettuce is crucial, and if you’re not picking from from your own garden, try choosing the best varieties you can get: butterhead, bibb, green/red leaf are just a few choices. Try arugula, a mesclun mix, or even a mix of fresh herbs like basil and parsley. For a different touch, try dressing your lettuce with a simple vinaigrette.
The T:
-This is a time to splurge and use one of the very best tomatoes you can get your hands on. But if you still crave BLTs out of the summer season, try sundried tomatoes (you can even incorporate them into your spread) or roasted, seasoned tomatoes.
The Extras:
-Avocado is a classic, but I’ve added all kinds of veggies to my BLTs: onions, mushrooms, crispy shallots, bell peppers, snap peas, and so on. Get creative, and you’ll end up with an awesome sandwich every time!
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I love using hummus as a sandwich spread, especially the sundried tomato or herb infused ones.
Ciabattina, toasted on the inside.
A good BLT is officially y favorite food — so hurrah!