The traditional BLT that is, a Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich is hard to beat. Think back, can you remember eating a warm BLT on white bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise, the real stuff not that fat free flavor free product we seem to use these days, with crisp bacon, cold ice berg lettuce and tomatoes so juicy your shirt catches the drippings? Yum-Yum. Well today’s BLT is that and even more.

For a pleasure you did not know existed in a BLT try using a rye bread or a whole wheat that is deep in color with a rich molasses flavor. Then instead of simply mayonnaise couple the mayo with a spicy brown mustard or a Dijon mustard. If you are looking to spice up the sandwich use chipotle mayonnaise and thin sliced pepper jack cheese.

For a simpler taste that pleases even the most die hard BLT fans try a light wheat bread, traditional yellow mustard, mayonnaise, thick sliced deli bacon, ice berg lettuce, tomatoes and a layer of white cheddar cheese.

If you are one of the health conscience and want to eat a salad instead of a sandwich why not try a BLTS. That is a bacon, lettuce, and tomato salad. Start with a layer of fresh ice berg lettuce, the spring mixes and mescaline mix salads are too heavy a green for BLT’s. Ice berg is light and crisp and lends itself well to the flavors of a BLTS.

Then on top of the ice berg lettuce place chopped thick sliced smokey bacon. If your butcher has bacon behind the counter it is almost a sure bet that this will be a better choice than the pre-packaged varieties. When it comes time to choose a tomato think about trying a new variety such as a Cherokee purple or Sweet Tangerine. These fresh out of the garden can add a new and delightful flavor to your BLTS. If one of these varieties of tomato are not for you stick with the always wonderful Beefsteak Tomato.

To top off the BLTS make a dressing using chipotle mayonnaise blended with a small amount of milk to thin it and sprinkle on top shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.

Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com

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