BLT with Avocado Spread

Photo by Quentin Bacon

The minute I spot heirloom tomatoes at my farmers market I think BLTs! Let’s be honest- to make a really good one, you need to use really good, real bacon. But a little goes a long way. Just two slices is all you need for the crisp, smoky baco-licious factor to shine through. Trading up the common slather of mayo for buttery avocado adds a rich flavor dimension, not to mention fiber and valuable nutrients. I suppose mine are really BALTs or BLT with Avocado.

Ingredients

1 very ripe avocado
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 slices bacon
8 slices whole-wheat bread
4 medium leaves romaine lettuce
2 ripe medium tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Peel and pit the avocado. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with the lemon juice, salt and black pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning two or three times, to the desired doneness, about 8 minutes for crispy.

Drain on paper towels.

Toast the bread.

To make the sandwiches, spread 1 tablespoon of the avocado mixture on each slice of toast. Place 2 pieces of bacon on half the pieces of toast, then top with a folded lettuce leaf and 2 slices of tomato. Top with the remaining toast. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Per Serving: Calories 320; Total Fat 16g (Sat Fat 3.5g. Mono Fat 8.7g, Poly Fat 2.1g); Protein 15g; Carb 31g; Fiber 9g; Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 730mg

Excellent Source of: Fiber, Folate, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Protein, Selenium, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin K

Good Source of: Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Zinc