Recipe of the Week: Jeanie's Killer BLTs

Ok, so I don't eat too many BLTs anymore since becoming vegetarian. But back when I did eat meat I was visiting my cousin Jeanie in St. Augustine and we were hanging out and she suggested we make BLTs for lunch. I actually had never had one until that point. I used to not be a big fan of raw veggies on sandwiches and didn't like mayo. Well she insisted and let me tell you she can make aBLT. We grubbed out that day.
Since then I became a BLT lover and have tried many a BLT out and made many at home...but somehow they don't touch hers. It's a simple sandwich, but it's the details with each ingredient that make this sandwich so good.
This is her recipe below. . . .

Jeanie's Killer BLTs

Thick Sliced Bacon
Suggested Brand = Maverick Ranch Applewood Smoked Bacon. Organic if available.
Cook bacon in the oven at 375 for 12-15 minutes, she cooks the bacon on a regular baking sheet that's been covered with foil. Always check the bacon after 8-10 minutes. Don't burn it! You may have to rotate your pan if your oven cooks unevenly.

Crisp Romaine Lettuce
Washed and torn into sandwich sized pieces.

Beef Steak Tomato or a good hardy in-season Tomato
Washed and sliced medium to thick.

Mayonnaise
Suggested Brand: Hellmans

Salt & Pepper

Bread
Suggested Brand: Publix Italian Bread from the bakery OR Spelt bread (found in freezer section) Toast or crisp bread, make sure you time everything out so that the bread is warm when you're ready to put the sandwich together.

ASSEMBLY:
Spread Mayo on both sides of bread. Place 2-3 strips of bacon on one side of bread, layer lettuce then tomato slices on the other side of bread. Salt & Pepper the tomato. Put it all together and serve immediately. yum!

Serve with cold bread & butter crinkle cut pickles, raw veggies and lite bleu cheese dressing and kettle cooked potato chips.

Variations: If you are at a swanky grocery store you could try this with heirloom tomatoes, they are delicious. Also, if you are not a mayo fan a good honey mustard can be substituted. Try the mayo first. :)

enjoy~