r-e-s-p-BLT
A B.L.T. sandwich.
I’m sure you’ve gotten one before and not thought much about it. And yes, this is the part where I tell you I have thought about it.
A B.L.T. is pretty ordinary. It’s easy to make, and you occasionally order it when you have no idea what to order. But why is this? It’s because it’s good. Not terrible, mediocre, yummy, or delicious. Just good. And sometimes, that’s good enough.
But I’m here to tell you to respect your B.L.T. I realize that Aretha Franklin never dreamed her famous song would become a food pun. But I just made it one. And I’m almost positive she’s eaten a lot of B.L.T.s. I felt bad about writing that sentence, and proceeded to Google “Aretha Franklin sandwich.” And you know what? She was a regular at Stage Deli in NYC. So I feel better.
So, what does respecting your B.L.T. entail? It means appreciating it for its simplicity. It works as a three ingredient sandwich for a reason. The bacon acts as the crunchy, savory, meaty part to make you feel like you’re actually eating something of substance, the lettuce acts a softer, crisper crunch and the tomato is the big finish that adds some juice to the otherwise dryness of the sandwich.
I can be a food snob, but give me white toast, generic bacon, and a tomato just sliced and I promise I wouldn’t cry. This sandwich is so popular because it works in its cheapest, simplest form. Still not doing it for you? Me either. This is a food blog, and I promise I didn’t get into this much detail and insult Lady Soul to leave you at good Let’s respect the B.L.T. and take this classic from good to mouthwatering.
In my opinion, the secret ingredient for a tasty B.L.T. is not so secret. It’s mayonnaise. For all of you who just raised your lip a little, bear with me. I could probably write an entire post on mayo. It’s that good. The combination of a handmade mayo or aioli spread on fresh, toasted bread is to die for. Magic happens when those two melt into each other.
Before this gets too raunchy, let’s talk about other things you can do to spruce up your sandwich. You can start by getting the best of the best of your three main ingredients. How about Applewood smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and crisp iceberg? Now we’re talking. Sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, and spinach is also a nice combo.
The possibilities really are endless. Start adding guacamole, cheese, meats (turkey, prosciutto, chicken salad), sauces, and seasonings and I promise, you’ll start respecting that B.L.T. …when you get home, ooh baby, when you get home.
My B.L.T. musical will be in a theater near you soon.
This post was written by Christina D’Antoni.
What’s your favorite way to make a BLT? Let me know below.
Get fancy with sun dried tomatoes and an aioli
The staple as a sculpture designed by Claes Oldenburg.
I may or may not have once made a BLT wit’s bacon alternative, good lettuce, fresh tomatoes on gluten free bread with veganaise. Gluten free- sometimes -vegans can enjoy a BLT too
Whatever floats your GF boat!
I will try this in the next few days!