The BLT Grows Up

That's right. The BLT has grown up. This is a classic sandwich that gets a rather unique upgrade. What's in the upgrade? How about a ciabatta roll toasted in butter, chipotle mayo, honey glazed bacon, muenster cheese, Cajun fried green tomatoes, and Boston butter leaf lettuce?

Yup, it's all here and the process couldn't be simpler. I guess I was just tired of the plain ol' and with a bit of inspiration and imagination, this was my lunch for today! Honestly, it's so simple you don't even need a recipe. It's only four simple steps.

Oh - before we discuss steps - did you vote for me? I'm nominated for a 2008 Black Weblog Award for Best Food Blog. I wanna win - if I do you're invited to the party. Sooooo, go to http://www.blackweblogawards.com and follow the steps to vote for me.

Okay, now onto the steps.

Step 1- Chpotle Mayo
This couldn't be simpler. Get some chipotle in adobo - they come in a small can and cost no more than a dollar. Chipotle is a smoked jalepeno. I like it because the heat is milder and the smokey taste comes out. Just take one or two of the chipotles and mince them. The adobo sauce is good - so spoon a bit into about a half cup of your favorite mayo (my favorite is whatever is on sale that week). Mix together and give the flavored mayo a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep it cold in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

Step 2 - Honey Glazed Bacon
It's simple - really, it is. Lay strips of bacon on a sheet tray and put them in a pre-heated oven set at 425 degrees. Keep an eye out for the bacon. When it has about 5 minutes left to cook glaze with honey. To loosen the honey heat it through in a small sauce pan on medium heat or in a bowl in the microwave just until it's loose enough to brush on the bacon. Brush the honey on the bacon for a nice glaze and put it back in the oven to finish cooking.

Step 3 - Cajun Fried Green Tomatoes
Slice a green tomato. I like mine a bit on the thin side, but it's your preference. Season liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite cajun seasoning. Coat in a mixture of cornmeal and cornstarch and pan fry on both sides until golden brown.

Step 4 - Toasted Ciabatta Rolls
Split the rolls in half and spread butter evenly on both pieces of bread. Toast in a pan on top of the stove over medium high heat until nice and golden. The method is the same as you'd do a grilled cheese sandwich - just with no cheese. Only grill the cut side.

Just assemble the sandwich. I spread the chipotle mayo on both pieces of the toasted ciabatta roll. I put a slice of muenster cheese on the bottom half, a few slices of honey glazed bacon, two slices of fried green tomatoes, a leaf or two of Boston butter leaf lettuce, and the top half of the roll that also gets a layer of chipotle mayo. Eat..and enjoy. This makes for one great sandwich.

I hope you try this out - you'll love the flavor combinations!
-DTW

PS - enjoy the pics below!

The layered bacon - yum!

A green tomato...before it gets cut!

The seasoned tomatoes - looking good!

Coated and ready for frying!

Melting the honey for the glaze - I love that brush.

Getting ready to glaze the bacon.

Frying the tomatoes

Isn't the world

The ciabatta rolls...freshly sliced.

Freshly fried tomatoes and honey glazed bacon...along with my tester tomato - lol.

Chopping chipotles in adobo.

Plain mayo, meet chipotle. Chipotle, meet plain mayo.

They met - lol...and they mix well.

A really great pic of the lettuce - enlarge this one!

The finished sandwich