Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sammies

My Favorite Summer Lunch: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sammies

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year, and it's not just because of the warm weather and long days. For me, summer means simple pleasures – fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor, crisp lettuce, and perfectly crispy bacon. And nothing embodies that summer feeling better than a classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sammie. This isn't your fussy, gourmet BLT; this is the kind of sandwich that evokes carefree afternoons spent outdoors, a taste of childhood summers, and the simple joy of a perfectly balanced bite.

I've been making these BLTs for years, ever since I was a little girl helping my mom in the kitchen. She taught me the importance of using good quality ingredients. While I often experiment with different types of bread – sourdough, whole wheat, even a buttery brioche bun sometimes – the core ingredients are always the same. Perfectly crisp bacon (microwaved, yes!), juicy, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a generous helping of Miracle Whip. It’s the Miracle Whip that really sets these apart, a creamy tang that balances the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the tomatoes. There is something about the sweet creamy tanginess that makes it so irresistible.

Over the years, this simple recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s the perfect quick lunch, easy enough for a busy weekday, yet satisfying enough for a relaxed weekend brunch. The kids love it, my husband loves it, and honestly, I could eat one every day and be perfectly happy. It's incredibly versatile, too. You can adjust it to your own tastes; add some avocado for extra creaminess, a sprinkle of red onion for a little bite, or even some spicy mayonnaise for a kick. The possibilities are endless!

The beauty of this sandwich is in its simplicity. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. No fancy techniques or complicated ingredients are needed; just a few fresh, quality ingredients, and a few minutes of your time. It’s a recipe that allows you to focus on the taste of summer, the warmth of the sun, and the company of loved ones. And that, my friends, is what summer is all about.

Beyond the Sandwich: This BLT isn't just a lunch; it's a versatile culinary building block. Consider using the same flavorful components in other dishes. The bacon and tomato combination can be used as a pizza topping, the crispy bacon bits can be crumbled into a salad for an extra layer of crunch, or the leftover Miracle Whip can be used as a base for a creamy potato salad. The possibilities extend beyond the simple sandwich, allowing you to infuse the flavors of summer into a variety of meals.

Making it Your Own: I encourage you to experiment! Try different types of lettuce, perhaps some romaine or butter lettuce for a change in texture. Substitute your favorite mayonnaise if you’re not a Miracle Whip fan, although I strongly urge you to give it a try if you haven’t already. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

More than just a meal: This simple sandwich represents more than just sustenance; it represents memories, family, and the simple joys of life. It is a recipe for happiness, a taste of summer, and a reminder to appreciate the little things. It's a sandwich that transports you back to simpler times, a comforting taste of home, no matter where you are.

So, this summer, I encourage you to make some Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sammies. You won't regret it. It’s a taste of summer you’ll want to savor all season long. It's more than just a sandwich; it's a summer memory in the making. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Toast bread.
• While toasting bread, "fry" bacon in the microwave.
• Put Miracle Whip on bread.
• Put tomato on bread, salt and pepper to taste.
• Add lettuce and bacon.