Fried Green Tomato BLTs with Pimento Cheese

My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Fried Green Tomato BLTs with Pimento Cheese

As a busy fitness model, time is my most precious commodity. My days are a whirlwind of photo shoots, training sessions, and maintaining a healthy diet. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for Fried Green Tomato BLTs with Pimento Cheese, I admit, I was initially skeptical. Fried? Cheese? Bacon? Doesn't exactly scream "healthy," does it? But the intriguing combination of textures and flavors caught my attention. I decided to give it a try, and what an adventure it was!

Initially, I was intimidated by the sheer number of ingredients and steps involved. I'm used to quick, simple recipes that fit into my busy schedule. But something about the descriptions of crispy fried green tomatoes and creamy pimento cheese lured me in. I decided to tackle it on a Sunday afternoon when I had a little more time to spare. The process, while slightly time-consuming, was surprisingly enjoyable. I found myself strangely relaxed as I measured ingredients, whisked together the pimento cheese, and delicately dredged each tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture.

The best part? The result exceeded all my expectations. The combination of salty bacon, creamy pimento cheese, and surprisingly delightful fried green tomatoes created an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The texture contrast was incredible – the crispy exterior of the fried tomatoes, the soft, creamy pimento cheese, and the slightly chewy bacon all melded together beautifully. The arugula added a peppery kick, balancing the richness of the other components.

What started as a simple recipe quickly transformed into a sensory journey. The process wasn't just about cooking; it was a mindful experience. The act of carefully preparing each component – grating the cheeses, making the pimento cheese, breading the tomatoes – became a form of meditation, a way to unwind and disconnect from the daily pressures of my career. And the final product? A culinary masterpiece that proved you can enjoy delicious, satisfying food while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This recipe isn't just about food; it's about making time for yourself, even in the midst of a busy schedule, and discovering the unexpected joys that can emerge from the kitchen.

The Unexpected Lesson: This recipe challenged my preconceived notions about healthy eating and time constraints. I learned that taking the time to prepare a more complex dish can be just as rewarding, if not more so, than grabbing something quick and convenient. The process of creating this sandwich became a relaxing activity, and the taste? Well, let's just say it's one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. It is now a staple in my "cheat meal" rotation, but I have tweaked it to keep it somewhat healthy, using lighter cheeses and bread, and reducing the amount of bacon. Ultimately, it's a reminder that creating delicious and satisfying meals can be an enjoyable part of a healthy lifestyle, not something to be avoided.

Tips for Success: Don't skip the salting step for the tomatoes; it's crucial to prevent soggy fried green tomatoes. If you're short on time, buy pre-made pimento cheese. And finally, don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tomatoes – it's essential for even cooking and crispy results. Now go and enjoy this culinary masterpiece!

Step-by-step

• Start by slicing the tomatoes and salting them. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.
• If you wanted to skip the steps of making pimento cheese, you can buy it. Making pimento cheese takes about 5-10 minutes but it does require a few ingredients so if you aren’t up for the challenge, grab a container at the store.
• To make the pimento cheese, combine the grated cheeses, the pimentos, cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined. Set aside or refrigerate for later.
• Before you make the fried green tomatoes, get the bacon and bread ready for assembly. I usually just place the bread in the toaster so I can toast it up when the tomatoes get close.
• Once the tomatoes have drained, pat them dry.
• In a bowl, add the buttermilk. In another bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Add the butter to a saucepan and allow it to melt.
• Dredge each tomato individually in the buttermilk then the cornmeal crust. Add them to the pan, careful not to overcrowd.
• Once the tomatoes have cooked for 1-2 minutes and are browned on one side, flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the tomatoes onto a paper towel lined cookie sheet or a cooling rack.
• Continue dredging then cooking the tomatoes until complete.
• To assemble, spread a layer of pimento cheese on each side of the toasted bread. Add the fried green tomatoes, 2 slices of bacon, and arugula.
• Cut in half and enjoy!