I didn't know where to put this one; cast iron pan or 4th of July. The 4th screams summer to me, so this is where it ended up.
Let me tell yall about these BLTs I've been killing the last week or so. I happen to work very close to a farmers' market, and that market is very close to Grainger County here in East TN. Grainger County is well known in these parts for their wonderful tomatoes. The Boss requested 2-3 for her lunches, so I stopped in on my lunch break to see what everyone had. The price per pound was pretty steep, but they sold me a case for $35 - sold
If you don't know about Benton's bacon (another East TN delicacy) go here:
http://bentonscountryhams2.com/ and I'd suggest this:
http://shop.bentonscountryham.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=hscb I pass Mr. Benton's business on the way to a couple of my favorite paddling destinations, and if it wasn't on a Sunday, I'd always try to stop in. They cut a mean steak in there too, but it doesn't get as much attention. Anyway - bacon. This is the bacon you want for your BLT.
This is 2 pieces, each cut into thirds. I'll usually eat 1 or 2 thirds with my morning coffee, and save the rest for lunch.
The Boss picked me up some arugula while she was out and about. I don't have any pics of that, but it looks like lettuce and has a kind of nutty flavor to me. Take my word for it, you want to use arugula for this one. Just arugula, leave the spring mix crap at the store.
Anyway, I think yall know how this goes. Lightly toast your bread, put some Duke's mayo on it, arugula and bacon insulate the bread from the tomato juice...
S&P to taste - Enjoy!
The Boss and I have gone through that case in a little more than a week. I made 2 tomato pies that used the bulk of them, The Boss would eat at least half of one with lunch, and I've been killin these awesome sandwiches. So if the temp is heating up where you're at, or maybe it already feels like summer, bring this simple staple back to your plates. Better yet, pack a few for a picnic and go find a swimmin hole!
and remember to keep those skillets good and greasy!