Simple doesn’t have to be boring, let’s get that straight. This afternoon I had no energy…like zero, nada, none, zippo! I was so tempted to slap some peanut butter on a dry piece of bread and call it good for lunch. However, Ben had just helped me tackle the grocery store the night before with our two lovely little minions. I felt too guilty throwing together such a lack luster lunch with all kinds of fresh food in the fridge. I wanted something quick and easy for sure, but also something that showed Ben at least a little appreciation for his endeavors the night before.
Well let’s just say Ben is quite the bacon fan. I learned that early on in our marriage. But, not any ordinary bacon fan. He likes his cooked to a crisp, with absolutely NO fatty pieces. Literally, he won’t eat a bite of fat on it. I’ve resorted to turkey bacon because there are no fatty pieces and I like to pretend it’s at least a little healthier, especially if I get the lower sodium kind. So there was my answer, BLT’s with Avocado for lunch! Just to spice it up a little, I made a garlic basil cream cheese spread. Turned out delicious! He was happy, I was happy. Win win!
BLTA’s With a Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients:
6 pieces bacon (turkey or regular)
4 thickly sliced tomatoes
4 sandwich sized pieces of lettuce
1 avocado, sliced
4 pieces sourdough bread
1 tablespoon butter
3 ounces Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread (recipe follows)
Directions:
1. Cook bacon according to package directions, and according to your own preference. Meanwhile, set aside vegetables for easy assembling.
2. Slightly butter what would be the outside of the sandwich on each piece of bread. Broil with buttered side up until lightly browned. I like to throw mine butter side down on our George Foreman for the fun grill marks. Takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Spread cream cheese spread on each piece of bread on the unbuttered side.
4. Divide the remaining ingredients (bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado slices) evenly on top of the spread on two pieces of the bread.
5. Slap tops together and enjoy!
Serves 2
Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried or 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
dash of pepper
Mix all ingredients together until well incorporated.
- 6 pieces bacon (turkey or regular)
- 4 thickly sliced tomatoes
- 4 sandwich sized pieces of lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 pieces sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 ounces Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread (3 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1 clove garlic, minced, ¼ teaspoon dried or ½ teaspoon chopped fresh basil, dash of pepper)
- Cook bacon according to package directions, and according to your own preference. Meanwhile, set aside vegetables for easy assembling.
- Slightly butter what would be the outside of the sandwich on each piece of bread. Broil with buttered side up until lightly browned. I like to throw mine butter side down on our George Foreman for the fun grill marks. Takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread by mixing all ingredients together.
- Spread cream cheese mixture on each piece of bread on the unbuttered side.
- Divide the remaining ingredients (bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado slices) evenly on top of the spread on two pieces of the bread.
- Slap tops together and enjoy!
