BLTA - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado

Rethink the BLT and you will not be let down! I got this recipe from Roger Mooking (who I LOVE). Replace mayo with avocado for a healthier creamy ingredient.

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Ingredients

HERB OIL:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

 AVOCADO BLT:

• 12 slices bacon
• 8 slices bread
• Herb Oil
• 2 avocados, halved, pitted and sliced into wedges

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 red leaf lettuce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

For the herb oil: Put the rosemary, thyme, 2 tablespoons oil, and garlic in a mortar and pestle. Grind until the herbs form a paste consistency. Put in a bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, season with salt and pepper, stir to incorporate and set aside.

Helpful tips: 

Use a food processor instead of a mortar and pestle.  I like to make a huge batch of the herb oil (it lasts forever) and spead it on bread with cheese or as a dip. Note: The processor will add air causing the oil to have a white hue; this in no way alters the flavors.

If using a mortar and pestle, add kosher salt in the beginning as abrasive resistance to grind more easily.

For the avocado BLT:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and put a cooling rack on top.

Put the bacon on the cooling rack and cook in the oven until crisp, approximately 20 minutes, remove and set aside to cool.

Put the bread slices on a tray, brush with herb oil and put in the oven until lightly toasted.

To assemble: Put the avocado slices on the bread, smash with a fork, season with salt and pepper.

Put 3 slices tomato over the smashed avocado and season with salt and pepper, follow with 4 slices bacon and finish with lettuce. Top with the remaining bread and cut in half.

Helpful tips: 

I like crispy bacon and cook it for usually 35 minutes.

Don't buy special lettuce, I've use spring mix and romaine because it was just what I had. It doesn't change how incredible this is!!

Don't over toast the bread or you'll have a crumbly mess.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/roger-mooking/avocado-blt-frites-with-malt-vinegar-dipping-sauce-and-avocado-pudding-recipe/index.html