bltMaybe it seems ridiculous to use a recipe to make a BLT ... then again, this isn't just any BLT. It's a gourmet BLT using the best ingredients available -- thick sliced pancetta (Italian bacon), ripe tomatoes (preferably straight from the garden), and fresh baby arugula. But that's not all: Bright and tangy basil mayo spread on thick bread takes this creation completely over the top.

See for yourself ...

Gourmet BLT With Basil Mayo adapted from AllRecipes

Ingredients

  • Thickly sliced pancetta
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • Texas toast or good sliced French bread
  • Ripe beefsteak tomatoes, thickly sliced
  • Baby arugula

Instructions

1. Fry pancetta until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Reserve some of the bacon drippings.

2. To make mayo, whisk together the reserved bacon drippings, mayonnaise, vinegar, and basil and let dressing stand, covered, at room temperature.

3. Toast bread using toaster or grill pan.

4. Assemble sandwiches: Spread 1 slice of toasted bread with mayo, then top with bacon, tomatoes, arugula, and second slice of bread.

 

Image via jimbrickett/Flickr