Spicy Fried Green Tomato BLT

On Friday afternoon I made a commitment to myself- I was not going to check email or Twitter for the entire weekend. I was feeling mentally drained from the week and knew a strict no online socializing policy was in order to recharge my brain. It sounds pretty straightforward, but I definitely had to make a conscious effort to not type Twitter into my browser or allow my thumb to hit the mail icon on my phone. I was on my game until Sunday morning, when I had a sinking concern a client (who likes to email on weekends-lovely) might have needed to get in touch. Given how important this project is to me, I knew I needed to conduct one quick check in to see if I had any messages from them. So I allowed myself one brief glance, which thankfully confirmed no emails, and I made a swift exit, allowing my mind to remain in a relaxed state for the rest of the weekend.

Even though it’s been a brief two days (and I had one brief slip up!), as I sit here at my computer on Sunday night, I do feel much more rested and ready to take on the week. The time away from the online world combined with some quality time outdoors, fun outings with friends, and lots of couch time with my newest read made all the difference. As I had into a straight month of weekends filled with work and travel, I’m so thankful for this low key one we had at home.  I’m a little sad to see it go, so I’m distracting myself with this fried green tomato BLT which I whipped up on Saturday and plan to make for multiple dinners this week. If you have never had a BLT with a friend green tomato- it’s an absolute must. And secondly, if you missed this post from the fall, you need to know I’m an avid believer of subbing lettuce for fresh basil in all types of sandwiches, but especially BLTs. You have to taste it to believe- it’s so good!

And with that I’m off to savor the last few moments of my weekend. Have a great week!

Spicy Fried Green Tomato BLT
Make 2 sandwiches

• 4 slices hearty whole wheat bread
• 2 small or 1 medium green tomato thinly sliced
• half cup of flower
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 4 slices thick cut bacon
• handful of whole basil leaves
• 1/4 cup good mayo
• 2 tsp Sriracha
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Set a medium frying pan to medium heat and cook bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.

Fry the tomatoes: Divide the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs mixed with the salt and pepper into 3 bowls. Set a large frying pan to medium heat, place the vegetable oil in the pan. Let heat while you prepare the tomatoes. Dip them first in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Place the tomatoes on a paper towel lined plate to rest while you finish frying all the tomatoes.

While you’re frying the tomatoes toast the bread and mix the mayo with the Sriracha.  Divide the spicy mayo between the bread. Layer one side of each piece with the basil, then the tomatos, then the bacon. Top with the remaining slice of bread, press lightly together, and serve immediately.