I spent the morning at the beach. By myself. Just thinking. Staring out into the waves.
When the sun got too warm I went for a swim to cool off. The waves were gentle swells that lifted me up and down, up and down. The water temperature was "walk in perfect". The air temperature hovered around 90 with no humidity.
Every now and then I like to spend the day by myself; alone with my thoughts, just keeping myself company. It is rejuvenating getting reacquainted with oneself. What do you do to get back in touch with you?
Updated BLT's: makes 2 sandwiches
With tomatoes now ripening in droves it is time to update a summertime classic. I used fresh mozzarella, basil, prosciutto and avocado to give the classic BLT a face lift.
6 pieces of bread, toasted
2 ripe tomatoes (preferably home grown)
6 slices prosciutto
4 leaves romaine lettuce
4 slices fresh mozzarella
10 leaves fresh basil, washed and dried
1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
Slice tomatoes and place in a shallow pan. Add mozzarella slices, basil and avocado. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Set aside.
Wash romaine and place on a plate. Set aside.
Pan fry prosciutto until slightly crisp. You may need to spray the pan to add a smidgen of oil. Drain on paper towel.
Toast bread.
To assemble:
Lay one piece of toast in front of you. Add 2 slices of mozzarella, top with tomato and basil. Top with 2nd. piece of toast. Top with prosciutto and lettuce. Smash avocado slices into last piece of toast, place on sandwich. Slice down the middle. Repeat to make other sandwiches.
I served the sandwiches with fresh picked corn on the cob and ice cold beer.
You can build the sandwich in any sequence - the flavors will all come through no matter the order.
Oh, that looks so yummy! I have everything but tomatoes. My plants are all dying without producing! Don't know why, they just turn brown and shrivel and die.
ReplyDeleteSewing is my therapeutic escape. Nothing makes me happier than time in my sewing room. Don't even have to sew, reorganizing brings the same satisfaction.
Sometimes being by yourself is just what the doctor ordered. I have been there many times and it's amazing how much good it can do. What could be better than a BLT these hot days. Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! My stomach just rumbled! I love SANDWICHES more than anything! Particularly this sort of variety. Yummy!
ReplyDeleteMy "time to get back to myself" is with running. Oh how I never thought I would say that. I have tried it with the child in the jogging stroller, and even with the dog, but nothing does it quite like a nice solo run, without an iPod... just me, my body, and the road. It's the best.
I agree with jeninacide, running is my me time.
ReplyDeleteBLTs, YES! what a great way to make use of my just ripe tomatoes.
I love the updated combination of flavors in your sandwich! I am new to your blog and have just signed up to follow you. I can't wait to see what other traditional recipes you will be shaking up with your creative twists!
ReplyDeleteNever would have thought to put avacado on it, but it looks and sounds delectable! Hubby, though, would turn up his nose and refuse to even taste test it.
ReplyDeleteMen.
Cowgirl visibly winces when I put yellow mustard on my BLTs...
ReplyDeleteYum to the food and to the beach. That day you described of sitting on the beach is my idea of paradise. Unfortunately the last time I tried that, the Jersey shore had heavy rains and we were confined to the casinos and malls in AC. The avocado is a food I crave and that is a great way to consume it.
ReplyDeleteKathy - ah.. sewing, I'm with you on that one too. I haven't touched my quilt since the weather has turned summer. I always think of sewing as my winter activity.
ReplyDeleteOdie - I fear kids these days will never learn the sweetness of solitude. No cell phone, no TV, no computer - just being by oneself. Sigh. I enjoy it every now and then.
Jen - I have heard many runners, my husband being one of them, who express the exact same sentiment as you.
Marci - This year has been an awesome tomato year so far - with this ultra warm weather I didn't even get to pick green ones, they ripened so fast!
Linda - I sent you and email - Welcome!!
Ethel - men! Such creatures of habit. You will have to make two versions, one for you and one for him.
Kate - I would have to ask you for a bite of that since I've never seen anyone put mustard on a BLT.
R.J. - With the addition of avocado you never miss the mayo. I had to smile at the beach and Atlantic City. If you live in Jersey, you never refer to AC as the beach - next time you must try one of our sleepy little beach towns, Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Asbury, Long Branch... anything south of Sandy Hook.
BLT's are one of my favorites. So are fresh mozzarella and basil. What a perfect combination. I am about to do a round of pureed avocado for the freezer so I'll have plenty on hand. It was my daughters first food and I intend for it to be my son's. We're inching awfully close to the 6 month mark...
ReplyDeleteI have discovered that being on the water is the absolute best relaxation for me. Perhaps I should consider a houseboat:)
Ahh, those look delicious. I love the prosciutto idea.
ReplyDeleteWhitney - what a wonderful introduction to food for Conner. I guess that he will crave avocado for the rest of his life! And water? Yes... so relaxing, so rejuvenating.
ReplyDeleteCity Share - I adore prosciutto - all the flavor, none of the fat!
Oh, nice recipe! I must try these.
ReplyDeleteHad BLT's with tomatos from the garden, fresh avacado and a side of corn on the cob - PERFECT summer dinner. Thanks for the inspiration. Now have to start cooking with all my peaches!
ReplyDeleteI've really been into BLT's lately.
ReplyDeleteI love spending time alone. I think more people should do it. Having a date with oneself can be really grounding and rejuvenating.
Those look awesome. And yay for a day alone! I like those, too. Sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a perfect beach day! The beach would be my first choice, if I were near one. But I swim daily in the pool and that really does it for me. So relaxing and refreshing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful BLT version! I love the addition of the avocados and mozzarella. Yumm! And I put mustard on BLT's, too! lol