BLT

[emsny]

Can we all - apart from non-pork-eaters - agree that the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich is one of the great dishes? Well, even if we can't: where does it come from? There's something vaguely English about it, isn't there? Yet it really flourishes only in the US. Anybody know about the origins of this sandwich?

[Nina C.]

Can we all - apart from non-pork-eaters - agree that the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich is one of the great dishes? Well, even if we can't: where does it come from? There's something vaguely English about it, isn't there? Yet it really flourishes only in the US. Anybody know about the origins of this sandwich?

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BLT's are probably related to the Club Sandwich and the Tea Sandwich. Sandwiches became very popular in the US after the "invention" of sliced bread, thus perhaps why it is more popular here.

[Ann_T]

Not just the US. Don't forget Canada. It flourishes here too. And I agree with you Nina, they are sooo good. I've had more than my share of BLT's this summer/fall while tomatoes are at their best. Grew up eating them but have no idea where they originated.

Homemade French bread

Ann

[kitchenmage]

Not just the US.  Don't forget Canada.  It flourishes here too. And I agree with you Nina, they are sooo good.  I've had more than my share of BLT's this summer/fall while tomatoes are at their best.  Grew up eating them but have no idea where they originated. 

***food porn removed***

Ann

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OMG Ann, stop! You're killing me!

I'm deep in a project and taking five minutes while a server reboots to amuse myself. The subject caught my eye since I love BLTs but that picture. Now I have to take a break and find my single tomato, pull some homemade bread out of the freezer and put on some bacon. (we need a STARVING smilie icon)

[srhcb]

From The Hisotry of American Sandwiches:

"Recipes are not invented, they evolve. In the case of the Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich (BLT), culinary evidence confirms this recipe descended from late Victorian-era tea sandwiches. The earliest recipes for BLTs were listed under different names in cookbooks."

[snowangel]

I have no clue where they came from, but that are (as Peter would say) "da bomb." Sadly, tomato season is done here, so sigh, it will be about 9-10 months before they come around again.

But, my most remarkable BLT this past summer was made with a combo of cabin and regular bacon. THe cajun bacon from F & D Meats in Virginia, the regular mapley bacon from Zupps. Makes me weak at the knees to think of it. That lettuce from the garden, those brandywines...served with a "side" of the freshest sweetcorn.

Here in MN, it's the question of mayo vs. Miracle Whip. Personally, Diana and I like a garlicky aioli on that bread!

[bleachboy]

I am not a nutritional anthropologist, but I can confirm that the BLT is, in my opinion, the most perfect sandwich.

[shellfishfiend]

The BLT, regardless of its origins, is the most perfect sandwich in existence. I realize it goes against convention, but I have always enjoyed my BLTs with either no dressing of any sort (just s&p) or with mustard (usually French's.) I have always loved the double whammy of an acidic tomato and the vinegar taste of the mustard.

[BekkiM]

The BLT, regardless of its origins, is the most perfect sandwich in existence. I realize it goes against convention, but I have always enjoyed my BLTs with either no dressing of any sort (just s&p) or with mustard (usually French's.) I have always loved the double whammy of an acidic tomato and the vinegar taste of the mustard.

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Mustard on a BLT is an offense to the bacon gods... But they are generally pleased and well-served by the consumption of that most perfect of sandwiches, the BLT.

[shellfishfiend]

The BLT, regardless of its origins, is the most perfect sandwich in existence. I realize it goes against convention, but I have always enjoyed my BLTs with either no dressing of any sort (just s&p) or with mustard (usually French's.) I have always loved the double whammy of an acidic tomato and the vinegar taste of the mustard.

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Mustard on a BLT is an offense to the bacon gods... But they are generally pleased and well-served by the consumption of that most perfect of sandwiches, the BLT.

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I'm glad to hear I can lesssen my offense to the bacon gods with the consumption of a BLT. I wish I could make up for all my offenses this way

[srhcb]

I'm glad to hear I can lesssen my offense to the bacon gods with the consumption of a BLT. I wish I could make up for all my offenses this way

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These philosophical remarks inspired me to start a New Thread.

SB