BLT meets Grilled Cheese

What to make for lunch, hmmmm... I kinda feel like grilled cheese, but I kinda want to make a BLT with those Hormel Real Bacon Pieces. Why can't I have both?! These were my thoughts yesterday afternoon as I peered in to my refrigerator looking for something lunch worthy. And I decided that I can have both, why not?

I consider myself a healthy eater. Not a health nut by any means, but a healthy eater. I get more than the required servings of fruits and vegetables daily, I vary my vegetables, make at least half of my grains whole, and get enough calcium, iron and protein based on my activity level. To me, calling myself a healthy eater means that I try to make healthy choices that I know my body needs, without disregarding everything that my taste buds want. I still eat pizza and burgers and ice cream. I just eat them less often, in smaller portions, go for the lower fat and lower sugar options, and try to add on any fruits and veggies when I can. Tomato Pie (no cheese) with muchrooms and garlic powder and Pinkberry with blackberries, coconut and raspberries are two of my favorite "healthy splurges." I also eat taco bell from time to time. (Health nuts, I know you're cringing). It's my biggest guilty pleasure. As much as I would love a cheesy gordita crunch, I usually get fresco tacos, their "healthier" options. Gotta live a little. But I want to live a lot, and for a long time, so most of the time I try to make healthy choices. Plus, I LOVE healthy foods! :)

Enough about me, and what does this have to do with my grilled cheese BLT? Well, neither of those things are particularly good for you, but I tried to make it as healthy as I could.

Yes, I measured! :)

The Players:

• 2 slices Arnold 100% whole grain bread (toasted) (at least half your grains should be whole)
• 1 slice Sargento reduced fat provolone cheese   (-- I swear you won't taste the difference!)
• 3/4 tablespoon of Hormel Real Bacon Pieces (yes, I measured!) (REAL and less fatty than bacon bits or freshly cooked bacon)
• 1/2 of one medium sized tomato or 1 whole Roma tomato
• 1 leaf of Romaine lettuce (Iceberg if you prefer, but there's less nutrients!)
• 1 tablespoon Light Mayonnaise (Helmann's really is the best)

The Game:

Spread 1/2 T. mayo on one side of 1 slice of bread. After the bread is covered to the edge, use knife to remove any excess. Place bread slice mayo-side-down in a preheated pan. It's an old family secret that no matter how healthy I get, I am not willing to give up. Of course I use Light and/or Olive Oil Mayo to make it a little better, and I use less than we used to at home, but still. The taste is just a little bit different, but I absolutely love it. Grilled cheese just isn't the same without it for me.

Place provolone slice on dry side of the slice of bread in the pan.

Sprinkle barely 1 T. of bacon pieces over the provolone cheese. You may be thinking BACON?! and she considers herself at all HEALTHY?! Yep, bacon and healthy can be in the same sentences, believe it or not. Freshly cooked bacon is greasier and fattier, and bacon bits aren't even bacon, so this is a great option at only 25 calories per serving.

Slice tomato and cover to the edges of the cheese slice.

Spread the other 1/2 T. of mayo on one side of the other piece of bread. Place on top of the tomato mayo-side-up.

From here, cook like you would any other grilled cheese- flip when the bottom piece is golden, and remove from heat when the top piece is golden, too.

When finished, place the sandwhich with the cheese side down on a plate. Pull the top piece of bread off, add the lettuce, and return the piece of bread.

Cut diagonally. I don't really have an explanation, but I like it  better this way.

There you have it! Grilled cheese BLT.

I also had an orange, three strawberries and about 16 oz. of water. (See, healthy choices!).

Give it a try. Or mix two of your favorite sandwiches together keeping in mind which ingredients you think would go well together (I wouldn't suggest PB&J and Salami). And let me know how it goes!