Bourbon Caramelized Bacon and Heirloom Tomato BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda.

Hands down, this is the best BLT I have ever made.

And ever had.

I would even say, this Heirloom Tomato BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda is the best BLT ever, but I am not going to. One, people can get a little offensive over that statement. Two, I can never know for sure that this is the best EVER, because I really haven’t had that many BLT’s in my lifetime. So how’s this, as of right now, this is my favorite BLT.

And with good reason.

I mean, are you looking at what I am looking at? I just love this sammie.

For me, a BLT is all about really good ingredients – good bacon, GREAT tomatoes and good lettuce. You also need to turn this into a BLAT by adding some ripe avocados. Then just melt some gouda cheese and find some delicious bread. If you can do that, you’ll be guaranteed a winner BLT.

I typically stay away from classic BLT’s because the tomatoes always suck. Sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true. When it comes to tomatoes I am a huge snob. If I am going to use tomatoes (and eat them), they have to be amazing. Meaning they have to be perfectly sweet and tart. During the winter I always buy grape tomatoes because I find they taste best. I almost never buy beefsteak tomatoes because I never have any luck with them.

This summer though?? Well, this summer I have been all about the heirloom tomatoes. The little cherry ones, the sweet medium size ones and the awkward big ones. Actually, they are all awkward looking, but that’s what makes me love them so much. Un-perfect is so much better than mass-produced, identical looking tomatoes – if you ask me. Bring on the dimples, shiny, rough skin and bi-colored produce because I love it.

What I am trying to say, is that if I want to make a good BLT, summer is my only chance.

Lately, if I see good lookin tomatoes, I buy them. Whether I need them or not. I buy them because I know that having them will force me to come up with a way to use them before they start to go bad on me. And if I don’t come up with anything, I can literally eat a whole pint in one sitting….just the tomatoes. Nothing else.

Ok, so I think you get the idea. You need good tomatoes and now is the time to get them – moving on.

To the bacon!

Everyone’s favorite right? I mean, what’s a BLT without the B? Still good if you have good tomatoes I guess, but not what we are looking for.

Bacon is awesome on it’s own, but I really wanted to make a killer BLT. So I did what I do best, I went for a little sweet and savory combo and umm, added bourbon, because a splash of bourbon can never hurt. Especially on a Monday.

I cooked the bacon in a mix of maple syrup, bourbon and a pinch of cayenne. You guys, if you already loved bacon, prepare to love it even more. This bacon has the power to turn bacon haters into bacon lovers. Even vegans might have a hard time resisting this bacon.

I love the flavors of the maple syrup mixed with the subtle flavor of bourbon and the spiciness of the cayenne. It’s bacon done right.

Since I can’t make a sandwich without a little melted cheese I added my favorite, smoked gouda. Don’t skimp on the gouda guys. I have always thought that BLT’s were a little boring. I mean what’s a sandwich without some cheese??

Cheese makes a BLT complete.

Oh, but so does a fried egg and a slice of avocado. I do not think I have ever made a BLT without an egg or avocado. I put eggs on a lot of things (need to make leftovers shine? Put an egg on it), but on top of a BLT is a must.

There’s even a little chipotle mayo going on too. I told you I wanted to make a killer BLT!

Now that’s a good summertime BLT! Monday lunch or dinner, either way, you can’t go wrong!