THE BEST BLTS

The Best Blts image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 cups (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
12 thick-sliced bacon strips (about 1 pound)
12 1/2-inch-thick slices fresh country-style white bread
3 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
6 lettuce leaves

Steps:

Mix basil, mayonnaise and butter in processor until basil is finely chopped and mixture is well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; drain.
Spread half of mayonnaise mixture over 1 side of 6 bread slices. Top each with 2 tomato slices. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper. Top tomato slices with avocado, then with bacon strips, onion and lettuce. Spread remaining mayonnaise mixture over remaining 6 bread slices. Place bread slices atop lettuce. Cut sandwiches in half and serve.