Interesting Italian BLT's

The brilliant method of toasting BLTs in a coating of crispy bread crumbs takes these sandwiches from satisfying to spectacular. Joyce Moul - York Haven, PA

I titled this post as Interesting Italian BLT's because I would have NEVER thought to use Italian dressing   (instead of butter) or bread crumbs to make it crispy!! YUMMO! 

Ingredients:

• 2 turkey bacon strips, diced 
• 4 slices Italian bread (1/2 inch thick) 
• 2 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese 
• 2 lettuce leaves 
• 1 small tomato, sliced 
• 4 teaspoons fat-free Italian salad dressing
• 1/3 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs 
• Butter-flavored cooking spray 
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 

Directions In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Layer two bread slices with cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato; top with remaining bread. Brush outsides of sandwiches with salad dressing. Place bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Coat sandwiches with bread crumbs; spray with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches in oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until bread is lightly browned. Yield: 2 servings. 

Nutritional Facts 1 sandwich equals 272 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 13 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat. 

Originally published as Italian BLTs in Healthy Cooking August/September 2009, p29