Bacon-Tomato Salad

"A main dish salad which is a variation of a BLT"
(4 servings)

12 slices uncured*, applewood smoked*, thick sliced* peppered* bacon
3 T. EVOO
3 slices baguette or other rustic bread
3 T. light* mayo.
1 t. freshly ground pepper, divided
5 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
4 beefsteak tomatoes sliced 1/2" thick
Coarse Kosher salt*, to taste (on the tomatoes*)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

Heat oven to 375. Place bacon on rimmed baking sheet; bake 25-30 mins. or until crisp. Place on paper towels to drain. When cool, coarsely crumble. Heat 2 T. of the oil in a small skillet over med.-high heat until hot. Add bread slices; fry 3-4 mins.or until light golden brown, turning once. Place on paper towels to drain. When cool, break each slices into 4-5 pieces. In a large bowl, stir together remaining 1 T. oil, mayo, and 1/2 t. of the pepper. Add lettuce; toss to coat. Arrange lettuce on serving platter. Scatter bread over lettuce. Top with tomato; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 t. pepper and crumbled bacon. Garnish with basil.

Be Strong!!

Love,

MM