Delicata squash and bacon: a low-carb BLT

BLT sandwiches are one of my favorite foods and probably my favorite sandwich. Well, it's a close second to grilled cheese and tomato soup. ;) This version doesn't use bread, but the addition of squash offers a warm element that can make this typically summer-ish food a little more winter friendly. Delicata squash has a fantastic sweet and rich flavor and soft flesh that cooks quickly. It is so "delicate," that you can even eat the skin! If you're a big fan of the BLT but like to watch your carbs, this fresh spin on it might work well for you.

You will need:
Bacon
Lettuce (red or green leaf lettuce works best)
Tomato (homegrown if you have it!)
Delicata squash
Avocado
Optional: ricotta cheese, green onion

Start by frying the bacon, about 2-4 slices per serving. Once crisp, set aside on a paper towel to "de-grease." Leave the residual grease in the frying pan. To prepare the squash, wash and slice into rings less than an inch in thickness. Run a knife around the inside of each ring to remove the seeds and pith. Add the rings to the hot bacon grease and fry on both sides until the edges appear a bit crisp and a fork goes into them easily. Set these on a paper towel to drain as well.

That's it for the hot stuff, now we're on to the cold ingredients.

Wash and drain 2-3 leaves of lettuce and place on your plate. Slice up a tomato and place the slices on the plate as well. Now it's just a matter of arranging everything else on the lettuce. Arrange your bacon and squash slices however you like and then add a few slices of avocado. If you really want the deluxe version, you can also piles on some finely sliced green onion and a scoop or two of ricotta cheese (or some other cheese you love!). Ready to eat!

I just use the lettuce like a tortilla and eat it with my hands, but you could use a fork and knife and eat this more like a salad if you prefer. One thing I really love about this is the squash is a little bit like onion rings, except healthier and can certainly be eaten like that, or you can tear them up and mix with the other ingredients.

Let me know if you love BLTs as much as I do and if there's anything different you do with yours! And to give this version a try!