Cheesy Bacon and Tomato Lettuce Rolls #FoodieExtravaganza

These cheesy bacon and tomato lettuce rolls are simple to create. They make a wonderful lunch or snack full of freshness and flavor, from the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar to the crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes and especially the honey Dijon mayo.

I have mixed feelings about this post. Not the cheesy bacon and tomato lettuce rolls themselves. They are fabulous. Make them.

My problem is the post itself because I have some news to share that finds me conflicted. For a few years as a child and then since moving overseas in 1987, my identity has been largely defined by the many places I’ve lived, by being an expat. If you’ve read my About Me page, you know that the places I’ve had a bedroom makes a very long list. This week, that comes to an end.

Even as I type, the movers are packing things up around me, with the familiar screech of huge tape rolls sealing boxes, the noisy rustle of crushed wrapping paper and box knives slicing through cardboard. With so many workers in one room, it’s almost deafening at times. These sounds are familiar, normal, usually harbingers of a new life in a foreign land. Now they mean I am going home.

I look forward to spending more time with family and friends in the States, and also traveling with my husband for extended periods, with no deadlines looming or constant emails and phone calls to tend to.

But I am also going to miss the unexpected challenge of moving to a new country, the adventure of making new friends and figuring out how things work. And, of course, I am really going to miss the friends I made in Dubai. I know we’ll keep in touch, as I have with other special friends from other locations, but there’s always sadness to leave people behind.

I don’t want to trivialize that sadness but I can tell you that bacon always cheers me up. Hence, these lovely rolls.

Cheesy Bacon and Tomato Lettuce Rolls

You can switch out the thick bacon for thin sliced, if you’d prefer but I think the thick cut stuff gives a better bacon to other ingredients ratio. Make sure to cut enough of the hard ribs out because this will make the lettuce much easier to roll up.

Ingredients
For 6 cheesy BLT rolls:
6 slices thick cut bacon, fried till crispy but still pliable
2 ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced very thinly
6 heart of romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried well
3 1/2 oz or 100g extra sharp cheddar, grated
Freshly ground black pepper

To secure the rolls: wooden skewers

For the honey Dijon mayo:
1/4 cup or 56g mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon minced green onion tops
1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
Optional but recommended: dash or two of your favorite hot sauce

Method
In a small bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the honey Dijon mayo. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Use a sharp knife to cut the thick hard ribs out of each lettuce leaf. Spoon some of the honey Dijon mayo on one side of the leaf.

Top this with a slice of bacon.

Sprinkle with cheese, the top with the thinly sliced tomato. Give the tomatoes a good couple of grinds of black pepper then drizzle with a little more mayo. 

Finally add a little more grated cheese. Fold the other side of the lettuce leaf over.

From the base of the romaine leaf, roll it up and secure the roll with a wooden skewer.

Repeat until all six rolls are done.

If you have a few tomatoes slices left over, serve them with a little of the mayo. Delish.

Enjoy!

This month my Foodie Extravaganza friends are celebrating National BLT (Bacon Lettuce Tomato sandwich) Month by sharing classic BLTs or variations on that theme. Check out the creative recipes below.  Many thanks to this month’s host, Sue of Palatable Pastime.

• Classic BLT Sandwich from Sneha's Recipe
• BLT Focaccia from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• BLT Panzanella from Palatable Pastime
• BLT Pizza from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• BLT Waffle Fries from Simply Inspired Meals
• Cheesy Bacon and Tomato Lettuce Rolls from Food Lust People Love
• Fried Chicken BLT from Cookaholic Wife

Foodie Extravaganza celebrates obscure food holidays by posting delicious recipes your family will love. Posting day is always the first Wednesday of each month. If you are a blogger and would like to join our group and blog along with us, come join our Facebook page Foodie Extravaganza. We would love to have you! If you’re a home cook looking for tasty recipes, check out our Foodie Extravaganza Pinterest Board!

Pin these Cheesy Bacon and Tomato Lettuce Rolls!

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Spicy Pimento Cheese

Despite its northern origins, pimento cheese is a staple of southern childhood. While researching its history, I discovered that many families bought it ready-made in stores, keeping a small tub ever present in their refrigerators. My grandmother always made it with homemade mayonnaise, as does my mother. If you are so inclined, here’s a link to their homemade mayo recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Pimento cheese spread on white bread is the sanguine stuff of childhood summers, best eaten high in the nearest climbable tree, favorite book in the other hand, scuffed bare feet swinging in the breeze, amongst the flutter of the pink and white fluffs of mimosa flowers or wisps of Spanish moss draped from ancient oaks. Pimento cheese was once considered fancy food – think teatime sandwiches cut in triangles with crusts removed. It evolved into everyday fare as red peppers, initially imported from Spain, were cultivated in the south and prices fell. There are almost as many recipes and combinations for delicious pimento cheese as there are cooks. It fits our Sunday Supper theme today – Foods That Travel – not just historically with its popularity spreading from north to south but also with the ease it can be served, between slices of bread or on crackers for tasty sandwiches and appetizers on the go.

I’ve made this many times over the years to take along to potlucks or teas, just recently, in fact, piping the pimento cheese onto crackers and sharing it with a close group of friends I’ve treasured for more than 40 years. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

My humble pimento cheese joined a table laden with delicious teatime fare.

Many thanks to our host for this week’s Sunday Supper, Marion of Life Tastes Good, who is ably assisted by Coleen at The Redhead Baker.

Ingredients

1 (4 oz or 113g)) jar pimentos, drained
1-2 teaspoons finely grated onion
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus a little extra for dusting, if desired
16oz or 454g extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 (4 oz or 113g) can Hatch chilies (or mild green chilies if you prefer), drained
1 cup or 240ml mayonnaise

Method
In a large bowl with plenty of room for mixing, use a fork to combine the first five ingredients thoroughly.

Add in the mayonnaise and mix well.

Spread on bread for sandwiches or put the spicy pimento cheese in a sealed plastic bag, cut off one corner and pipe it onto crackers. For the tea, I snipped my bag and closed it with a secure clip so I was ready to lay out crackers and pipe on pimento cheese immediately. Food That Travels!

Sprinkle with a light dusting of more cayenne, if desired.

Enjoy!

Looking for recipes to pack for lunch and head outdoors? Need inspiration for upcoming National Night Out get-togethers or family reunion potluck picnics?  Sunday Supper is here to help!

Adventurous Appetizers

• Bacon Cheeseburger Dip by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
• Spicy Pimento Cheese by Food Lust People Love

Destination Desserts

• Almond Flour Brownies by Recipe for Perfection
• Cherry Blueberry Pie by Pies and Plots
• Cherry Pound Cake with Lime Glaze by Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Classic Carrot Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• No Bake Banana Pie in a Jar by Our Good Life
• No Bake Millionaire Shortbread Cookies by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Oatmeal Raisin Banana Bars by What Smells So Good?

Mains in Motion

• Baby Back Pork Loin Ribs by The Freshman Cook
• BBQ Chicken On The Grill To Go by Family Foodie
• Chicken Salad Skewers by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cobb Salad in a Jar by Life Tastes Good
• Farro with Eggplant and Tomato by Cooking Chat
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
• Mexican Breakfast Casserole  by Simply Healthy Family
• Pan Bagnat (Provençal Tuna Sandwich) by Curious Cuisiniere
• Pastitsio by Food Done Light
• Roasted Vegetable Tart by Adventures in All Things Food
• Spinach Pie by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Vegan SuperFood Bowl by Sustainable Dad

Sightseeing Sides

• Grilled Corn, Bean & Radish Salad by Feeding Big
• Heirloom Tomato Salsa by Nosh My Way
• Parmesan Pasta Salad by Recipes Food and Cooking
• Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

Traveling Treats

• Cherry Crumble No-Bake Energy Bars by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chocolate Zucchini Muffins by Caroline's Cooking
• Energy Balls by Noshing With The Nolands
• Sunflower Seed Oatmeal Bars by Magnolia Days

More Tips

• Comfort Foods That Travel Tips by Sunday Supper Movement

DIY Veggie Cup Noodles

Crispy fresh vegetables and fragrant fresh or quick-cook egg noodles are the basis of this do-it-yourself cup noodle recipe. Use the vegetables you love or have in your refrigerator! 

Despite the heat here in Dubai, the signs of the new school year are already starting to pop up in stores. I was interested to see that the French hypermarket Carrefour has the list of school supplies required by the French curriculum schools as well as French stationery products for sale. It was like being at home in a Walmart again in August. I don’t know who first thought of gathering the school supply lists and making them available for harried parents, but they deserve a medal of honor!

This week our Sunday Supper group is trying to make Back to School easier for you with great ideas for take along lunches, snacks and quick dinners. Many thanks to Tammi from Momma’s Meals and her co-host Gwen from Simply Healthy Family for hosting this useful event!

Ingredients to serve one

1 nest of thin, quick-cook egg noodles or about 2 3/4 oz or 80g fresh egg noodles
1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon powder, or ¼ cube vegetable stock
Small knob fresh ginger
1/2 garlic clove,
1/4 red or green chili

Vegetables I used (Mine weighed about 5 1/2 oz or 155g in total):
Carrot
Spring onion
Edamame  (I used frozen, peeled edamame that was thawed.)
Snowpeas or mange tout
Young asparagus
Fresh baby corn
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts

Other suggested vegetables:
Cabbage
Bak Choy
Bean sprouts
Green peas
Broccoli
Fresh spinach,
etc.

Optional: 3 hard-boiled quail eggs or perhaps cubes of tofu

For serving:
2-3 teaspoons soy sauce
Wedge lime

Method
Mince your chili pepper and cut your vegetables into thin strips or slices. I have a handy tool that juliennes my carrots very easily, but if you don’t, feel free to grate yours. The thinner you can cut the veggies, the better they will “cook” in the boiling water.

Put your noodles and bouillon powder into a sealable heatproof container. Add in the minced chili pepper then grate in the ginger and garlic.

Mix the vegetables up and pile them on top of the noodles.

Add the eggs to the top, if using. You can put the lime wedge in as well for easy transport. Don’t forget to bring along some soy sauce.

When you are ready to eat, remove the lime wedge and add boiling water to the container.

Close the lid and leave for eight -10 minutes. I gave mine a gentle shake and swirl now and then to help the powdered bouillon dissolve and to distribute the flavors of chili, garlic and ginger evenly around the container.

A word of warning: Despite its rubber seal, my "cup" is not leak proof when filled with liquids but it works fine for transporting the ingredients before the boiling water is added. You might want to check your vessel before heading down the hall from the break room to your office or classroom if you are making this at work. Always carry hot food cautiously with dry towels or oven mitts.

Advice part two: If you keep this in the refrigerator at work, take it out well before you are planning to eat so that it can come to room temperature before adding the boiling water. Otherwise, the water will be cooled too quickly and the vegetables and noodles may not be "cooked" enough for your liking.

Squeeze in the lime and add soy sauce to taste.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from River Cottage Veg* by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Of course, being British, Hugh calls them Pot Noodles.

Are you tired of packing that same old lunch or looking for quick evening meals for busy school and work days? Have a look at the great list of recipes and tips our Sunday Supper group has for you today!

Back to School Beginnings

• Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Muffins from Killer Bunnies
• Make Ahead Waffle Casserole from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Apple Muffins from Meal Diva
• Apple Oat Breakfast Cookies from What Smells So Good?
• Toast Three Ways from Foxes Love Lemons

Back to School Lunches and Simple Suppers

• Owl Bento Box from Simply Gourmet
• First Day of School Pinwheels from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Quick and Easy Hot Pastrami Sliders from Webicurean
• Grilled Chicken Revamp from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Baked Eggplant Parmesan from Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
• Chicken and Zucchinin Meatballs from Casa de Crews
• Clean Eating Lunches Your Kids will Love from Amee's Savory Dish
• Crispy Chicken Legs from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• DIY Veggie Cup Noodles from Food Lust People Love
• Chicken Nuggets from Nosh my Way
• Skinny Spinach Mac and Cheese from Take a Bite out of Boca
• Chicken Schnitzle from Panning the Globe
• Berry Nutty Bento from Ninja Baking
• Spagetti and Chicken Meatballs from Soni's Food
• Chopped Shrimp Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette from The Weekend Gourmet
• Steak & Cheese Pockets from Momma's Meals
• Turkey Pinwheels from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Back to School Sips

• Hulk SMASH Smoothie from Run DMT
• Good Morning Smoothies from Family Foodie

Back to School Super Snacks

• Nutty Granola from Life Tastes Good
• On the Go Guacamole from Shannon at Country Girl in the Village
• Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Playground Granola Bars from Noshing with the Nolands
• Apricot Dip from Magnolia Days
• Parmesan Garlic Oven Roasted Chick Peas from Ruffles and Truffles
• Home Made Graham Crackers from Curious Cuisiniere
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars from Pies and Plots
• Gluten Free Apple Zucchini Flax Bread from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Beef and Veggie Sliders from Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn from Simply Healthy Family
• Frushi (Fruit Sushi) from Mama Bee Does

Back to School Sweets and Treats

• Open Face PB & J Cookies from Desserts Required
• Berry Topped Chocolate Silk Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Paletas from La Cocina de Leslie
• Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Love Note Doodle Bugs from Happy Baking Days
• Frozen Yogurt Mud Pies from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Brown Butter Peanut Butter Crispy Treats from The Texan New Yorker



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