PLT Pancetta, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich

PLT Pancetta, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich
 You've probably figured it out already. A PLT is a BLT with pancetta in
place of bacon. I've made a few other refinements, too. Instead of putting
the bread in a toaster, I butter it and grill the sandwich on a griddle or
in a cast-iron pan. And I weight the sandwich while I'm grilling it, which
makes the bread brown better. Adding basil to the mayonnaise gives it an
herbal lift, and romaine hearts contribute a fresh crunch. I love the
contrast of crisp, hot, cool, and creamy in this sandwich.
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 (Makes
4 sandwiches)
3/4 pound pancetta, sliced as thick as bacon
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
8 large slices country-style bread
Unsalted butter, at room temperature
12 tomato slices
Freshly ground black pepper
1 romaine lettuce heart, separated into leaves Unroll the pancetta
slices and cut into 4-inch lengths. Put the pancetta in a skillet and cook
over moderate heat until it renders much of its fat and begins to crisp,
about 10 minutes. Drain in a sieve.
In a small bowl, stir the basil into the mayonnaise.
Butter one side of each bread slice, then put 4 slices, buttered side down,
on a work surface. Top the bread slices with the pancetta, distributing it
evenly. Top each with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan until hot. Place the sandwiches in the
skillet and top with a weight, such as another skillet. Cook until nicely
browned, 2 to 3 minutes, then turn the sandwiches and replace the weight.
Cook until the second side is well browned, about 2 minutes.
Transfer the sandwiches to a work surface and remove the top slice of bread
from each sandwich. Spread the underside of those slices with mayonnaise.
Top the pancetta with the tomato slices, pepper to taste, and romaine
leaves. Replace the top slice of bread, cut the sandwiches in half, and
serve immediately.
 *Michael's Notes:* You can assemble the sandwiches an hour or two before
grilling them. Keep them stacked between pieces of waxed paper.
-- 
My favorite line from a movie & so true :-) The American President
They don't have a choice! Rob
Rumson's the only one doing the
talking. People want leadership.
And in the absence of genuine
leadership, they will listen to
anyone who steps up to the
microphone. They want leadership,
Mr. President. They're so thirsty
for it, they'll crawl through the
desert toward a mirage, and when
they discover there's no water,
they'll drink the sand.
SHEPHERD
 (evenly)
Lewis, we've had Presidents who were
beloved, who couldn't find a coherent
sentence with two hands and a
flashlight. People don't drink the
sand, 'cause they're thirsty, Lewis.
They drink it 'cause they don't know
the difference.
== Contributed by: ==
* Catsrecipes Y-Group
Category:Cathy's Recipes