Learning to Cook

59 Days to Go

Cooking relaxing and creative and the best part is if the food you're making is no good, you can throw it out and microwave some pizza. One of my goals this summer is to identify some healthy, easy, and most importantly tasty recipes I can make pretty easily next semester. There is a kitchenette in the dorm I'll be staying at- which means I'll have a stovetop and refrigerator to work with. I made this sandwich a few days ago after coming home from my summer internship, and it really hit the spot!

A similar sandwich from 501dinnerclub.com

“Gourmet” Turkey Melt

Ingredients

The "Guacamole"

1 Haas Avacado

1/4 Sweet Onion

1/4 Tomato

1/2 tbsp Lime Juice

1/2 tbsp Garlic (pre-minced is fine)

1/2 teaspoon Red (Cayenne) Pepper

Preparation

1)     Slice the avocado in half. Remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado from the skin and place in a small bowl. Add the lime juice and mix to ensure that the avocado is coated in the juice. Pour out the remaining juice, and mash the avocado to a smooth consistency with a potato masher (a fork will work just as well).

2)     Chop up the Onion (I prefer chunks about a 1/8^th inch wide, but it’s up to you!). Chop the tomato, removing the seeds. Mix the tomato and onion into the avocado. Add the Garlic and red pepper. Set aside.

The Sandwich

2 Slices Whole wheat bread

3 strips bacon

4 slices Turkey Breast

Salted Butter (Softened)

Shredded cheese (Mexican blend)

¼ sweet onion

Preparation

         

1)     In a sauté pan on low to medium heat, cook the bacon strips to your preferred consistency (I like them on the chewy side). There usually is no need to pre-grease the pan as long as you watch to make sure you do not burn the bacon. You can use precooked bacon for this step if you have access to a microwave to warm it up.

2)     Chop up some onion and add to the same pan after about a minute stir frequently in order to avoid burning the onion. You want to brown it (5 to 7 min).

3)     When the bacon and onions are finished, set them aside.

4)     Place the turkey in the same pan. Make sure to flip it frequently so it does not burn to the pan. Warm each side for approximately 1 full minute.

Assembly

1)     Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the other side of one slice, put some cheese (several small handfuls of shredded cheese or 2-3 slices). On the other slice, spread the guacamole mixture.

2)     Place two of the bacon strips on the guacamole side. Eat the other one. You earned it.

3)     Place the other slice of bread (the one with the cheese) in the pan. Add turkey and caramelized onions on top. Put the remaining slice of bread together with the sandwich.

4)     Once the bottom of the sandwich is golden brown, flip and brown the other side.

Altogether, this recipe takes about 25 minute and only leaves you with one pan, one bowl, and one plate to clean! (Another huge bonus for me!)