Classic BLT Sandwich

Steps

1. Line (how to line a pan)

   Line a pan Cover the bottom (and sometimes sides) of a pan with parchment or foil so food doesn't stick and lifts out easily. 1. For a sheet pan, tear parchment the size of the pan and lay it flat.2. For a round cake pan, trace the bottom on parchment, cut the circle out and press it in.3. For brownies and bars, leave two long sides hanging over to make handles (a "sling").4. A little grease under the paper holds it in place. Done when: The paper lies flat with no folds where the batter could run under it. How to line a baking pan with parchment: mistakes to avoid

   a sheet pan with foil or parchment and lay the bacon on it in a single layer.
2. Put the pan in a cold oven, then set it to 400°F (200°C). Starting cold helps the bacon cook flat.
   400°F
3. Bake until the bacon is browned and crisp.
   400°F⏱ Bake bacon: 18 min
4. Move the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Toast (how to toast)

   Toast Heat nuts, seeds, spices or bread crumbs in a dry pan or oven until fragrant and lightly browned. 1. Spread them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, or on a sheet pan at 350°F.2. Shake the pan or stir often.3. Watch and smell: the moment they smell nutty, they are close.4. Tip them onto a plate right away; the hot pan keeps cooking them. Done when: They are fragrant and a shade darker. Small seeds take 1 to 3 minutes; nuts in the oven 5 to 10. How to toast nuts, seeds, spices and bread: mistakes to avoid

   the bread until golden.
6. Lay the tomato slices on a plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toast.
8. Layer lettuce, tomato and 4 strips of bacon on 2 of the slices, then top with the remaining toast, mayo side down.
9. Cut each sandwich in half and serve right away.

Tap an underlined word for how to do it, or see all techniques.

Tips

• Thick-cut bacon needs a few more minutes; check it from 15 minutes on.
• Let the bacon grease cool and harden on the foil, then fold it up and throw it away. Never pour it down the drain.

Storage

Best eaten right away. Leftover cooked bacon keeps 4 days in the fridge.

How long leftovers keep, and freezing and reheating: leftovers and storage. In season: tomatoes (July to September), lettuce (April to June and September to October).