The Best Blts

Ingredients

• 2  avocado pitted ripe peeled sliced
• 1 pound bacon 
• 12.5 inch bread fresh white country-style
• 0.3 cup butter room temperature
• 2.5 cups basil fresh packed (lightly )
• 6  romaine leaves 
• 1 cup mayonnaise 
• 1  onion red thinly sliced
• 3 large tomatoes cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

Equipment

• frying pan
• paper towels

Directions

1. Mix basil, mayonnaise and butter in processor until basil is finely chopped and mixture is well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
2. Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.
3. Transfer to paper towels; drain.
4. Spread half of mayonnaise mixture over 1 side of 6 bread slices. Top each with 2 tomato slices.
5. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper. Top tomato slices with avocado, then with bacon strips, onion and lettuce.
6. Spread remaining mayonnaise mixture over remaining 6 bread slices.
7. Place bread slices atop lettuce.
8. Cut sandwiches in half and serve.