Before the McMuffin!

That lovely sandwich you see there is a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich!  Yummo!  This morning while at Denny's for breakfast, I had a craving for a BLT with a fried egg on it.  It always takes me back about 40 years when I eat one of these.  At my second job in Washington, D.C. back in 1967, I worked downtown on 17th and K streets.  I lived about 40 miles out of town, and it always seemed too early for breakfast when I rose to dress and leave for work.  I was extremely happy there was a tiny deli type shop on one of the floors of the building where I worked.  I was happy because, if I timed it just right I could get there in just enough time to have a BLT on whole wheat with a hard fried egg and a cup of hot coffee before starting work each day.

I have good memories of those days.  I was young and healthy and really enjoyed those sandwiches.  It just seemed to get my day off to a great start.  Those were the days before the McMuffin!  Now, I don't have anything against the McMuffin per se, but it just isn't the same as a perfectly made BLT with nice fresh tomatoes, lettuce and crispy bacon and that freshly fried egg...sigh.  I didn't have to count calories back in those days.  The BLT is actually the second most popular sandwich in the USA!  I was kind of worried about the calories in the sandwich, but after checking it out I was surprised to find if made on whole grain bread, it only has about 180 calories, compared to the egg McMuffin which has about 300!

That sounds like a pretty good argument for keeping my BLT habit alive and well.  Fast food has been the downfall of the American diet.  Much of the obesity problems we are experiencing in this country today can be attributed to the fast food/drive thru experience.  So, if you would like to be more healthy and have less calories, yet have a delicious way to start the day - start it with a BLT.  Cook some bacon ahead and have it in the fridge for quick access.  Toast a couple slices of nice whole grain bread.  Slice a fresh tomato and pull off a piece of lettuce...there ya go...you can even have a "little" mayo and some salt and pepper and still be under 200 calories for all.  It is satisfying, healthy and will give you just the get up and go you need to start a perfect day.  Ah, for the days before the Egg McMuffin!

Doctor, Doctor!

I spent the better part of today getting "clearance" from my internist so that I may have eye surgery in September. After my blood work, exam and discussion with my doctor, Laurie Tharpe, M.D., who is the greatest, I had to go get a chest x.ray.

It seems to me that with all the computer information sharing and everything, that when you go to the SAME hospital you have been going to for fifteen years, they should have most of your medical information. I had to go over and over the same information I have given them every year for the past fifteen years. I certainly can understand then asking if you have any information to update, but I hate starting over every time I visit the same hospital. I sometimes wonder if it isn't a way to justify giving someone a job.

I got into a discussion while I was waiting, and waiting and waiting for the simple chest x-ray. Some were talking about how they order their medications from Canada and questioning why they are cheaper there than here. Good question. Right now, we are paying more because the pharma companies can get away with it. I hate too many laws just as much as anyone, but it seems like without some kind of regulation, these companies get more and more out of control with costs. Excuses like "it pays for research" just don't cut it anymore. Why aren't the Canadians "paying for research".

I also read an article in TIME magazine while I was waiting, showing where this country rates regarding health care. We ARE NOT number one any more! Why not?

These questions need to be answered by the Pharmaceutical and Insurance Companies, but sadly, without regulation....that will never happen. Let me know how YOU feel about these issues.

Simple Recipe For The Day

Want a great sandwich for your guests? Try this one from my Deli days!

1 Baguette, sliced into 1/2 inches pieces
2 Sliced boiled eggs (did you know you can buy boiled eggs at the grocery store?)
4 Slices cooked bacon (try pre-cooked and save yourself some time)
Smoked Turkey Slices
Leaf Lettuce
Sliced Tomatoes
Sliced Swiss Cheese
Mayonnaise

Spread three slices of baguette with mayo (use can use butter if you prefer)
On Bottom slice place tomatoes, lettuce and a slice of smoked turkey
Place second slice of baguette atop first
On top of second slice, place sliced boiled egg, and bacon.
Place third slice of baguette on top..and place a piece of swiss cheese atop all

Broil on high just long enough to bubble up the swiss cheese.

And you have the "French Club"..believe me, your family and friends will absolutely love these little delights.

Happy eating!