Today is National Bagels and Lox Day!

Today is Bagels and Lox Day! One of my favorite places to get bagels and lox is The Bagel Shack in San Clemente, Ca. They have those super huge bagels and they are very, VERY generous with the cream cheese and lox. And, of course, they include the capers!

(image from www.about-portlandor.com)

I came across this recipe on Epicurious, and I as soon as I am done typing, I am running out to get the ingredients. I love the idea of adding avocado...as well, I love the idea of adding avocado to a great deal of what I eat!

The B.L.A.—Bagel with Lox and Avocado
Epicurious September 2008
by Faye Levy
Healthy Cooking for the Jewish Home

Yield: Makes 2 servings

The idea for this sandwich came to me when my mother and I were about to have bagels and lox for brunch. I wanted a more nutritious spread than cream cheese, and I happened to have on hand a ripe avocado, which is rich in beneficial monosaturated fat and organic minerals. Mashed with a bit of lemon juice, it turned out to be the perfect choice. Its mild, delicate flavor provides the ideal balance for the salty lox, and its smooth creamy texture resembles that of cream cheese.

Use whatever bagel you like. A whole-grain one has the best nutrition, but the sandwich will taste better if the bagel is not sweet; often whole-grain bagels also contain honey. The lox-and-avocado combination is also good in a whole wheat pita. Whether you're serving it to break the fast or for brunch, the sandwich is good accompanied by a green salad and a few high-quality olives.

Ingredients:

1 small ripe avocado, preferably Hass (see Note)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 bagels
2 slices or 4 thin strips of lox, or smoked salmon
2 thin slices of red onion
4 thin slices of tomato
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed (optional)

Preparation:

A short time before serving, mash avocado and add lemon juice. Season with pepper and only a bit of salt, as there will be enough in the lox. Split bagels and spread each half with avocado. Top with lox. Put onion, tomato, and capers (if using) on bottom half, then set top half of sandwich in place. Serve at once.

Note:
To halve an avocado, run a knife lengthwise around fruit, then twist to separate the two halves. Remove pit by hitting it with the heel of a chef's knife, using just enough force that knife sticks in pit. Then lift knife, with pit attached.


Visit Jet-Chef.com to find a caterer, personal chef or restaurant for your special meal or occasion!

Are you a caterer, personal chef or restaurant and want to be part of the Jet-Chef.com success? Log on to Jet-Chef.com and start your listing today with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION 6-month membership! Contact us via email at info@imaiusa.com!