BLT Bites

  

  My husband, Damon, and I are pretty competitive. Who am I kidding, we are REALLY competitive.  We compete with everything!  It could be as silly as who knew the random fact the kids were asking about, who can win at Uno, or who can tie the kids shoes faster. I think it's a healthy thing that keeps us on our toes (at least that's what I tell myself).  We both thought our kids would have the same competitive drive and we tend to get a little frustrated when it doesn't come out enough. They both definitely have that drive but it isn't quite as intense.   

  Lucca started ice-skating at 3 years old.  He started playing ice hockey around 4.  He loved hockey and he pursued it on his own.  So it was odd for us when he started having trouble on the ice, couldn't focus and started looking like he had never skated before. We decided it was time to take a break and Lucca agreed. A little time went by and Lucca started asking to play hockey again.  We signed him up and he started out doing well!  He was better at skating again and he was making goals.  It was great to see him working so hard and enjoying himself!  Then, it started happening again.  He couldn't stand on the ice without falling.  He was at the other end of the rink away from the puck and wasn't paying attention.  He declined so fast and we couldn't figure out why. Initially, we thought it was the ADHD that he was diagnosed with.  But it didn't make sense because he loved hockey so much.  I kept hearing about hyper focusing but he couldn't focus on anything, including the sport he loved.  We started to talk about another possible break.  Then Lucca changed and started excelling again.  Even one of his old coaches made a comment and was super impressed with how well he was doing. At that point a break didn't seem like an option anymore.  

  Lucca continued to have highs and lows with hockey until it only became lows.  We couldn't figure out why until he was diagnosed with PANDAS. Once we started treatment (with antibiotics and then IVIG), we saw an immediate change in everything including hockey!  There was a glimmer in his eyes when he would get on and come off the ice.  He enjoyed being out there and he enjoyed scoring goals.  There was a competitive drive behind him now and we were all excited!  

  Lucca has come a long way and is having a great time at hockey now.  We just joined a new league/arena and hockey season has officially started, which means we are quite busy!  It becomes challenging to find things that are healthy to eat before and after practices/games. Some sort of protein works best and these BLT bites are perfect.  I like to use turkey bacon because it is less fatty and not as rich, but regular bacon would work too.  I love the micro greens because they give a powerful punch of nutrients and just easy to have on hand.  Both my kids hate tomatoes.  They love ketchup and things made with tomatoes, but the thought of plain tomatoes will freak them out. So, I make a few with and without tomatoes.  Both are delicious.  I think these would be really good as a little party appetizer too...maybe while watching a hockey game.  

BLT Bites

Serves:12 bites

Cook Time:10 minutes

Prep Time:5 minutes

Total Time:15 minutes

Ingredients:

• package of turkey bacon, cooked
• couple of tsp amazing mayo
• micro greens
• tomato, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Place turkey bacon in oven and broil for about 3-5 minutes.  Flip and broil for another 3-5 minutes.  You want it to get a little crispy and hot. Remove from oven. 
2. Lay out a bacon strip and add a small amount of mayo across the bacon.  
3. Add a little bunch of micro greens and place a slice of tomato on one end of the bacon.  
4. Carefully roll up and secure with a toothpick.  Repeat.