Alligator Pear Sandwiches are a charming Depression-era take on what we would now call avocado sandwiches. “Alligator pear” was once a common American name for avocado, referring to the fruit’s pear-like shape and rough green skin. This July 1932 recipe turns the soft avocado flesh into a creamy spread flavored with a homemade dressing of oil, vinegar, Tabasco, French mustard, cayenne, lime, and onion juice. Spread generously between thinly buttered slices of bread with the crusts removed, these delicate sandwiches would have been well suited to picnics, luncheons, and afternoon gatherings. The combination feels surprisingly modern: creamy avocado brightened by citrus, vinegar, mustard, and just a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado aka “alligator pear” (large & ripe“alligator pear”)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ½ tsp French mustard
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ⅛ tsp onion juice
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 1 tbsp softened butter (softened )
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Salad Dressing
- 2 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp vinegar, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce, ⅛ tsp salt, 1 pinch black pepper, ½ tsp French mustard, 1 dash cayenne pepperCombine the olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, French mustard, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- 1 tsp lime juice, ⅛ tsp onion juiceAdd the lime juice and a few drops of onion juice.
- Mix well.
Step 2: Prepare the Alligator Pear
- 1 avocado aka “alligator pear”Scoop the flesh from the avocado skin.
- Mash the avocado until smooth and buttery.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
- Add the salad dressing to the mashed avocado very carefully and gradually, mixing after each addition.
- Use only enough dressing to season the avocado while keeping the mixture thick enough to spread.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
- 4 slices sandwich bread, 1 tbsp softened butterLightly butter the bread slices.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread the avocado mixture generously over the buttered bread.
- Top with another slice of buttered bread.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Cut off the crusts.
- Cut the sandwiches into smaller squares or triangles, if desired, and serve promptly.
Tips
- Use a fully ripe avocado so the flesh can be mashed to the buttery consistency described on the card.
- Add the dressing gradually; the original recipe specifically warns against making the filling too thin to spread.
- Prepare the avocado mixture immediately before serving to minimize browning.
- A few extra drops of lime juice can help preserve the avocado’s green color.
- Dijon mustard makes a good modern substitute for traditional French mustard.
- For picnic sandwiches, wrap them tightly and keep them chilled until serving.
- Thin, soft white sandwich bread gives the sandwiches the delicate texture typical of the period.
- Whole-wheat bread can be substituted for a heartier version.
- For tea sandwiches, remove the crusts and cut each sandwich into four small squares or fingers.
- Increase the Tabasco or cayenne slightly for a spicier avocado filling.
Nutrition
Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 7gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 570mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mg