Retro Recipe: Hartsville Sandwich Spread

Years ago there were sandwich spreads at every party. For parties they were spread onto a piece of bread, topped with another piece of bread, then the sandwich was cut into little bite size pieces. What would a 50's wedding shower or baby shower be without these little finger sandwiches?

Here's an easy 50's recipe I found in a book called Coastal Carolina Cooking, originally published in 1958.

Keep in mind that the 1950's recipes were long before the fat free / carb free days, so if you are going the fat-free route, omit most of the ingredients, and if you are going the carb-free route, you'll have to eat it straight up - with a spoon. Although, to avoid disappointing your mother or grandmother, you should eat it as it was intended (if you are familiar with the character Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond, you know how important it is to follow the recipe EXACTLY... no changes... the old-school way).

HARTSVILLE SANDWICH SPREAD

1 CUP PECANS

2 HARD BOILED EGGS

1 SMALL BOTTLE STUFFED OLIVES

1 MEDIUM SIZE ONION

RUN THROUGH THE MEAT CHOPPER.

ADD SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE, AND ENOUGH MAYONNAISE TO SPREAD WELL.

That's it.... that's the whole recipe. You just don't see "meat chopper" aisles at stores that sell kitchenware these days, do you? A blender will do. :-)