“Leonora” and “Eldorado” gained notoriety in the 1970s when they criss-crossed the country in search of “pilgrims” to follow them to “higher levels of existence” aboard a UFO — a UFO that would only appear when and if the people were ready. To make the lure a sure thing, Leonora and Eldorado promised free all you can eat gourmet meals. Hundreds of people responded. In exchange, the people gave all their worldly possessions to Leonora and Eldorado — they were told this would increase their chances of communicating with alien realms.
“Eldorado,” formerly known as Herby Smith, had been a used car salesman. “Leonora,” formerly known as Blair Lewis, had been a chef/astrologer. They revealed that an “awakening” and shedding of “humanness” began sometime late in 1974 when they realized their “life forms” had come to Earth in space crafts the day they were conceived.
Leonora explained that “members of the alien level” one day rewarded her with a Hummus Sandwich recipe — saying, in a metaphorical way, “Wake up, smell the chick peas, it’s time to remember who you really are.” Reportedly, this is how Leonora knew it was time to find followers.
Former followers of the duo admitted that Leonora and Eldorado were not ordinary con-artists. “They could persuade you to do or believe anything. Their philosophy of salvation by UFOs and gourmet food touched a sensitive human longing. How else can you explain why so many people literally erased their lives to live in impoverished, hippie food camps?” said former follower, Paul James. “Although I stopped believing in Leonora and Eldorado,” continued Mr. James, “I still believe in Hummus Sandwiches. Now, I just make them myself.”
Hummus Sandwich
15-20 oz. canned chick peas, drained
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, peeled, cut in half
1 shallot, peeled, cut in half
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. peanut butter
2 Tbsp. seasoned rice wine vinegar
fresh lemon juice, generous squeeze
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper
whole grain sandwich bread, lightly toasted
lettuce
tomato slices
dill pickle slices
cheddar cheese slices
alfafa sprouts
Purée chick peas, mustard, garlic, shallot, olive oil, peanut butter, vinegar, lemon juice and salt in a food processor or blender to make hummus. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread desired amount of hummus on sandwich bread. Top with lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and alfalfa sprouts. Place another piece of bread on top. Serve.
