Museum cafe offers unusual sandwiches

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, one of Boston's most interesting buildings with its handsome Venetian architecture, is known almost as much for the beautiful flower displays in the central courtyard as its paintings, sculpture, and other objects of art.

Now that it has a cafe from one to five p.m. it is also getting a name for its sanwiches, especially this one which one of our readers requested.

Jill Charvat, manager at the cafe was glad to comply. Herbed Avocado Sandwich 2 ounces cream cheese (1 1/2 8-ounce packages) 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley 2 tablespoons fresh minced dill 1 small clove garlic, finely minced Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon finely chopped onion or scallion, (optional) 2 avocados, cut in 1/2-inch thick slices Grated sharp cheddar cheese Alfalfa sprouts Sliced dark bread

In food processor or blender, or with a fork, blend together the cream cheese , herbs, garlic, pepper and onion.

Spread mixture on dark bread slices and assemble sandwiches using about 1/3 of an avocado per sandwich, a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and the sprouts. Makes 6 sandwiches.

Variation: Add 3 slices crisp bacon per sandwich.