Irony of all ironies, the year before we made Aliyah we were dressed like Israelis (don’t ask) and delivered mishloach manot full of pitas and hummus. Then when I got to Israel I went for a cowboy and cowgirl costume for the family and made a down home all-American meal. Now, I’m not all that creative, and not all that country, I just stole a page out of my friend Aliza’s playbook.
We always want to do a themed menu like Mexican or Italian you know. But the hubbys often win with something more traditional. One year, Aliza, my Boston Cream Pie friend and hostess of the Seudah said we finally win – we get our theme. But she rightfully decided our men are more cowboy than south of the border and thus this menu was born.
She hosted a food-from-the-frontier shindig and together we created a menu.
I made these fab pulled party sliders
Dirty mashed potatoes, which only means I’m keeping the skins on (but scrub ’em well because we don’t really want these potatoes to be dirty), topped with a ton fried onions and Southwestern Steak Salad — cause it’s kinda cowboy.
We also did Fried Chicken
Scroll to continue
More Love
Purim Print Outs
Get our Purim Print Outs. Make your seudah parties and mishloach manot gift baskets easy …
Actual dessert baking and selection I leave to Aliza – she is the queen when it comes to the sweet endings.
Oh and I almost forgot – CHILI!!! It wouldn’t be a party at the ranch without it.
The secret is the cocoa, really! This spunky, chunky, spicy chili is a cool starter when topped with cold soy sour cream and fresh avocado slices. Adjust the heat to your liking by tweaking the ancho chili powder, cayenne and paprika.
Plus a few more cowboy menu ideas…
This brisket must be made at least the night before for soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Better yet, make it easy on yourself and make it now – freeze it for fabulous fall-apart brisket.
Southern Fried Chicken Fingers
Only the best kosher fried chicken you will ever have. To make classic fried chicken use a 3-pound chicken cut in ⅛ and all you have to do is adjust the frying time to 6 to 8 minutes on each side and then continue frying and turning 2 to 4 minutes or until chicken is golden and brown on all sides.
Surprisingly I tasted this dish at an all-you-can-eat Brazilian Steak house in Jerusalem, but thought it would be just perfect for my little bit country menu – especially when I saw the bottle of Chili-Garlic sauce on the shelf at my local market. A blend of ground chilies, garlic and vinegar, Chili-Garlic Sauce can usually be found in the Asian section of larger supermarkets (and apparently small Israeli markets as well) and will keep for up to 1 year in the refrigerator after opening.
Brussels Sprouts with Beef Bacon
A traditional way to enjoy Brussels sprouts is made possible to the kosher cook with the kosher beef bacon or pastrami is always an option.
I now share my new absolute all-time favorite coleslaw recipe. I will never buy coleslaw again (unless of course I don’t have time to make this!).
Variation: Don’t have tofu cream cheese on hand, or don’t care for it? Use tofu sour cream instead. Although if you don’t care for the pareve cream cheese I am guessing the sour cream is off your list too. Easy enough, just use 2/3 cup mayo and call it a day. Also try adding half a red onion thinly sliced for a slight bite.
I lu-huve tart Granny Smith apples in my pie. But you can use whatever you like or have on hand. Since you’re cooking the apple “pie” filling on the stovetop you thereby control the timing, and don’t have to worry about using baking apples or coordinating the doneness of your apples with your crust. Simple, sweet, and sassy, this chic cowgirl dessert has attitude — it says “I choose to serve my pie in style” instead of “I am way too lazy to roll out a crust!”
Mishloach Manot Idea – Use packaging from your local takeout joint to put together a cowboy themed Mishloach Manot. Place the chili in small condiment containers and the chips in French fry paper ‘plates’.
Printables – Download the cowboy party printables for your own Purim cowboy feast. Now you have a menu, napkin holders, wine bottle covers and banners to add an exciting feel to your Purim party. Printables created by www.thepurplepaperie.com
What are you making?
Freilichin Purim and YEEEHAWWW!
Leave a Reply