Not Quite Kosher

[cameraman]

For the record I've never had brisket, smoked or otherwise, that compared to my mother's holiday brisket. Just sayin'.

[wmrrock]

Originally Posted by Q Junkie

Well I was inspired by a post by wmrrock http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=151731 … about an exclusively Kosher BBQ Comp that got me thinking about something that has been bugging me for a while now. I have some of the best neighbors you could ask for and we get together and cook and hang out like most neighbors do, however my next door neighbor is Jewish and is not into the pork. They are not strictly Kosher, but I have no idea what is considered acceptable that I could BBQ besides straight up beef. I know that I could just ask him, but I would like to do something unexpected for them because they deserve it. I also want for it to have a distinct BBQ “theme”.

I would love to hear some ideas that I could use for our next Q .

I am glad that I inspired you. I do not personally keep a kosher home, and I regularly BBQ for friends that do not eat pork. There are several things that come to mind. Brisket - the whole cut, point and flat. A Butcher's cut or Hanger steak. The hanger steak was one of my first smokes. It has excellent flavor and a relatively short cook time. You may also want to try a spatchcock chicken or a turkey. If you can find it - special order - get some lamb. I love the flavor. While I have not personally smoked a lamb shoulder (Think Lamb Boston Butt) I have had it several times and it is excellent. Lastly, smoke a salmon and bring it over with some bagels and a schmear of cream cheese. They will love you for it.

[MS2SB]

Originally Posted by cameraman

A lot of Jews of a certain age grew up in Conservative homes that were not kosher but who shunned pork out of habit (except for the occasional rasher of bacon.) I think it wouldn't hurt to chat them up and see what they're comfortable with. I don't think there's anything mysterious or exotic here.

My dad falls into this category. If I'm doing pork for dinner and he's coming over I just make sure to have some chicken or a steak ready for him.

However, if you want to learn more about what some of your neighbors favorite traditional/family recipes would make good que, I would suggest sitting down and asking. I've had many an awkward moment where somebody did something special for me based on an assumption regarding my dietary guidelines (I don't have any, but because I'm partially Jewish people assume I do.). My reaction is generally thank you for going out of your way for me, but it always makes me feel a little awkward.

So my suggestion would be to see what you could work with him on to adapt to que rather than trying to surprise him with something.