Celebrating Women in Wyoming during Women’s History Month

Did you know that 2021 is the 101st anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote? True, My Girlfriendships®  knows all about celebrating the “voice” of other women whenever we get together! 

During the month of March (which just happens to be Women’s History Month) we visit a truly progressive state—Wyoming. What does that have to do with anything I just wrote? Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote and the first state to elect a woman for governor! Do I hear “Hooray for Wyoming” girlfriends?

Let’s Eat…in! 
 

Last week we explored South Dakota, the Buffalo Capital of the World. Wyoming also has buffalo, but has a rich history of sheepherders working sheep as well. Imagine the cold nights sheepherders spent on the plains of Wyoming as they cared for the flocks. 

When days and evenings are cold, I’m ready for a delicious, hot serving of chili. Wyoming Sheepherder Chili fits the bill for me and sounds so perfect for evenings on the Wyoming plains.

Wyoming Sheepherder Chili

Ingredients for 16 | Multiply by degree of hunger, divide by number of girlfriends!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground beef

• 4 tablespoons dried onion flakes

• 1/4 cup chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• 2 - 28 ounce cans stewed tomatoes

• 2 - 8 ounce cans tomato sauce

Directions

Step 1

Cook the ground beef in a heavy pot until browned.

Step 2

Drain off fat.

Step 3

Add remaining ingredients. 

Step 4

Simmer for at least two hours, adding water as needed.

Step 5

Thicken with flour if desired. Serve with chopped onion, grated cheese, or just by itself.

Let’s Eat…out! 
 

Are you and your girlfriends staying at a hotel or resort and unable to cook? Here are a couple of great options when planning your next girlfriend gathering:

• Bunkhouse Saloon & Steakhouse   |   We’ve seen the movies and TV shows of the west, showing the bunkhouse where the cowboys lived when not on the range. The Bunkhouse Saloon & Steakhouse in Cheyenne is not only filled with the character you’d expect, but is also filled with fun for all ages and groups. Live music with dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings, and a live acoustic jam session on Sunday afternoons when all are encouraged to bring their instruments and join.  

On a Sunday afternoon, I’ll be ready with my girlfriends (with our boots on!), and the Bunkhouse Club sandwich sounds perfect. A Triple decker with smoked turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss cheese. 

• Café Genevieve | Headed to Jackson WY? I said, “Jackson,” not “Jackson Hole”. Jackson is often mistakenly called Jackson Hole which is the valley where the town is located. In the early 1800s, the area became a prime area for trappers and mountain men to travel through, and some of the early buildings can still be found in the Town Square. A little history: the Town of Jackson elected the first all-woman city government (including town council and mayor, who in turn appointed women to town marshal, town clerk, and treasurer) in 1920. Again, Wyoming comes through as we celebrate women (and girlfriends) during Women’s History Month.

• Café Genevieve is where we’ll celebrate My Girlfriendships.  Located in a historic log cabin in downtown Jackson, Wyoming and serving inspired home cooked classics, Cafe Genevieve will lure you in with its cozy, welcoming ambiance. The Skirt Steak (see what I did there?) with french fries will fit the bill (see that? Bill, 19th Amendment.)

Recipe source:

Sheephearder Chili

Photo credit:

Club Sandwich

Skirt Steak