Kendall County Women's Shelter Fundraiser!

Did you know that Kendall County DID NOT have a facility to provide care for abused women and their children??? 

This weekend Don Strange Ranch hosted the 3^rd annual Kendall County Women’s Shelter Fundraiser.  I have been working with this fantastic set of ladies for the past three years on all three events! They were determined to make sure that Kendall County had a facility to help families that needed help! They did it….. http://www.kcwstx.org/  - Check out the progress on the shelter! It looks amazing! I am so proud to help them and I encourage you to donate auction items or come to the event next year it will be Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Don Strange Ranch! 

Kudos to the team – they netted $125,000.00 this weekend!!!! 

Finally, here are some new pictures of Miranda and Blake’s wedding! There are 2 venues on the Don Strange Ranch property, Don Strange Ranch and Kendall Creek. Typically brides choose one location, but Miranda chose to do the wedding at Kendall Creek and the reception at the Don Strange Ranch. 

These are some of my favorite pictures from the wedding at Kendall Creek, and I will add comments to each picture to point out creative ideas!

                                     

Guests were greeted with lemonade and sangria, served in mason jars. We found the cutest pink and white striped straws at www.candochefs.com. I painted beverage signs from old wood planks. 

The wedding planner (Kathy Best) painted pink hearts on bales of hay and embellished the gift wagon with handmade pennants using assorted soft pink fabric. SO cute! 

Bluebonnets are not in season in May, so Caprice (Enchanted Florist) grew blue and PINK bluebonnets for the wedding! VERY special and cool!! She created magic and romance by hanging crystal, lanterns, and candles from the beams. Kathy mixed in church pews (brought in from Tennessee) and vintage wooden chairs from Kendall Creek. The look was eclectic and AMAZING! 

This was what Don Strange of Texas, Inc., Front Porch Productions, and Enchanted Florist worked so hard to create! I think it is perfection! 

Next week I will have photos from the reception! Feel free to add comments or ask me questions.

Lorissa Coiner

Sales Associate

***************************************************

Kathy Best (Wedding Coordinator and Designer)

Front Porch Production

www.frontporchfarmstn.com 

Caprice (Florist and Decorator) 

Enchanted Florist

www.enchantedfloristtn.com

A Uniquely, Strange Story

We are known for our creative ways of cooking and presenting food at events.  

One item in particular is our whole side of beef.  We cook an entire side of beef by hanging it up over an open fire. Our staff slices servings of meat, right off of the bone for guest at parties. Usually, this is accompanied by our home made pan de campo.  We have been doing this for years and have perfected our technique.

Years ago, we were asked to do a party in White Plains, NY.  The client wanted us to prepare a side of beef at his party.  Now, you can’t purchase an intact, entire side of beef in that part of the country.  So, we packed an entire side of beef in a wooden crate, which we loaded with dry ice!  We put the crate and our crew on a flight and sent them to New York!  The crew arrived to pick up the box at  LaGuardia airport. The airport crew seemed to be amused at the size and weight of our container.  When asked what we had in the box, the crew told them, "Oh, it’s just half of a cow that we are cooking tomorrow in our client’s driveway."

 With perfect New York skepticism, they thought these crazy Texans were messing with them.   We will go the extra mile to make the event perfect for our customer.

Family, Friends and PETS at Weddings? YES!

Tip #5: Pets at a WEDDING???

I have been planning events for Don Strange since 1998! It takes a lot to shock me or to do something I have never seen before, but Haley shocked me at our walk through for her wedding at the Don Strange Ranch! 

Miranda Lambert had her dogs as ring bearers!

But Hayley has Martin Lou Hargesheimer the Bunny! Martin is 15 pounds of LOVE and fur!!! He is going to be the ring bearer!!!! LOVE IT!!!! The wedding is in March and I will update this with his picture after the wedding! The florist is creating something special for him to hop down the aisle in!!!  

Tip #5 – Pets are a part of our family! It can be risky having them in the wedding, but it adds such a personal touch! Make sure that the venue you select is pet friendly and that you have someone dedicated to looking after the pet after the wedding. Martin is going to have his own golden cage! 

Have a GREAT week!
Lori Coiner
Sales Associate

Funerals, Food and Family

Tip #4 - Funerals, Food and Family


My family is from a small town in West Texas – Cross Plains, but I have spent most of my life is San Antonio! In the last few years I have attended many funerals in both cities. Last week, I drove to Cross Plains for another funeral and I started thinking about the huge difference in funerals between a small town and big city.

In San Antonio, everyone ascends upon the closest family members home and everyone brings a mixed matched casserole. 

While in Cross Plains, the ladies of the First Methodist Church came together and make a homemade meal for the family in the churches banquet facility. 

The menu was wonderful – slow smoked brisket from a local smoke house, lasagna, salad bar, and bread. But the best, was the made from scratch desserts! Peach cobbler, cookies, cakes, pies, and who knew cherry enchiladas (see similar recipe below)! It was so nice to have the local church put everything together for the family. We were able to sit around eat, talk about the old times, and  actually laugh with each other. I am not saying I look forward to funerals, but it is nice to see everyone and catch up.

Tip #4

Food can sometimes make you feel better! 

Try Cherry Enchiladas – they are fast and easy and so so so good!!!

1 can fruit pie filling (you can use any flavor)
1 c. (2 sticks) butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. (approx.) vanilla (to taste)
1/2 tsp. (approx.) cinnamon (to taste)
1 1/4 c. water
1 pkg. (10-12) flour tortillas

Melt butter. Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and water. 

Heat until sugar is dissolved (don't boil). 

Fill each tortilla with about 1 tablespoon filling (can be any kind of pie filling). 

Roll and place in pan, seam side down. 

Pour the glaze over the rolled tortillas. 

Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees, covered. 

Baste the top of the enchiladas after removing from oven.

Have a great week!

Lorissa Coiner (Sales Associate)

A Don Strange of Texas Event!

I was asked to write a series on what makes a Don Strange of Texas event unique?  The hardest part to this question is where do I start?  For as long as I can remember we have been pushing the “event envelope...going where no catering service dare to go” and always striving to be different and fresh.  

A catered event, wedding reception, corporate outing, whatever you are having is a journey to enjoy and celebrate.  Our goal is to make the journey with you.  Every event is customized exclusively for our clients.  No “canned” menus.  We have an incredible staff with a vast knowledge of all types of cuisine and themes to incorporate for any type of event.  On any given day we may have several events going at the same time and they may range from a company outing at our ranch, to a sophisticated Mediterranean style seated and served dinner for 500 in Houston.  

Here is a quick fun story.  Years ago we were hired to cater an event on a private island.  Everything had to be shuttled by barge.  We grilled fresh fish, boiled shrimp, shucked oysters right in front of the guest.  We had a band playing “beach tunes” We ended the night with our famous Kalua Milkshakes and homemade brownies.  It was a wonderful night and the experience, unforgettable.

Have a great week. 

Peace, Brian

WHAT TO DO WITH WEDDING FLOWERS, AFTER THE WEDDING?

Tip #3:  What to do with wedding flowers, after the wedding.


What happens to the flowers when the wedding and reception are over??

Typically, flower arrangements are just thrown away! The Atkins/Lauderdale wedding came up with the perfect solution! 


They purchased tin containers for the florist to use as centerpieces on the tables. Small, tin buckets were used to embellish the ceremony chairs on the lawn at the Don Strange Ranch.  

After the ceremony, the tins were used to decorate antique ranch tables and cocktail tables throughout the ranch. 

This is a great way to save money too!  Coordinating, larger, tin buckets were used for the reception in the pavilion. At the end of the night, the guests were invited to take the arrangements home. I absolutely loved this idea!

Tip #3

Purchase your own containers for the flowers, and send them home with guests as party favors.

Have a great week!  


Until next time,

Lorissa Coiner

Sales Associate

Credits:

Suzanne Nolan – Photographer

www.love-stories.com

210-490-6761

RTC Floristy - Tom Cardenas – Florist

rtcfloristryinc.com

(210) 734-9366

Summer Heat, Beauty of the Ranch, and Spinach!

Don Strange of Texas Inc.

6-11-11

Hello everyone welcome to my blog.  I hope you enjoy my ramblings on everything Don Strange of Texas Inc., my family and the crazy life of the off premise catering business.

Sure could use some rain!!!

Summer time is always hopping around our office.  We have a bunch of neat stuff going on with weddings, company picnics and team building events. 

 A few days ago we had a corporate team building group that decided they needed to get outside and have some fun with each other.  It’s interesting to watch a group of colleagues get together outside their element and bond as a cohesive team and have a blast doing it.  Jason and his team do a great job finding just the perfect activities to incorporate for the day.

I was at a wedding at the ranch a few nights ago and realized the true majestic spirit of the DSR and the hill country is so captivating.  The nights are just beautiful.  A nice cool breeze, stars that are brighter than ever and the peaceful sounds of laughter just make you feel good.  There is something special about our ranch that happens naturally when we have events.  

Food story:  My kids didn’t like spinach early on in their childhood.  I changed their minds quickly though with fresh sautéed spinach in olive oil with a hint of garlic, salt and pepper. Now, they are all about spinach.  Also, try are spinach quesadillas.  

I would love to hear any comments you might have, or questions I can try to answer.

Peace, Brian 

Guilt-FREE Margarita's

Tip #2:  Guilt-FREE Margarita's

I typically get my best ideas from clients! The Lambert/ Shelton wedding taught me about Diet Sprite (Sprite Zero – same thing) and Crystal Light. We were told to have plenty of Diet Sprite at all the bars! Who knew… so many great drinks were possible! I guess this is why everyone in Hollywood and Nashville are so skinny.

I created the recipe below for my mother (MeMe). It is 4 weight watcher points or 97 calories –half the points and calories of regular margaritas!!! They are so yummy and guilt free!



MeMe’s Margarita
1 ½ oz Tequila
Diet Sprite
2 Key Limes
Crystal Light Lemonade (Individual packets)
Salt (optional)

Directions:
Fill rock glass with ice and add tequila. Top with Diet Sprite, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lemonade crystal light powder to taste. Optional – rim glass with salt and garnish with lime.

MeMe’s Mojito
Replace vodka for rum and add muddled mint at the beginning.

Till next time!
Lorissa (Lori) Coiner

Lorissa's First Post!

Tip #1:  Stay true to yourself!

Hi – I am Lorissa (Lori) Coiner and I work for Brian Strange. I have been planning events for Don Strange Catering since 1998! It is a crazy job and full of surprises every day!

I execute 3 – 5 events each week, so I get to see lots of parties and I have lots of ideas. Brian has asked me to showcase an event or cool tip that I have seen. Please check out the blog weekly to see what is going on at Don Strange!



I worked on the Blake Shelton/ Miranda Lambert wedding and from our initial meeting she knew exactly what she wanted - comfortable and downhome! We passed prickly pear margaritas in mason jars and served fried venison that they had harvested! Even the décor represented her personality – Country Shabby Chic! Check out photos in the current issue of People Country Special. Every detail reflected and represented who she is and what she loves to do! We did the wedding in the pavilion at Kendall Creek on the Don Strange Ranch property and her rescued dogs were in the ceremony! It was so cute – the florist embellished their collars! This was a very important detail to her and it added a very personal touch to the ceremony. So, stay true to yourself and let the party reflect who you are and your guests will have a GREAT time!

See you next week!

Memorial Day

Wow what a great weekend! It was a successful weekend with a few nice events in San Antonio and the Hill Country. I had a chance to recharge my batteries and spend some quality time with my family. I am a blessed man. My wife and kids are awesome.

The Waring General Store had many visitors to the zip line and our Climbing tower. We also had a few kayak trips that went well. We just need rain!

I would like to thank all the Military personnel and their families for all the sacrifices they make so that we are free to have fun filled weekends with our families. A few months ago I had the privilege to escort 220 WWII veterans to their Memorial in Washington D.C. It was a day that I will never forget. Their stories of bravery, honor and country are just amazing. Most told me they did their jobs and just wanted to get back to normal lives. All our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq are doing a great job defending our freedom. I spent many evenings over the last few weeks watching war documentaries on the Military Channel that chronicle stories of bravery, valor and love of country. We all know they are HEROS and we need to remember and thank them.

One of my passions outside of work is writing songs. A few years ago I wrote a song “Coming Home” that honors our soldiers and their families. You can listen to it at the following link: www.myspace.com/brianstrangemusic

We look forward to a great week. Hope to see you soon.

Peace, Brian

Memorial Day!

Hope everyone is ready for a great Memorial Day weekend. We had some great events this week out at The Don Strange Ranch.
We started with a school from the Tulsa Oklahoma area that made their annual trip to the Don Strange Adventure Challenge course for some team building and climbing. The second day consisted of a kayak trip for all 80 kids and a traditional BBQ dinner to rap their visit up.

We had a great corporate party that included many of our signature items, armadillo racing, hot air balloon rides, trick roper, mechanical bull, line dancing and a hay ride. It was another magical evening at the Don Strange Ranch.

We also hosted a group of 500 at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, another exclusive venue of ours. This was a national sales conference and the group was blown away by all the trophies, artifacts, entertainment and venue flexibility. The Buckhorn is a true San Antonio treasure. It is a must see when you visit our city.



As we approach this Memorial Day Weekend we must remember the soldiers and their families. Their sacrifices, allow for our freedom that make this country GREAT! Never forget the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives. Real people who loved this country and we must never forget.

Here is another grilling tip an old caterer told me. When you cook burgers throw some onions on the grill. The aroma will make your guest run straight for those burgers. We recommend 80/20 choice ground chuck for hamburgers.

God Bless America and may God Bless You!!!

Peace, Brian Strange

DST's Famous Corn Pudding Recipe

This is a favorite of everyone and was served at the Miranda Lambert/Blake Shelton wedding earlier this month. Hope you enjoy!

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup sour cream
2 cups cream-style corn
3 eggs, beaten
1 (6-ounce) package Pioneer Brand corn muffin mix
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; set aside. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it is wilted and transparent, about 5 minutes. Do not allow it to brown. Remove from heat and blend the onions and sour cream in a bowl. Mix well; set aside.
In a separate large bowl, combine the creamed corn, eggs and muffin mix. Turn out into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the onion mixture evenly around the baking dish in dollops. Scatter the shredded cheese over the top and bake in preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Makes 8 servings.

Variation: Cornshuck Pudding (We used this presentation at the Lambert/Shelton wedding)

For a striking presentation at a formal seated dinner, serve Corn Pudding in corn shuck “bowls,” which are made by lining a large muffin tin or popover tin with corn shucks.
Soak 12 corn shucks in a large bowl of lukewarm water for about 45 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Instead of a baking dish, use a muffin tin with 12 large (2 1/2-inch-diameter) cups; spray each cup with nonstick vegetable spray. Push a softened corn shuck down into each up, letting the ends extend upward. Set aside and make the Corn Pudding as directed in the rcipe.
To bake the individual puddings, spoon equal portions of the corn batter into the muffin cups. Spoon equal portions of the sour cream mixture into the center of each cup. Scatter the shredded cheese on top of each serving and place the tin on a large baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted in the enter of the cups comes out clean, for about 30 minutes.

To serve, grasp each end of the corn shucks and gently lift the puddings out. Place on individual serving plates and serve hot.

Makes 12 servings.

Thankful..

Hope everyone had a great week-end!

Be thankful for the people and opportunities in your life.

My wife, Shanan is beautiful and a wonderful mother to our three great kids! My Don Strange of Texas team is the best. They work so hard and have a passion to make every event perfect. I am Blessed!

My wife returns today from a ladies weekend down in Rockport, Texas from a girls trip to the beach. DST had several events all over the state that were a great success.

My mother, Frances Strange is in New York City, her book (Don Strange of Texas his life and recipes) is nominated for the Benjamin Franklin Award. If you haven't picked up your copy of the cookbook you can purchase a signed copy from donstrangemarketplace.com.



Last night, I went to sing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" at the San Antonio Missions Game. Thanks to all the great people at Frost Bank and the San Antonio Missions for the invitation.

Summer is fast approaching and if you are looking for outdoor family fun all summer long, check out the Waring General Store in downtown Waring, Texas. They have Kayaking, zip lining, tower climbing and burgers. www.waringgeneralstore.com

If you’re hanging at the house and you’re going to do a bit of entertaining with friends, here is a grilling tip an old caterer told me once. Use charcoal whenever possible. Charcoal gives great flavor to whatever you throw on the grill. We grill most always with charcoal. Yes, it is a pain to clean up, but the end result is far superior to gas.

Thanks for checking in. Remember; be thankful for the people in your life.
Peace, Brian

Question of the Day #1

5-15-11

Hello everyone welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy my ramblings on everything Don Strange of Texas Inc., my family and the crazy life of the off premise catering business.

Question of the day.

What makes a great party?
Answer: You and your guest.

Over the years I have seen some of the most incredible events. All styles, all occasions, some with super sophisticated production and some that were simple, but nice. The one key ingredient is that people came to relax and celebrate. The food, drinks, music, entertainment, décor are all important to complete the theme and concept. “Bells and whistles” are a nice touch. Don’t let them rule your event. Let your guest decide how much fun they are going to have with your “bells and whistles”.

A party has its own beat, life and vibe. Let go, relax and watch your guest have a blast. I promise they will make their own fun with your party.

A couple of years ago we catered two parties that were identical, on paper. They each took just about everything we offer in the way of food, beverage and entertainment. We had the finest menus, signature drinks, live music, rodeo, can-can girls, trick roper and campfire smores. The first group took it all in. They participated in the rodeo, danced with can-can girls, line danced all night with the band. They had a blast.

The next group came along and they had the exact line up. The best of the best. They too had a blast. The only difference was they didn’t care to participate in all the activities. They wanted to sit around a campfire sing songs, eat smores, laugh and visit. Oh, they enjoyed and appreciated all the amenities that were offered. It was how they were spending time with each other that was different.

Each event was very successful because the host was thrilled with our service, but they never tried to control the beat of the party. They decided to relax and let it all happen naturaly.

You and your guest are the key ingredient to a successful event.

Thanks for your time and interest.

Hope to see you soon!

Peace, Brian Strange

A Wonderful Weekend!

Don Strange of Texas Inc.
5-15-11

Hello everyone welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy my ramblings on everything Don Strange of Texas Inc., my family and the crazy life of the off premise catering business.

This past week was crazy good. We had multiple events every day this week ending with the Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert Wedding at the Don Strange Ranch in Welfare Texas. This event took one year to plan in total secrecy. They had a fabulous event featuring several signature items from DST and venison they had harvested from the last hunting season. Every event we plan is customized to the specific request and interest of our client.

The signature items we served included our world famous Grilled White Wings, Grilled Quail, Avocado Halves and the Lambert’s Venison was fried and served with Jalapeno Cream Gravy.

Neal McCoy got everyone on the dance floor and put on a great show. He is a GREAT entertainer

It was a magical night of great food, great friends and wonderful memories. We are blessed and grateful to the Lambert’s and Shelton’s for allowing us to be part of their day.

Check back soon and I will have more to share. If you have any questions or topics you would like covered let me know.

Peace, Brian Strange