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