After Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), National Beef Day (May 8th), Mother’s Day (May . . . → Read More: Happy Margarita Week from Hoffbrau Steaks]]> Margarita Day IS a holiday!

And P.S….one of our favorite!

After Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), National Beef Day (May 8th), Mother’s Day (May 14th), and National Waitstaff Day (May 21st), the celebration that begins (and ends) with a lime and a bottle of your best friend, tequila, is still….the one for this Texas gal.

Genuine Texas

This year got me to thinking. Are we doing all we can for our un-official state drink? Don’t get me wrong…the Roadhouse and No Bull (our frozen Roadhouse’s half-sister) ‘Rita’s are great. Amazing, even. I’ve even put the recipe here for you (no holiday should be without a gift exchange).

Hoffbrau Steaks Roadhouse Rita Recipe

1. Two parts Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila

2. Half part…plus a dash…Grand Marnier

3. Two parts fresh lime juice. Vital that you hand-squeeze!

4. Half part simple syrup.

5. Pinch of salt. Very little will go a long way… alternatively, rim the glass with coarse salt.

Mix with a bunch of ice cubes in a shaker and shake VERY WELL for about 15 seconds. (Until your cocktail shaker is way too cold to hold.)

The best way to ask at a bar for a really cold rocks margarita? Ask them to “crack the ice.”

Where should we go next? What Margarita says “genuine Texas, home-made, but simple, and southern comfort,” all at once? I’ve started out on a perilous adventure, trying some rustic southern takes on the Mexican original. I’m willing to go to all extents to get this right.

• A pickled okra Margarita? (Was good with a ribeye…had some substance).

• Jalapeno Margarita (I loved it with Brau Chips and Sweetwater Shrimp).

• Skinny Margarita…( I could drink these ALL day…lol).

• Texas Grapefruit Ruby Red Rita (It is our state fruit.)

Tell me where the next “can’t miss” can be found! What’s your favorite Margarita flavor? Any hints for the Hoffbrau?

Hard to believe . . . → Read More: Hoffbrau Steaks Famous Broccoli Cheese Jalapeno Soup Recipe]]> I woke up today, barely able to believe…it snowed.  And it’s near freezing.  (Ok…a little dramatic…but I thought we missed winter!) 

Hard to believe it’s Dallas, Texas.  For those of you, like me, who can’t imagine not racing right back home after work to warm up and cuddle…here’s my favorite way to bring some Hoffbrau home.  The recipe is fairly quick, low mess, and will make a great dinner. 

Steak…not included. 

Hoffbrau’s Broccoli Cheese Jalapeño Soup Recipe

Serves family of 4.

"Warm Me Up" Soup

– Corn Starch – ½ cup (mix w/1/2 cup cold water).  Cold water is key here, otherwise you’re corn starch will clump.  Even throw an ice cube in before you mix for best results. 

– Fresh Broccoli – 30 ounces (crowns and stalks; equal parts).  This is about 2 pounds. 

– Processed soft cheese – 2 lbs (Velveeta is a great choice, but you can substitute any soft cheese as desired. Flavor will define outcome here!  Sometimes, I get really culinary and throw in Havarti or another great, flavorful cheese choice to kick it up a notch.  )

– Cheddar Cheese Soup in a can – 1 can (Campbell’s makes a great one!)

– Jalapeno’s – 2 ounces (Use canned here, and blend.  Cut of jalapeno is unimportant; as you will blend completely.   Try out fresh for extra daring….)

– Water – 2 quarts

1. Place jalapenos into a blender with a small amount (1/4 cup) of water. Use blender to chop very fine, and set aside to incorporate later.

2. Bring water to a boil (2 quarts)

3. Slice and dice all of the fresh broccoli into small pieces to taste.

4. Place broccoli into a microwave safe container and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in microwave for about 5 minutes on high.

5. As the water comes to a boil, cut the cheese into 1 to 2 inch cubes and set aside.

6. Whisk the cheddar cheese soup can into the boiling water.

7. Slowly, as you whisk, add the corn starch mixed with COLD water (COLD is important!) to the pot of cheese.

8. Turn heat off.

9. With the heat off, slowly add the cheese cubes to the boiling water; stirring constantly.

10. Next, add the steamed broccoli to the soup.

11. Mix in the blended jalapenos to the soup.

Love...Hoffbrau Steaks Style

No single holiday has more associated expectations than Valentine’s Day. For every woman, just sure that this “romantic poem” . . . → Read More: Best Valentine’s Gifts from Hoffbrau Steaks]]>  

Love...Hoffbrau Steaks Style

No single holiday has more associated expectations than Valentine’s Day. For every woman, just sure that this “romantic poem” of a day, made just for expressing your “feelings,” is a BIG deal, I’ll show you a red-blooded man who believes, “Valentine’s Day should be every day.” (He also JUST wants to not get it wrong.)

Valentine’s Day Etiquette

So what IS right? How much should we spend? Personally, before I give you a bit of the rights and wrongs, and a few great ideas, I’m going to start and end by telling you that if Valentine’s Day is about love, than a heartfelt letter…or even a “moment” is all you need. (Go watch Jerry Maguire for inspiration.) And a great steak dinner.

• Just Started Dating-Nada. This is a day…for lovers. Two dates, with a ton of potential, does not equal children’s names or wedding plans. Keep it simple, stupid. If you get a small item, make it a gesture, and expect NOTHING in return.

• Two, Maybe 3 Months In-Smaller’s Better. I wouldn’t even expect to make this a mandatory “date” night. Again, a small, or reflective gesture is great; a “beer of the month club” enrollment, a great steak house gift certificate, maybe a dozen roses…In reality, many folks spend more than 3 months looking at what kind of car to buy. It’s a compliment when we consider “spouse shopping” with the same diligence.

• To Propose…or NOT to Propose-Don’t. It’s clichéd.  Even more: ladies, don’t expect it. 

• Married-A funny thing happens here. All of a sudden, we all relax. She’s wearing pajama bottoms and sweatshirts, gifts and date nights are “optional,” and sports programming/Housewives of (Fill in Blank) is more intriguing than your betrothed. Shame on you. Date FOREVER. Now, let loose the big plans and the great gifts.

• Friends-Don’t forget your friends. Valentine’s Day is for everyone you love. Often, these folks are your greatest….soul-mates.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

• Couples Massage (lots of places offer a great 1st time deal….$49 each.) You’re in a room together, it comes with the soft lighting and soft music. You’ll feel better and together, you’ll feel great.

• Find a great small jar, and fill it with small pieces of paper with all the things you love about your “other,” special memories, and just great thoughts.

• Photo’s in a frame of you together. Always a WOW.

• Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Dinner. (Just saying)

Pepper Crusted and Made WIth Love!

• Burn a CD of great music you both love. So 1980’s….but….the “mix” is timeless.

• Take a dance class together. A lot are free. You’ll remember how much you enjoy laughing, at the least…

• Personalized wine bottle. Just another way to say how much you love each other.

• Flowers? If you order NOW and pay in full at your local supermarket, you’ll pay half the price.

• Scavenger Hunt…who knows what you can find.

Just remember that Valentine’s Day is a celebration, and you can’t go wrong.

What’s been your most memorable Valentine’s Day gift or memory?