Pictured above are some of Danny’s prized car collection that was auctioned last Spring. Amy, Andrew and Emily Gans attended this exciting nationally televised event.
Julie’s New Year Recipe for You
Listen to Danny’s holiday song, “Christmas for the First Time” as you browse:
Russian Tea Cakes
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sifted powdered sugar + extra for topping
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ¼ cups sifted flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped nuts of choice
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla together. Sift dry ingredients together. Blend wet and dry ingredients together and add nuts. Mix until a soft dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes (this makes for easier rolling into balls).
Roll pieces of dough into 2” balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until set, but not brown. While warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool cakes and roll again in powdered sugar. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Remembering Danny’s Birthday. A Few of his favorite birthday recipes.
Italian Sausage and Mushroom Soup
2 sweet Italian sausages, cut into 1” slices
2 hot Italian sausages, cut into 1” slices
1 lg. onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 lb. button mushrooms, sliced
1 -15oz can diced tomatoes
1-15oz can tomato sauce
1 small can tomato paste
1 qt. chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
¾ cup dry sherry or dry white wine
1 bunch parsley, minced (remove stems)
1 tsp. each dry fennel seeds, basil, oregano leaves, marjoram.
2 bay leaves
¾ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1-15 oz. can cannelini beans
1-15 oz. can garbanzo beans
3 zucchini, cut into 1” slices
1-10 oz. package Orzo pasta, cooked, firm
Brown sausage in skillet. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms. Saute until tender. Add remaining ingredients except parmesan cheese. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
Add ½ cup parmesan cheese, beans and zucchini. Simmer 20 minutes. Toss in pasta.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese for serving.
Danny’s Favorite Cheese Cake
Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
3 T sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
Filling:
3 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
1 ¼ cups sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 pint sour cream
1/3 cup flour
2 tsp. vanilla
Grated zest of one lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
Method:
Mix crust mixture and press into a greased 9” spring form pan.
Cream together: cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in sour cream, flour, and vanilla, grated lemon zest and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in whites into cheese mixture. Pour all into prepared crust.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Refrigerate for 3 hours or more before serving. Remove clasp from spring form pan.
Note from Julie: Danny was a purist and liked things straight forward and simple. Although you can top the refrigerated cheese cake with fresh berries, your favorite preserves, or even chocolate sauce, Danny always preferred the “real deal” with nothing added. Making the crust from scratch is simple, and although it involves a few extra steps, it is well worth it.
Thank you for remembering Danny this October birthday month. Join our family and many around the world toasting to Danny while enjoying his favorite birthday recipes.
Danny and Julie’s April Anniversary Recipes
Daniel always planned a special small trip or dinner for our anniversary. He really loved planning it and always made it a surprise. In return, I liked to make him a special dinner for an at- home celebration, which he always preferred to going out.
These recipes were his most requested. The cake was Daniel’s absolute favorite and he always requested it for our anniversary. He would eat it for dessert and loved it for breakfast always accompanied by a large glass of cold milk. He would then double up on his cardio workout to burn off the extra calories so he would always fit into his pants on stage. He said it was worth the extra workout.
I mention at the end of the cake recipe about watching the topping under the broiler. This is because I was notorious for burning toast, or anything in the broiler. Dan always said I used the smoke alarm as a timer.
When the smoke alarm did go off, which it often did, he claimed it was the dinner bell. Funny guy!! –Julie Gans
OATMEAL CAKE
CAKE
1 cup quick oatmeal, uncooked
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp kosher salt
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs
TOPPING
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 5-oz can evaporated milk
8 oz flaked sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
Combine oats and boiling water in a small bowl. Allow to stand 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350. Oil a 13 x 8 inch baking pan. Combine flour, baking soda, spices and salt. Set aside. Cream butter till light. Add vanilla and the sugars beating until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time. Add the oatmeal mixture and combine. Add flour mixture and blend well. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes until cake tester comes out clean or cake springs back when touched.
While cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar until it bubbles. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and blend in the coconut, nuts, vanilla and salt. Spread the hot frosting on the hot cake. Turn the oven to broil keeping cake from the burner about 6 inches. Broil for 1-2 minutes until frosting bubbles. Watch it!!! It burns fast.
LEMON CAPER CHICKEN
8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded thin
¾ cup flour
½ tsp each salt and pepper
½ cup butter
½ cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb sliced fresh button mushrooms
1 cup dry white wine or vermouth
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1-2 tsp lemon zest
4 oz capers plus the juice
Tabasco to taste
Season flour with salt and pepper in a low dish. Dredge chicken breasts in flour. Set aside. In a large skillet melt half of the butter and oil over medium heat. Sauté half of the chicken until golden brown. Remove to a platter and repeat with remaining butter, oil and chicken. Add chicken to platter and keep warm.
Add garlic and mushrooms to pan and sauté till tender. Add vermouth and simmer. Add lemon juice and zest, capers and Tabasco. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes covered. Remove cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
Note: I always served this with melon seed pasta (Orzo) tossed with olive oil, herbs and Parmesan accompanied by sautéed zucchini or roasted asparagus or Parmesan cheese topped broiled tomatoes.
CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD
4 bonless chicken breasts, cooked and coarsely shredded
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup snow peas, sliced
1/2 cup green grapes
1/2 cup diced apple
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
DRESSING:
1/2 cup light mayonaise
2 Tbls fresh lemon juice
3 Tbls soy sauce
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ginger
2 Tbls chutney
Combine dressing ingredients. Set aside or chill the day before use.
Toss salad with dressing just before serving.
POPOVERS
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup shredded parmesean cheese.
Turn oven on to 400. Oil muffin pan or 5oz custard cups. Combine eggs, milk, flour and salt in a blender till free of lumps. Blend in cheese with a spoon. Pour batter into prepared cups 1/2 full. Bake about 35-40 mins until brown and crisp. May make the batter several hours ahead of time. Add 5 additional minutes cooking time if batter is chilled.
Dear Julie, Amy, Andrew & Emily,
Your husband & dad did so many shows for us in the corporate world & it was so nice working with him. We were on the road a lot together. Celebrating his 30th birthday and also after the births of Amy Andrew & Emily. Such a wonderful man. We had so many laughs and made so many memories. We even played golf with Danny (before you could call him a golfer!) We miss him and think of all of you often,
Dick and Ellen Smith
My husband took me to Las Vegas for the first time on our anniversary seven years ago. What made the trip so outstanding was Danny Gans. His talent was stupendous! We are in Vegas about one or two times a year (we bought a condo) now, and there’s a tinge of sadness when I no longer see Danny’s smiling face from the cabs on on the Strip.
Having lived in Las Vegas for over 12 years (now living in Kansas City) my husband and I always brought friends to see Danny’s show when they visited us there. We enjoyed Danny so very much. I cannot believe he has been gone so long. Although I loved his live performances, I have to tell you that my favorite music of all time is his Brand New Dream CD. I cannot even remember how many people I have given that CD to for gifts and everyone just loves it. He was a wonderful man and truly inspiring. I really don’t know how things like this work and I don’t know about copyrights but wondered if there is any place the sheet music from that CD can be purchased. In particular, the song “Many Voices”. We lived in Las Vegas when the terrorists struck the Twin Towers and my son was in kindergarten at the time attending the Meadows School there. Often times we played Danny’s CD in the car on the way to school. After the 911 attack, the song, “Many Voices” was playing and my son said to me….”Mom, why can’t our country and world be like that song….aren’t we all really just trying to get to heaven and isn’t that what love is all about?” I thought about that for a long while and said to myself at the time,
“Many Voices” should be our national anthem! Our country is truly made up of so many different religions, beliefs, lifestyles, etc. but the real melody for most of us IS love. Wouldn’t it be just incredible if we could send this song to as many schools as possible in our country and even in the world to see if the music teachers could get their students to sing this song on the 10th anniversary of 911 – ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Like my son said when the attacks happened and we tried to explain to him what might be the reason for Osama Bid Laden’s hatefulness and he put it quite simply….It’s like the Grinch on The Grinch Who Stole Christmas…and we are the Who’s in Whoville! From the mouths of babes! Let us all hold hands around our world all at the same time and realize the beauty of “Many Voices”! What do you think?
Wishing the Gans Family a wonderful Christmas full of love, laughter and blessings. Be safe and may 2011 be a year filled with an abundance of all things great!
Danny Gans has changed my life in so many ways. His show was the best my wife and I have ever seen.Our thoughts and prayers are with you this Holiday season. Even though Danny is gone he will never die as he will always be in the hearts of those that knew him. May God Bless all of you this Holiday Season
I just stumbled upon your website and am overjoyed to see your family pictures and know that your faith is keeping you strong. I grew up across the street from Danny and I had also wanted to get to Las Vegas just to see him. I wish I had but enjoyed seeing him on Larry King Live! My favorite memory of him is the teasing tune he used to sing to me “Trudy fruiti ice cream cone and I don’t like vanilaa!” on my way home from school. Peggy was my most favorite babysitter – she used to let me brush and style her hair for hours. Please send her my best wishes as well. My prayers are with your beautiful family. Sincerely, Trudy Brandt Nielsen
I am a professional entertainer based in Australia (magician). I was blown away the first time I saw Danny – as people are and he was my first stop at his show on my honeymoon. It was such a blessing to see another Christian entertainer so on fire with life with both his family and his show. I purchased 20 of his musical CD’s (and have given these all out). Songs ‘I love you more today than yesterday’ – ‘Best stuff in the world cafe’ – every one of them a master piece! I know them all back to front and just love them. I also have an autographed framed poster which I purchased in the store one night after the show.
Even on the other side of the world, thankyou Danny’s family for the amazing support you obviously gave Danny during his life. To write the most beautiful songs about God and his family says it all. My wife writes music for children’s programmes and we would truly be 2 of Australia’s biggest fans of Danny and his works.
My details are above and if my wife (Cher) and I can ever say hello somewhere in the USA and meet you, it would mean so much to be able to do that.
Please be encouraged that he has impacted more lives than you can ever imagine, he will never be forgotten and loved by all of those who know the true story forever.
Sincerely,
Matt Hollywood.
I was in Vegas lately as I am about 4 times each year. As I sat in the Mirage theatre before showtime i reminisced about the dozen times I saw Danny’s show and tears started rolling down my cheeks. As a man who doesnt cry often my girlfriend could not figure out what possibly happend so suddenly. I blurted out that “I miss Danny” as if he were and old friend. That was the kind of connection he made with all of us who enjoyed his shows. I will never forget him. I hope his family cherishes the fond memories that his shows have impated in all of us
I absolutely can’t imagine Vegas w/o seeing Danny! It was my favorite show! It was different each time, and no one can compare with Danny’s talent and versatility. I look forward to reading the new book and seeing the new DVD! Thanks for keeping us connected through posts, recipes, photos, etc.
Hope all of you are doing well. I, too, read Mr. Gans book and loved his life story.
Yes! I miss him, also….
He was not only a talent, but a loving person.
God Bless all of you…
Thanks for the recipes, Julie! Awesome and looking forward to trying them.
As to today, I can’t honestly say that I hurt much less than I did a year ago. Danny’s passing has left a permanent void that will never be filled. Much love and prayers as we celebrate one who’s candle burned so brightly.
I read the book and absolutely loved it! Danny’s show was the best!
I hope the family is healing after the sudden tragic loss. I sent Julie books that I hope gave her and her children peace about Heaven. When I lost my father it gave me comfort reading about Heaven. I am sure that Julie’s strong Christian faith is getting her through all the difficulties. Also, her beautiful children give her strength to start each day, I’m sure.
Thanks for sharing the recipes with us Julie!
Let us be the first from Downunder to wish you an anniversary full of fond memories and blessings Julie. As High School sweethearts my wife and i will celebrate our 27th year together in October and we send to you our very best wishes and warmest regards for this special ocassion. Patiently waiting for Danny’s DVD launch; Rik Rushton
It is so wonderful to be able to share in the wonder and loving memories you have of Danny. He was truely a one in a million performer and an honorable and loving family man. His fans miss him, but being able to share your memories of him helps to keep him alive in our hearts as well as yours. Thank you and God Bless.
I was on vacation with friends and family and we went to the Danny Gans Show in Las Vegas. He was the best entertainer that I had ever seen! His humor was incredible and his talent as a singer and performer was just so amazing. What really reached us we all talked about it after the show was his connection with us as an audience. We sensed that he was a rare and deep person that cared. Condolences to his family.
Clint and Dina were just two of the lucky people to have lived in Danny’s world. They probably think of him now quite fondly, as the rest of us do, happy in the thought that we once breathed the same air, and saw the same sun rise in the morning. We are all blessed with each other for so brief a time. Some, like Danny have been able to share their blessings with many. I feel fortunate to have been one of the ones chosen to hear, many times, his very satirical yet reverential and positive humor. God keep him, and heal his family of their sorrow. I know that when I go, I’ll be looking for him to make me laugh.
John Murphy
I was a friend of Danny Gans growing up in Torrance California. We grew up on the same block together and we were best friends. We used to stay over night at each others house and do all the other things little boys would do. We also played baseball together from little league, to babe ruth to Highschool to american legion. I came to Las Vegas on numerous occaisions and saw him perform at the stratosphere,the Rio, the Mirage to the Encore. I have all his tapes, and videos from him personally. He was not only a good friend but a unbelievabie performer. The best of all time. Iwas proud to have known him and can say I was his friend. He will be truly missed and I am so sorry for his wife Julie and his kids. we lost a great man.
We were fortunate to see Danny’s show about ten times. We were in awe each and every time. I have his video, book, CD and coffee mug (which I’m drinking out of right now}. I attended the memorial service at the Danny Gans Theater with my wife, Linda, as we both cried throughout. When anyone asked me what is the best show in Vegas, I would say “Danny Gans”! As a shuttle bus driver and entertainer, Danny was number one. I’ve seen everyone from Sinatra to all the Cirque shows and Danny was the best of the best. I’m hoping there will be another DVD of Danny performing at the Encore. The addition of video and family photos made changes even more phenomenal! Our memories of Danny will be embedded for a life time. God bless Danny and his entire family.
I have been to Vegas three times since Mr Gans left us and I can honestly say it is not the same. Going down LV boulevard and not seeing a picture of him just leaves me very sad, he is truly loved and missed.
I’ve only just found out that Danny is dead. I cannot tell you how upset this has made me.
I was on my first trip to the USA in 1996 with my wife and we spent a week in Las Vegas. Asking who was worth seeing we were told there was a new entertainer headlining at the Stratosphere, we paid $25 each and it was the best show I’d ever seen, he was brilliant.
I’ve told dozens of people here in the UK that if you ever get to Las Vegas you must see Danny Gans. I’m so glad I can say “I saw him, he was simply great”
I’m still in shock. What a terrible, terrible loss.
Condolences to his family and friends.
The World truly has lost a great man and artist.
The videos brought back some incredible memories, we have seen Danny 5 times (twice in one week) and look forward to buying the dvd, There will never be anyone ever again with that incredible talent, We will always miss him.
Sincerely Bob and Rose Defuria
My heart goes out to the entire as I have walked in your shoes with the loss of a husband so sudden and young in our marriage and raising our children. Having seen so many shows in Vegas over the years, Danny’s was the one that touched me for all the values he stood for as he shared his gift to the rest of the world. He mentioned in the show his children which was very touching. I look forward to the day we meet again!
Take care of yourselves, I know he is watching over you!
Im living in the exact opposite side of the world from Las Vegas, Tralee County Kerry, Ireland and in truth there is not a single day goes by that i dont think of DG.
My life changed after seeing his show, i am an entertainer and when i went to see him, boy was i entertained…
he did for me what Sammy Davis Jr did for him when Sid (DGs father) took him.
I got tickets to see him at the Mirage, Today i keep his family (The 5Gs) in my prayers, and his broken hearted band members, he is with his parents now, I”d say he is having a drink with Deeno and Elvis and others he paid tribute to in his life in the Lords Kingdom.
The only semblance of entertainment Christian Morality has been taken from the strip by the Lord, the one he praised each night, and ironically “Leaving Las Vegas” bound for Heaven is Rarer than winning the Megabucks, So truly we can say, Ladies and Gentlemen, Danny has left the building, and oh how empty is Sin City now, in the words of Don McLeans song Vincent, I could have told you Danny, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
Mark Leen Ireland.
Hope that you are all doing well. Thanks for the great web site. You remain in my prayers.
Will you ever sell those Voices in my head t-shirts again?
© 2009 Danny Gans