Super Recipes for the Big Game!

At RealTruck, we have a rich tradition of finding excuses to bring food to the office.  The goal is to have something to munch on all day.  The results are staggeringly awesome.  Shamefully, we’ve even taken to inventing holidays.  Walk Backwards and Sing Like Elvis Day was, in retrospect, a horrible idea and three trips to the emergency room proved that point.

As you’re gearing up for game day feel free to use some of our favorite pot luck recipes!  We’re happy to share and feel free to post your best dish.

Free Trail Seal with any Access Tonneau Purchase in February, 2011!

First up is from Bonnie Schielke, our ridiculously friendly receptionist.  When you call RealTruck, she is most likely the first person you will talk to.  If you get a chance, compliment her on this dip.  We don’t call it famous for nothing!

Bonnie’s Famous Jalapeño Dip

• 1 lb browned burger
• 2 lb block Velveeta cheese (break into small chunks)
• 1 big can (16 oz’s) black olives, drain the juice and cut into small pieces
• (I use Early California black olives)
• 1 can-stewed tomatoes (16 oz) mush them up with your hands really good
• (I use Hunts Stewed Tomatoes)
• 1/2 jar jalapenos with 1/2 the juice (cut the jalapeños into little pieces)
• (I almost always use Mrs. Renfro Jalapenos (sliced).)

Put everything in the crock-pot and stir a lot until everything is melted and it’s hot.

Sometimes we put the olives, jalapenos, and tomatoes in the food processor and grind into little chunks.

Serve and watch your guests devour it like zombies at time’s square.  Seriously, if you have more than five people over for the Big Game, you should probably make two pots worth!

Every party needs chili.  Here are some recipes from the dungeons where our nerds hang out.  Enjoy!

From Stephen Soulsby, Data Specialist

Stephen’s White Chili

• 2 medium white onions, chopped
• 4 tbsp fresh minced garlic
• 3 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 (4 oz) cans canned green chili peppers, chopped
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp chipotle pepper powder
• 5x 14.5 ounce cans Great Northern beans, drained
• 1 large can white or yellow corn, drained

Combine all ingredients (except beans and corn) in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil on high. Add beans, return to boil, reduce heat to med-high. Stir frequently for 45 minutes or until desired consistency is obtained. The longer you cook it, the thicker it gets as the starch from the beans start to break down.  Cooking time can be reduced to 30 minutes if cooked on high and stirred continuously.

Top with shredded Monterey Jack / Cheddar blend and crumbled tortilla chips.

From Stuart Bernard, Online Marketing

Stuart’s Chipotle Chocolate Chili

• 1 lb pork cubed
• 1 lb beef cubed
• 1 white onion diced
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 T cumin
• 7 oz can chipotle peppers
• 1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour or use finely ground corn chips)
• 1 beer
• 2 oz Dark Chocolate
• salt and pepper

Season the meat with salt, pepper, and 1/2 the cumin then brown.  You will have to do this in batches, saute 1/2 the onion and 1/2 the garlic with the meat. Deglaze the pan with a little beer and add to crock pot.

Empty the can of chipotles into a bowl, dice and add peppers to crock-pot – 2 for wuss chili, whole can for EXTRA HOT chili, probably half for Stu.  Get all of the liquid (adobo) into the crock-pot

In crock-pot add all remaining ingredients except beer and masa stir to combine, add meat as it finishes. Add beer till just covering. Stir, cover and set to high.  After chili starts bubbling (hour +) lower heat to low and let cook till meat is super tender (can be split with a tortilla chip.) 4-6 hours.

10 minutes before serving ladle 1 cup chili liquid into medium bowl and stir in masa; cover with plastic wrap. Microwave until mixture is thickened, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk mixture into chili and simmer until chili is slightly thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. You may simmer with lid off to thicken chili more.

Either leave the meat in chunks, or use a fork to lightly shred meat.

Kay Why Dee’s Pinwheels

• 12 medium fluor tortillas
• 2 packages of cream cheese
• 1 small can of diced olives
• 2 small cans of diced chilis
• 1 small jar of salsa (mild or hot depending upon your preference)

In a medium size bowl mix cream cheese, olives, chilis and about 3/4 of your jar of salsa thoroughly.  Using a spatula, evenly spread the mixture on the flour tortillas.  Roll each tortilla up so that the mixture is contained within.  Wrap the tortillas in their tube-like state in cling wrap and let them sit in the refrigerator for about two hours.  Remove them and slice them horizontally so that you have pinwheels.  Use any leftover salsa for dipping.

Katie’s Liquid Gold Chip Dip

Now!  On to the people who are the guts of the business.  They know the product, get your order out on time and probably drink too much coffee doing it.

First up, Robert McReynolds, Purchasing Manager

Robert’s Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot®)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers

Directions:

Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly.

Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

Lucy Geigle, Order Fulfillment Specialist

Lucy’s Preztels ALA Ranch Style

• 1 bag of pretzels
• 1 Ranch seasoning packet
• 1 tbsp of Garlic Powder
• ½ tbsp of Cayenne Pepper
• 1/3 C. oil

Pour the bag of pretzels in a plastic bag.  In a small mixing bowl, mix Ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, Cayenne pepper and oil.  Pour the mixture all over the pretzels close bag and shake a couple times.  Pour the pretzels onto a cookie sheet and spread the pretzels out evenly.  Place in oven @ 250 degrees and bake for 30 minutes….let cool and enjoy!

Kari Lepp, Accounting Assistant

Salted Nut Roll Bars by Kari

• 1 pkg min marshmallows
• 1 large jar dry roasted peanuts
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz pkg peanut butter chips
• ½ c butter

Directions:  Pour ½ of the jar of peanuts in a greased 9×13 inch pan.  Microwave on high the marshmallows and pour over peanuts.  Sprinkle rest of the peanuts over the top and pat down with wax paper.  Refrigerate for sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter chips and butter for 4 minutes stirring after 2 minutes.  Stir in 1 ½ hours prior to serving.

Kari’s 7-Layer Taco Dip

• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 T taco seasoning mix
• 1 c sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup lettuce
• 1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese
• ½ c sliced green onions
• 2 T sliced and pitted ripe olives
• 1 bag Tortilla chips

Directions:  Mix beans and taco seasoning mix.  Spread on bottom of 9 inch pie plate or quiche dish.  Layer all remaining ingredients except chips over bean mixture; cover.  Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.  Serve with chips.

Josh Deltener – Newest Member To The RealTruck Team

We are very fortunate to have someone like Josh Deltener join the RealTruck team. He accepted a position as a Web Developer II and brings to the table a wealth of web development and e-commerce knowledge and skills.

More about Josh Deltener by Josh Deltener…
My first job when I was 15 or so was as a dish-washer at the Royal Fork Buffet.. That was one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had.  Steamy, stinky, and sticky.  Enough said.  I slowly climbed the corporate latter advancing to such prestigious positions as Line Stalker/Meat Carver and Bus Boy.  After that I went on to other restaurants such as Randy’s (dishwasher), Red Lobster (broiler, fryer, and  baker/backup – the person that has to prep something if we ever ran out – which was every night)  That was by far the smelliest job I’ve ever had..  Try cleaning walk-in cooler floors caked with seafood sludge.  After that I aspired to be more and went on to work at Denny’s as a cook and kitchen supervisor and then onto Chili’s as a cook and expo-ninja.

As I was attending college and racking up a student debt I decided to dump some money into buying servers and started hosting my own websites in my apartment using my DSL line.  I started a small music site called Altered Perception that let people upload music called “Mods”.  This was before mp3s were mainstream… it was also written in PERL if that tells you how long ago that was.   I also created a small search engine called Google..  ok it wasn’t that, but it was called ModBot.. It was a search engine that looked for music for people.  After learning the nerdy tricks of the trade, Justin, Kelly and I started a web hosting and design Company called Mind Tremors.  There we had fun, made tons of websites and learned some great lessons about technology, business and life.  After selling the business I spent 4 years as a software engineer at PRACS.   It was not too long ago that a little birdy told me of a great opportunity at Realtruck.  And here I am.

Truckzon, ruler of Truckzonia – formerly Texarkana

“I’m from the future.  My name is Truckzon.  I embody what your truck’s accessories will look like in the year 2150.  Stare at me in wonder.”

“Well,” said Old Man Jerfins while he scratched his beard, “I wonder why you chose to land on my best chicken coop and scare the daylights out of my favorite laying hens.  That’s what I wonder.”

Truckzon raised his silicone enhanced cab on hydraulic suspension and fluttered his malleable alloy nerf bars in agitation.  “Do you realize the honor I bestow upon you by gracing you with my presence?  In my time, trucks rule the world.  I, Truckzon, rule a large portion of the land you used to call Texarkana.  I lovingly refer to is as Truckzonia”

Hella LED Tail Lights & Third Brake Light Kit

“That sure is something.” Old Man Jerfins started to shuffle toward his barn in search of his favorite rooster.  “Do you mind not scaring my dog, Rufus?  He doesn’t take kindly to uppity imports.”

“Import!  I’ll have you know that the world is now entirely ruled by trucks and the human race has been enslaved to make our parts and accessories.  Our enhancements are nearly complete.  We lack but one key element.”

Old Man Jerfins was silent for a moment.  “I imagine I know what that would be.”

Pouting like a teenager, Truckzon crossed his arms.  “Well, if you’re so smart, human, tell me what you think it is.”

“A heart, Truckzon.  A heart.”

Truckzon’s wails split the air as he cried his silicon tears.  Alas, Old Man Jerfins couldn’t help Truckzon find a heart for his cold truck chassis, but he could help him find his soul.  Thus began the greatest friendship known between futuristic truck and crotchety old man.

Carry on my wayward truck…

Carry on my wayward truck

There’ll be peace when you are gone

Lay your weary cab to rest

Westin Bull Bars are 11% Off

Don’t you drive no more!

Once I drove above the noise and confusion

Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion

I was gunning my engine higher

But I gunned too high!

Though my headlights could see, I still had my brights on

Though my windows were down, I still had my A/C on

I hear voices when the stereo’s on

I can hear them say!

Carry on my wayward truck

There’ll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary cab to rest

Don’t you drive no more!

aFe – Blazing Through The Perfomance Industry

RealTruck.com is proud to offer aFe to anyone looking to add HP & power to almost any vehicle out there.

aFe carries many different products including:

• aFe Air Filters
  1. aFe magnum Force Air Intake Replacement Air Filters
  2. aFe Magnum Force Air Intake Pre-Filters
  3. aFe OE Direct Fit Stock Replacement Air Filters
  4. aFe Torque Booster Air Intake Tube
• aFe Air Intakes
  1. aFe Magnum Force Stage 2 Cold Air Intakes
  2. aFe Magnum Force Pro Dry S Cold Air Intakes
  3. aFe Magnum Force Stage 1 Cold Air Intakes
  4. aFe Super Stock Air Intake
• Exhaust and Mufflers
  1. aFe Large Bore 4″ HD Diesel Exhausts
  2. aFe Mach Force XP Exhaust Systems
  3. aFe Diesel Straight Flow Exhaust Mufflers
  4. aFe Diesel Exhaust Tip
• Throttle Body Spacers
  1. aFe Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer

These products are all designed using the latest in technological advances to give you the most bang for your buck. From air intakes to trottle body spacers, aFe products are going to add HP and performance to your diesel truck as well as your stock race car.

The Grinch Who Re-Decorated RealTruck?

As all of RealTruck worked hard to win the Holiday Decorating Contest, one office stood out.  Not because of its décor, but its lack of.  Our Customer Service Manager, Jim Gerling, had four plain white walls.  It is truly a sad, lonely way to spend 8 hours a day.

But this week, an anonymous question that sounded both sad and fearful (at least that’s the way it came across on e-mail) asked a simple question, “Why doesn’t Jim have anything on his walls?”

When the question was posed, we made a startling discovery; Jim had neither taste nor ability to express himself.  We jumped into action.  We rang our emergency bell.  Our red Bat Phone was blinking.  A cry for help would not go unnoticed.  “People of RealTruck, Jim needs our help!  Do we have any old, unwanted decorations that Jim could place in his office?”

What we found was truly “Ted Williams” inspiring (click here if you don’t know Ted Williams). We had plenty of orphaned decorations that needed a home, a place where they could return to the days of glory past and bring cheer to a dark and dreary place.

‘Welcome back’ Christmas wreath of 2010.

‘Hello again’ kitty poster proclaiming “Hang in there!”

‘It’s good to see you again’ outdated org chart.

‘Wasn’t the same without you’ “Horses on the prairie 2008” calendar.

Yes, we took unwanted, discarded decorations and put them in a place where they could serve a purpose.  Just one more example of RealTruck’s willingness to go the extra mile.

And Jim Gerling?

How has he fared in all of this?

Well, at RealTruck they say, his heart grew three sizes that day.

Get 11% Off With Select Westin Products

RealTruck.com is excited for the new year and want to get you all excited as well.  From now until 1/31/10 we are offering a 11% discount on the Westin bull bar as well as the Westin E-Series nerf bars.  Take advantage of this offer while there is still time.

• Westin Bull Bar – The Westin bull bars are designed to offer a rugged look, while offering optimal front end protection.   These bull bars are available in chrome, stainless steel, and black.  They are custom designed to fit the exact specifications of your truck.  So if you are looking to upgrade protection while enhancing looks, the Westin bull bars are for you.
• Westin E-Series Nerf Bars – These nerf bars are available in 2 quality finishes including black and stainless steel.  These nerf bars are featuring a tough plastic step pad, which ensures a safe entry and departure into and out of your truck.  They are going to look great on any truck and are custom designed to fit your truck perfectly.

Westin is leading the industry with top of the line vehicle accessories.  They believe in making quality products at highly affordable pricing.  Westin designs and manufactures everything from bull bars to tail light guards.

You forgot your truck’s birthday, time to go shopping for accessories!

It’s your truck’s birthday!  Did you know?  I bet you forgot.

Shame.

On.

You!

Your truck is in the garage right now, bawling its headlights out because you are a selfish dolt.

You need to fix this.  Fast.

Woo your truck.  Show your truck you’re in this relationship for the long term.  That other truck meant nothing to you.  That’s why you traded it in!  So you could be together.

How about some suspension support?  Your truck has been feeling a little heavy when going over the rougher patches.  Give her that light feeling with Maxloader Overload Suspension Spring Support Systems.  She’ll feel light as air and she won’t ask you if her tailgate looks fat in her tonneau anymore.

I bet your truck would like a shiny new rack.  She’s self conscious about it.  A new Go Industries Round Tube Headache Rack is just the thing to increase her body image confidence.

You could also enhance her headlights with Putco Chrome Headlight Trim.  But don’t make a big deal out of it.  Make a point of letting her know her headlights are still bright and dazzling.

Finally… you know all girls, *ahem*… trucks want new purses, *ahem*… organizers to keep things from rolling all over the cab.  Get your truck a Bully Truck Cab Space Max Vehicle Organizer.  It’s the ultimate tool for keeping all your maps, tools and other gear in place when on the road.

You can make this birthday special.  You still have a chance.  You just need to find the perfect gift.  Let RealTruck save the day!

Kelly Deltener (AKA Kay Why Dee) Joins The RealTruck Team

Kelly Yanke Deltener is happy to be a new member of the RealTruck force!  She hopes to use her powers for good, not evil.  She’ll be blogging under the name “Kay Why Dee” and her main goal is to convert everyone into fans of truck accessories and silly humor related to automotive references.

Weighing in at a mere 7lbs 7oz, she had a long way to go before landing a job at RealTruck.  It took her 33 years to be exact.  The journey was worth it.

Originally from Steele, North Dakota, where she conquered Kindergarten and Elementary School, she mastered the art of learning.  She decided to live with her parents for a few more years and attend High School in the same town.  She mastered this feat as well and in return received a diploma.  There was much rejoicing.

For higher learning she attended Minnesota State University, Moorhead for some odd years.  She loved the smell of libraries and astronomy seats.  One of her favorite hobbies was staring blankly at technology nerds in the computer science lab until they left under the pressure.  This proved to be an excellent pastime and later would help her in securing her husband.

Soon she became all schooled out and wanted to be a business owner.  She was a woman of the nineties!  She started Mind Tremors, a web development and ecommerce company, with her husband and his twin brother.  It sounded like mixing an acid with a base at the time, but it worked for 8 years.  Handling marketing and sales was her forte.  While reading this one might think that is a big stretch, but it was a cherished career and one she took seriously.

While at Mind Tremors, she helped secure a Chamber Choice Award from the Fargo Moorhead Chamber of Commerce.  Something she had coveted for many years.  It was gratifying and humbling.  She held the desire to wave the statue in the face of her foes deep inside.

Mind Tremors eventually closed and, after successfully being a stay-at-home person who wrote Etsy blogs and dissertations on Jane Austen in her pajamas, Kelly saw opportunity in working with RealTruck.  They reluctantly agreed to her demands.

Kelly specializes in social media, content development and general everyday tasks, such as product testing.  She enjoys the band Led Zeppelin and believes that one of their songs is about her.  She’ll never say which, because it isn’t as flattering as one might think.

We are truly, truly grateful to have someone with the enthusiasm and extensive e-commerce background, which Kelly the “blogger made of stardust” brings to the table.

IPCW – Light It Up Baby

When most people think of automotive lights they think of out of date or plain factory installed lights.  Well not any longer!  RealTruck.com is lighting it up with the all new IPCW vehicle lights.  We just added 7 new IPCW lighting options and today we will take a look at each.  Browse the newest additions today!

• IPCW Side Marker Lights – These are complete replacement lights that will luminate the sides of your ride, allowing passing traffic to see you. These bad boys not only add a necessary function, but they also give you a new and modern look that will break necks.
• IPCW LED Door Handles – These awesome lights are designed to custom fit your vehicle’s make and model.  They are designed to add a little extra flare to your door and will ultimately look great on any vehicle and with other lighting upgrades.  It makes it easier to see your keyhole and offers ample visibility.  You can also sync these with your running lights and turn lights.  The LED’s are available in red and amber colors.
• IPCW LED Tailgate Handles – If you are thinking about restoring or simply enhancing the appearance of your truck or suv, this LED tailgate handle is for you.  If you are serious about decking your ride, lights are a major factor in that process.  These LED tailgate handles are featured in 2 different finishes including black and chrome.  You can get them for your truck or suv helping to enhance visibility.  Great for getting the head turning attention that you crave.
• IPCW Front Bumper Lights – This set of lights is going to enhance visibility as well as adding a new modern look.  The IPCW front bumper lights are offering a clear light design that will enhance your car, truck or suvs looks while complimenting other lighting upgrades.  They are designed vehicle specific and will fit your vehicle perfectly.
• IPCW Parking Lights – The IPCW Parking Lights will help to illuminate your vehicle while parked.  Over the coarse of time your factory parking lights are going to crack, fade and discolor.  These clear colored parking lights are the perfect replacement for worn out lights.
• IPCW Corner Lights – IPCW corner lights are designed to completely replace your factory corner lights.  The clear design adds a more modern appearance to your vehicles front end and will help to illuminate the night sky.  They are great for restoration projects and will work great with other lighting upgrades.
• IPCW Headlights – Lighting upgrades are a great way to add style and function to your vehicle.  The IPCW headlights are designed to replace your existing headlights and will ensure better visibility.