October 2014 | Volume 7 | Issue 4

Photos by Addison Rickaby and Marc Fossi

Marc Fossi purchased a 2011 Trail Edition 4Runner primarily for improved trail accessibility for fishing. It wasn’t long before Marc saw the potential for what his new truck could do. We asked Marc about the evolution of his build, where his truck has taken him, and what the future holds.

Like many serious off-roaders, when they purchased their 4Runner, they didn't have plans to take their new truck down the off-road modification path. Something along the way occurs that ignites the pursuit of a more aggressive rig. What's your story?

2014 CruiserFest – Recipe by Beau & Krista Johnston

The beauty of this dish is the simplicity of the Roasted Pasilla Cream Sauce; which can be prepared ahead of time and pureed in a blender, for a smoother consistency, or prepared in the field for a more rustic consistency.  Pasilla chilies, also known as poblano chilies, can be found in most grocery stores and are identifiable by their shiny, dark green color and heat-shaped profile.  Pasillas produce a mild heat when cooked and are as versatile in their use as this cream sauce is.

Ingredients:
•    1 tablespoons (1/8 stick) unsalted butter
•    1/2 cup chopped onion
•    1 pasilla chile, charred, peeled, diced
•    1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
•    1/3 tsp salt
•    Dash of pepper
•    8 – 6 inch corn tortillas
•    1lb pulled pork
•    6 eggs – scrambled
•    1/2 cup Pico de Gallo
Serves 4

Directions:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the diced pasilla chile and cook for 1 minute to blend flavors. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until reduced and the cream coats back of spoon, about 6 minutes.  Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let cool.  Makes 3/4 cup of sauce.

Assemble the tacos by placing 2 oz of pulled pork onto a heated tortilla and top with scrambled eggs, 1 Tbsp Pasilla Cream Sauce, and 1 Tbsp Pico de Gallo.

[flickr set=]

To get your copy of the October 2014 issue of TCT Magazine:   FIND US ON: Twitter | Facebook

Driving to Tooele (Too-ILL-uh) for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. Located in the next valley west of Salt Lake, Miller Motorsports Park rises out of the myriad of farmlands and cookie cutter sprawl. Enter the main gate to this 85 million dollar megalith of concrete, asphalt and steel and you are as likely to see individuals as you are entire families engaging in every form of motorsports imaginable. You will find go karts, supercars and bikes galore circumnavigating the four main paved tracks. At this point you are wondering how your dusty, creaky and less than speedy Land Cruiser will fit in and more importantly….where you will pitch your tent. You navigate to the back corner of the course and suddenly it all makes sense.

Photos by Cory Smelser

The forested Oregon terrain attracts folks who enjoy the outdoors, as well as those who wish to reside in the remote wilderness. As a result, situations can develop requiring coordinated rescue operations. These operations can span many miles from base to rescue resources. To avoid a breakdown in communications, temporary repeaters are necessary to bridge the airwave gap. Cory Smelser of Portland, OR, serves as a volunteer communications technician, and plays a vital role in filling that gap.

Cory participates with a search and rescue (SAR) group that specializes in emergency communications. His 1992 4Runner 4x4 has evolved into an ultimate off-roading communications response unit, as well as a rescue and recovery rig. With a solid front axle, rebuilt rear suspension, and low gearing, his truck is the ideal remote access vehicle.