Treats Day

Quiz Time: If you’re not eating out at a restaurant, and you’re not ordering in at home, then where are you eating? Answer Time: At work, of course. And while most of the time that still probably falls into the “I’m eating out” or “I’m eating food I brought from home” categories, sometimes it falls under the category of “Treats Day.”

That “sometime” is today.

Treats Day is something I’ve been doing at my place of work since 1991. And while the place where I work changes from time to time, Treats Day is a constant. I can count on a three-fingered hand how many years I’ve not had one. It’s typically the highlight of the entire work year.

I never talk about work itself on this blog because that’s not what I’m here for. I will say that I work in the video game industry, specifically in the field of MMOs, and I’ll also say that I work with a great group of people. (And I’m not just saying that because I know you’re all reading this. I’m saying this because I want you all to buy me lots of Christmas presents.)

While the name of the day implies piles and piles of cookies, the true beauty of Treats Day is that it actually contains food. I’m a big fan of the crockpottery, like meatballs, weenie winks, and gloop (see below). I also love cold cuts, cheeses, and sandwich/cracker fixins. Bringing Chex Mix is, of course, a huge hit with me. And, if I have to, I’ll eat some cookies. But it’s not the reason I’m there.

The Gloop recipe comes from Stephanie. She was there back in 1991 when Treats Day was founded. For the last few years, I’ve stolen her Gloop recipe and it’s always one of the first things we run out of, even in the morning. For some reason, however, every single year I forget the stupid recipe and have to ask her about it all over again. Fortunately, gmail saves my correspondences and I found last year’s request, still intact, bit for bit. I wrote:

Here’s what I remember. Correct me if I’m wrong:

1 lb of ground beef, browned
1 can of salsa
1 pint of heavy cream
1 pint of fresh strawberries
1/2 cup of salt
3/4 cup of fresh ground pepper
2 eggs
1/2 quart of rum
1 sm. package of gum drops
4 strips of bacon
Flour to taste

Put in a crock pot and heat for twelve hours. Serve over fresh rice cakes.

Oddly enough, I got it wrong. For those of you who want to try the real Gloop dip, here you go, in Stephanie’s own hand:

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 pkg Taco Season make like the package tells you with the above ground beef (I like Oretega Hot and Spicy)
1 Jar Newman’s HOT Salsa
1 tub cream cheese
1 Jar Tostidos Con Queso Cheese Dip

Serve with Scoops, cuz this dip really NEEDS a Scoop!

Give it a try at your next party and I guarantee you’ll be a big hit. Just tell them, “I got this from Charlie. He’s awesome. And go buy his awesome book.” If for some reason they don’t like it, just tell them, “This is Stephanie’s recipe. I don’t know what the hell happened.”



11 Responses to “Treats Day”

Fattygetsfit said
on
December 19, 2008 at 6:58 am

i was grossed out by the first recipe, but #2 sounds yummy!

johngl said
on
December 19, 2008 at 7:05 am

Hmmm. The second one could use some rum.

Mara said
on
December 19, 2008 at 7:55 am

The 2nd one looks awesome… and I’m intrigued by your job! The fiance is very into MMORPGs and all other gaming…

Deborah said
on
December 19, 2008 at 9:26 am

I’m glad you straightened that out. That first one had me grimacing.

Gonna have to try that the next time I have company. Thanks.

maggieapril said
on
December 19, 2008 at 9:53 am

Your humor makes my day, but I must say your recipes are NOT making my waistline!!!

(Dang, that sounds good…)

Tom Rooney said
on
December 19, 2008 at 10:31 am

I think the 1/2 cup of salt on the first one would pump up that seasoning just the right amount.

Stephanie said
on
December 19, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Even if I say so myself… Gloop is Gooood 🙂 And by Scoops, I was talking Tostito Scoops…. although I’m sure Frito Scoops would work too.

If you try it, let Charlie know if you liked it.. and I’ll just read and laugh about it!

Gosh the one thing I really miss about not working in an office any more is Treats Day.

Megan said
on
December 21, 2008 at 9:55 am

I know everyone at my office would love it! Thanks Charlie.

p.s.- Sorry I haven’t been around in a couple of days. I am off to get caught up on your posts.

Jennifer said
on
December 22, 2008 at 8:43 am

That second one sounds really good! I may have to make that for David’s side of the family since there will be about 60 or so people there for Christmas!

Have you gotten all your shopping done?

Quix said
on
December 22, 2008 at 3:03 pm

What a coincidence, we live in the same town and work in the same industry. Glad I found your blog, you’re quite hilarious. 🙂

I had gloop somewhat similar to that at a poker night two weekends ago and it was delish!

Charlie said
on
December 22, 2008 at 3:40 pm

Quix: The blog is glad you found it, too. And yes, it’s hard to go wrong with a dish like this. It’s the perfectly balanced meal: meat, dairy, and veggies in every spoonful.