A Decadent St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

Posted on March 17, 2017 by admin

When most people think of Irish foods, they imagine hearty meals of meat, potatoes, vegetables, and that tasty Irish soda bread. But what many don’t consider is that Ireland is famous for some incredible desserts too. This delicious Irish whiskey cake will add some flair to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and there’s no doubt your friends and family will want the recipe for themselves.

Traditional Irish Whiskey Cake

What you’ll need:

2 cups golden raisins
1/4 cup whiskey
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
3/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar
3 egg whites
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 lemon (juiced)
2 cups confectioner’s sugar

Cooking instructions:

Start by placing the raisins, lemon zest and whiskey in a small bowl to soak overnight.
Line the bottom of an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper, then butter the paper and dust it with flour.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Sift the flour, cloves, salt and baking powder in a small bowl and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter together until they’re fluffy.
Add the egg yolks into the butter mixture and beat well, then quickly beat the flour into the mixture.
Stir the soaked raisins into the entire mixture.
In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they’re stiff, then fold them into the butter mixture.
Pour the entire combination into your prepared baking pan and bake for roughly 50 minutes or until you insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and it comes out clean.
Cool cake on a wire rack.
Make your glaze by mixing the lemon juice with confectioner’s sugar and just enough warm water and whiskey, so it can be drizzled on top of the cake.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford the next time you’re in Temple and test drive a new or used vehicle. You can also contact the service department at Johnson Bros. Ford to schedule an appointment with a certified technician.

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March Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Posted on March 10, 2017 by admin

Looking for something to do this March? Head to the city and enjoy one of these fun-filled events.

Rodeo Austin – March 11-25

Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring Pro rodeo events, daily concerts, livestock show and more. The rodeo will be held at Travis County Exposition Center daily.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – March 17

This annual family-friendly festival celebrates all things Irish. Come enjoy authentic Celtic music and dancers, Irish language workshops, the finest Irish imports and plenty of good family fun. The festival will be at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms.

Austin Urban Music Festival – March 31 to April 1

More than 15,000 music revelers converge on Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake to enjoy Austin’s only music festival focused on R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop music. Get your tickets today!

Art City Austin – March 31 to April 2

Hosted by Art Alliance Austin, Austin’s iconic annual art fair will sport more than 100 exhibiting artists this year. Head out to this free event and enjoy browsing artwork, grab some grub at a food truck, and listen to live music.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford before you hit the road and make sure that your car is in tip-top shape. Time to trade-in for a new vehicle? Johnson Bros. Ford can help you get into the car or truck of your dreams. Come test drive one today!

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Ford and Johnson Bros. Offer Great Military Incentives

Posted on February 18, 2017 by admin

Johnsons Bros. Ford, in cooperation with the Ford Motor Company, is proud to offer a Military Appreciation Program to both active duty and retired military personnel. This program offers a range of offers, deals, and incentives to military personnel and makes Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs an attractive purchase option for the men and women who qualify.

Ford’s Military Appreciation Program

Ford offers military personnel and their families a Military Bonus Cash Offer. This exclusive offer is good toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford or Lincoln vehicle.

Military Appreciation Cash is exclusively for members of the following US Military Branches; Active military personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard, Reservists serving on Active Duty, members of the Delayed Entry/Enlistment Program (DEP), Veterans within 24 months of separation, retirees, Spouse/Surviving Spouse and other household members, who are residents of the United States.

Ford also runs Ford Mobility Motoring, which makes it easier for those who are selecting and purchasing a Ford vehicle that will require adaptive equipment or modifications due mobility limitations.

You can read full details and learn more about the program here.

Service Discount at Johnson Bros. Ford

Johnson Bros. Ford also offers active military personnel a 10% discount off of parts and labor for all repairs completed in our service center’s main shop. If you qualify, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this special offer the next time your come by Johnson Bros. Ford for service or maintenance. Simply ask your trusted service advisor about it!

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford today to test drive a new or pre-owned Ford truck, car, or SUV. Even if you don’t qualify for Ford’s Military Appreciation Program, there are still plenty of specials, deals, and programs that you may qualify for instead. Just ask your friendly and knowledgeable sales associate if there are any current dealership or manufacturer offers.

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Great Spring Break Destinations in Texas

Posted on February 10, 2017 by admin

You don’t have to buy expensive plane tickets to a tropical destination to enjoy a warm and unforgettable spring break this year. These three Texas spring break destinations offer all of the warmth, relaxation and fun of those pricey destinations right here in the Lone Star State.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island offers all of the makings of an exciting spring break. The island used to bring in massive crowds of undesirable, rowdy spring breakers, but the crowds have lessened, and South Padre offers a warm getaway with gorgeous beaches, pristine water and plenty of excitement. College vacationers do tend to make the area busier in late February and March, so keep that in mind if you’re seeking a more low-key South Padre spring break.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi offers picturesque gulf beaches, the Texas State Aquarium, the Padre Island National Seashore, seaside restaurants, marinas, the USS Lexington. and plenty of downtown fun to make this spring break the best one yet. It’s a good alternative if you want the beach setting with less crowds.

New Braunfels

If you’re seeking warm weather, but don’t necessarily want to visit the beach, New Braunfels could be your ideal spring break destination. This picturesque Texas town in the heart of the Hill Country was founded in 1845. New Braunfels wows its visitors with its historic districts, adventurous rivers, impressive golf courses, live music, shopping, family-friendly attractions, award-winning restaurants, and so much more.

Stop and See Us at Johnson Bros. Ford

When you’re traveling throughout Texas this spring break, don’t forget to stop and see us at Johnson Bros. Ford in Temple. We’re your one-stop Texas auto dealership for sales, service, parts, and accessories.

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The 2017 Ford F-150

Posted on January 13, 2017 by admin

The 2017 Ford F-150, now at Johnson Bros. Ford, sets a new standard for what a truck ought to be. Durable, capable, smart, and powerful, the 2017 Ford F-150 can handle any task set for it and overcome any obstacle set before it.

Durability

Possessing a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and steel frame, the Ford F-150 is built at the same grade as vehicles in the aerospace, commercial transportation, and energy industries. Resistant to dents and corrosion and incredibly strong, the frame is actually 60 lbs. lighter than previous generations due to the state-of-the-art fabrication process of roll forming and tailor-rolled blanks.

Capability

Delivering impressive towing and payload capabilities, the 2017 Ford F-150 can handle a payload of 3,270 lbs. The F-150 also features a work-minded pickup bed with available features such as a flexible, configurable class-exclusive BoxLink system, LED box lights, stowable loading ramps, class-exclusive integrated tailgate step with lift assist, remote tailgate release, and deployable box side steps.

Smart Features

The 2017 Ford F-150 is loaded with smart features, including driver-assist technologies, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree camera with split-view display, Lane-Keeping system, and Blind Spot Information system.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Come test drive the new 2017 Ford F-150 today at Johnson Bros. Ford in Temple, Texas. Whether you’re shopping for a new vehicle or just looking to schedule service, Johnson Bros. Ford can help.

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Events You Don’t Want to Miss in Texas

Posted on January 6, 2017 by admin

When you’re on the road this January (or looking for an excuse to do so), check out one of these fun events happening this month near your Temple Ford dealership.

24th MLK Community March, Rally, and Cultural Festival – January 16

Come out and honor the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., at this free event taking place in Austin.

The 24th MLK Community March, Rally, and Cultural Festival will kick off at 9am at the University of Texas at 21st and Speedway under the MLK Statue. The march will continue on to the south steps of the State Capitol Building for a short program before continuing on to the historic Huston-Tillostson University where the festival will take place until 3pm.

The event organizers request that marchers bring can goods and non-perishable food items to donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Lunar New Year Festival – January 26

Check out this fun and free cultural event to mark the Chinese New Year. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster and the Lunar New Year Festival is ushering it in with Asian food, performances, and cultural activities. There will be a dragon dancing, lighting firecrackers, and exchanging red money envelopes. Head to the University of Texas to join in on the fun.

Austin Bacon and Beer Festival – January 28

The 4th Annual Austin Bacon and Beer Festival is setting up to be as popular as ever this year. Produced by Edible Austin in partnership with Eat Boston, the festival has sold out in multiple cities, including Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Austin in previous years.

The event showcases bacon-centric foods prepared by bacon-loving local chefs. This delicious showcase will be presented alongside local craft brews. General admission starts at 1pm at Brazos Hall and costs $47.00 for all samples inside. A premium tickets sets you back $100.00, but gets you early admission at 12:30pm, all samples inside, and a commemorative t-shirt and tasting glass.

The fest will run until 4pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford this January to test drive a new or used vehicle if it’s time to upgrade your ride. You can also stop by Johnson Bros. Ford if you need to schedule some maintenance with our service department.

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Tips to Improve MPG

Posted on December 28, 2016 by admin

Whether you purchase a vehicle that gets excellent gas mileage, such as a hybrid, or a vehicle that uses a bit more gas because of the higher horsepower engine from Johnson Brothers Ford, you’ll want to try to improve the miles per gallon. Although gas prices are lower, and it’s tempting to not worry about MPG, it’s a great idea to get into the habit of driving in such a way that you’ll improve the MPG – that way, you’ll be right in the game when gas prices increase.

Braking

Brake early. If you don’t have to accelerate from a dead stop, you’ll increase gas mileage. If you are coming up on a light that’s been red for a bit, start slowing down earlier, and you just might get lucky enough to be moving when it’s time to accelerate again. And, it’s safer, too. If it’s rainy or icy out, braking early gives you more control of your vehicle.

Highway Driving

Stay at one speed. Use the cruise control, if it’s safe to do so. And, to keep from changing speed when you’re following someone, leave 8 to 10 car lengths between you and the car in front of you. If that person is not using cruise, he or she may inadvertently slow down or speed up; and you’ll do the same. When you leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have to slow down until that person speeds up again.

Acceleration

Accelerate slowly. There’s no reason to accelerate like you’re going to be doing 100 mph down the road since you know that’s not going to be happening. Accelerate slowly – but not too slow, lest you irritate other drivers – and you’ll find that you’ll save more gas.

Maintenance

Make sure you keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle. Keeping everything in tip-top condition ensures that you get the best possible gas mileage.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle. Or, if you’re not ready for a new vehicle just yet, give our Ford service department a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance.

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Information on the Service Engine Soon Light

Posted on August 17, 2016 by admin

If your engine light comes on in your car you should bring your vehicle in to Johnson Bros Ford as soon as possible so a trained service technician can check the problem. Often, the service engine soon (SES) light comes on but the vehicle still runs properly. This doesn’t mean you should ignore the light.

What Does the SES Light Tell Me? The SES light tells you that there is something wrong with one of the sensors or the computer in your vehicle. The problem could be serious enough to cause the vehicle not to start, it could affect the performance of the vehicle or you may not notice a difference in the way the vehicle runs. It depends which sensor is malfunctioning.

Should I Ignore the Light if My Vehicle is Running Smoothly? No, you should not ignore the light. While it may seem like you do not have a problem, something is not working properly. It could be anything from an oxygen sensor sensing the wrong mixture to a problem with the computer. Often, when a problem arises, the computer will go into “limp home” mode. The vehicle may seem to run okay, but you will most likely notice issues. One of the symptoms is that the vehicle won’t have as much power. Generally, it will run rough if it’s in limp home mode.

Why Does My SES Light Shut Itself Off Then Come on Again? This is what is known as a “soft” code. The computer senses a problem in the engine, but as soon as the problem rectifies itself, it shuts the light off as it doesn’t store the code. While there are a couple of sensors that could send a soft code, the most popular is the oxygen sensor. If you have a soft code for an oxygen sensor, the problem is most likely in the engine, not with the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor senses the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If there is too much that means the engine is not burning all of the air and fuel mixture in the cylinders. This is typically a problem in the ignition system — plugs, wires, coils, PCM/ECM or other ignition components.

I Checked the Codes with an Aftermarket Scanner and it Shows Several Codes: If your vehicle shows several codes that do not make sense, you could have a problem with the PCM or ECM itself. Since the computer cannot diagnose itself, it sometimes tells the technician that there is something wrong by displaying erroneous codes. For example, if you come up with a code for the coolant temperature sensor and the MAP sensor, along with the EGR valve and a code that means nothing and the vehicle is running fine, there is a good chance that the computer has failed.

Because everything on the engine affects something else, you should have a certified technician check the codes and repair the problems causing the SES light to illuminate. You may have a code for the oxygen sensor, but you will be wasting money if you replace it without checking the ignition or other components that affect the mixture. That is just one example of a problem diagnosing your vehicle yourself. You could have one sensor malfunctioning, which could cause another sensor to set a code. Contact a service technician at Johnson Bros Ford if your engine light is illuminated.

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Summer Road Trip Destinations

Posted on July 24, 2016 by admin

If you are planning a summer road trip, consider driving from Jackson, Wyoming, to Glacier National Park in Montana. Driving from Temple to Jackson takes about 22 hours if you drive straight through, so plan for extra time to get there and back if you want to make this an epic road trip. Once you start out in Jackson, you’ll see some of the country’s best mountains and wildlife at five national parks. The route from Jackson to Glacier National Park is 600 miles. To get back to Temple and Johnson Bros. Ford from Glacier National Park, you’ll need to plan for a 26-hour drive.

What to Bring

Be sure to bring binoculars, your camera, hiking shoes and cool-weather clothing along with the things you would normally pack for a summer road trip.

The Trip

Start out with visiting Jenny Lake, which rests in the shadow of the Teton Mountains. In Yellowstone, drive past the Yellowstone Lake; visit Hayden Valley to see buffalo, grizzly bear and elk; and soak in the 100-degree Gardener River, which is two miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. Be sure to stop in Bozeman to grab a cold drink at the 406 Brewing Company.

Head over to Missoula, but be sure to stop at the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Rent a kayak at Brennan’s Wave, grab some great food at Biga Pizza or stop for a cold drink at the Montgomery Distillery.

Once you hit Whitefish, hike the Whitefish trail and take Highway 2 to the Walton Ranger Station. Hike up to Lake Isabel for some great views. Continue on your way north, stopping at various parks for hiking and biking; birding and to take some great pictures.

The route starts on 89 in Jackson, then picks up 90 in Bozeman and 93 near Missoula. The last part of the journey is on Highway 2 from Whitefish to the Glacier National Park. If you prefer to stay longer in one place, you can skip one of the other parks – but have fun trying to figure out which of these great parks to skip!

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Be sure to have your vehicle serviced before you leave on this long road trip. Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford before you leave; and since this is a long trip, you may have to have your vehicle serviced when you get back. Watch for your service minders!

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Accessories for Your Ford Truck

Posted on July 11, 2016 by admin

Accessories can add style and personality to any vehicle. These items can range from a variety of products including updated seat covers, mud flaps, decals, floor mats and so much more. Even the things that are not exactly for show but are practical elements can be used to personalize your truck. At Johnson Bros. Ford, we strive to have on hand the best in accessories or parts for your Ford truck.

Truck owners are painfully aware of how debris and unwanted elements get stuck in the bed of your truck while in transit. Or sometimes friends and family can toss junk in the back without warning, using your precious cargo space as a giant trash can. This can lead to startling noises of objects sliding around in the bed or just add to the annoyance of extra cleaning. If you have tonneau cover over the bed, this solves that problem forever.

Tonneau covers come in a range of sizes, styles, colors and types depending on your preference. For instance, there are ones starting at 5.5 feet long for short beds and ones up to eight feet long for larger beds. There are also soft folding types for easy storage and removal as well as hard top covers for a more permanent placement. If this is something you have always needed, stop in to your Temple Ford dealer to check out our extensive selection. If you are not sure which type you need, our knowledgeable staff will gladly help you.

If you travel the highways a lot or live in an area that has a larger than normal amount of insects, a bug deflector might be the best thing for your truck. Save the trouble of having to clean your windshield often and possibly save your windshield from rocks and debris by installing this cheap plastic option. They come in a range of colors and can be removed for easy cleaning. Check with Johnson Bros. Ford to see what options are best for your Ford truck.

When you are looking for the perfect parts and accessories for your truck, come to Johnson Bros. Ford first. We have lots to choose from and have new items arriving all the time. If you are looking for something we don’t have in our store, we can order it for you.

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