Our Dutch Oven Group gathered for a potluck, March 1, 2009.
All photos courtesy of Kathy Zumbrunn and Michael King.
You may jump to the newsletter article below the pictures.
What a fantastic start for 2009! Starting off the year was the first ride
of the year at Del Valle in late February. Despite the rainy conditions,
there was a very good turnout.
Following close on the heels of the first ride was the first DOG (Dutch
Oven Group) gathering of 2009 hosted by Sandy and Barbara Newsome at their
home in Denair.
The weather was rainy but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the D.O.
cooks, or those who came to offer moral support (in other words eat!). Sandy
had already anticipated the weather and had an area under cover set up for
the cooks to work. There was a good supply of charcoal burning and ready to
go so that there would be no delay in getting the cooking started.
While the cooks were busy assembling the various dishes, guests visited
with one another and occasionally split off in small groups to take mini
tours of the Newsome's impressive garden. Later Sandy decided that those not
cooking needed some excitement and produced some grownup size pedal cars to
play with. A race of sorts ensued around the barn past the corrals and
across the lawn. I don't remember being that winded as a kid doing this sort
of thing! I would have had some great incriminating pictures too, had the
camera not malfunctioned- darnit!
As the dishes came together and were starting to cook, the chefs were able
to relax a bit and spend a little time visiting, all the while keeping a
watchful eye on their ovens. It wasn't long before pleasant aromas were
wafting around the patio. Olfactory sensory input had anticipation building
for the dishes to get done and hit the serving table.
Sandy and Barbara prepared a very nice eating area in their garage that
comfortably seated everyone in a warm dry and sheltered location. Just like
a Sunday brunch, one had to scout ahead to get a feel for all of the things
that you wanted to sample. Even then it was easy to run out of room on your
plate before you came to the end of the dishes!
There were a good number of birthdays around the DOG day so there was a
rendition of Happy Birthday sung for those folks which was much
appreciated.
When it was all said and done, there was not much left in the ovens, so
that it is a very good indication of the cooking ability of our D.O.
cooks!
"Thank you", to all of the cooks, and to everyone who came and made this
first gathering a huge success. A special thank you for Sandy and Barbara
Newsome for hosting this event.
