International Dutch Oven Society *SuperStars*

I have to say one of my favorite parts of Tyler's job is that I can talk to him whenever I want and he can call me whenever he wants. A few weeks ago (have I already shared this tidbit of our lives . . . scan, if so) Tyler called to tell me he and his friend from work, Ray, had joined the International Dutch Oven Society, or IDOS. WHAT? Who knew that even existed? And who starts something like that? I took it fairly well; I mean as in stride as anyone else would whose husband finds random clubs to join. I asked him what that means and he told me he gets a quarterly newsletter and information about dutch oven competitions. WHAT? Competitions? Oh yeah, it's a sporting club, apparantly. Tyler and Ray decided they were going to enter a regional competition during Livestock Days in Cedar City the end of October.

Alas, Ray's wife reminded him it was his daughter's birthday and so Tyler then recruited his brother, Jared, another dedicated dutch oven-er. (sorry, Mindie :() Then, of course, the practicing begins. I have to admit a few of Tyler's phone calls home about menus and recipes and presentation, etc. went in one of my ears and out the others. I was, though, about the taste-testing. The following are pics of their meat dish and dessert practice night with friends and family a couple weeks ago on family night. Then (not pictured) was bread day during Sunday's General Conference where they whipped up three dutch ovens of breads. That was pretty amazing; I mean to make bread in a dutch oven. I think the pictures say a lot for the entire, intense experience of those in the IDOS. Here you go:

First the meat dish. Presentation is everything, so they were working on how to best display the meat roll and potatoes. Tyler loves the camera (as I am sure you can tell.) They are pretty proud AND it tasted really good.

This was their first attempt at a homemade pie crust. It's tricky, serious, gotta-concentrate work to get it in the dutch oven just so. Marie Callender's has nothing on these guys.

My favorite part about these kinds of activities is the male consulting that goes on. You can't see Tyler's dad in this picture, but between them all they were working out any kinks and possible issues the dessert might have. It was serious business! They looked at and talked about the dessert for a good while before they finally cut into the caramel apple pie.

All the kids enjoyed the fruits of their dads' labors. Actually, I think the cousins just like any excuse to get together and play. Eating (even dutch oven) is just something to get out of the way so they can go run and play. (from bottom, counter clockwise: Courtnie, Brock, Caitlyn, Caylee, Conner, and Brevin.)

Anyway, it's good times. One more thing to be a supportive wife about. Which reminds me, I have pictures of the band gig to post too. Maybe next time. The brothers will be off to Cedar City for the Nevada Day weekend, so I'll have a better report of their first official competition in a few days. P.S. I am sure if you'd like to join the IDOS you can do a search online and find tons of results.