I'm sure you are wondering what are the Dewsweeper's and how would one came up with their name. The Dewsweeper's are a group of men, about fourteen of them, who are the first to tee off every Saturday at dawn at the Oak Ridge Country Club. It's so early in the morning that the dew is still on the ground, hence the name Dewsweeper's. They literally sweep the dew from the course. They have their own logo, hats, sweat shirts, golf towels and a manual that only they have seen. When asked to see the manual, a non Dewsweeper will be told it's in the manual that only a Dewsweeper is allowed to see it. Also no female is allowed to join the group as it apparently states in the manual, not that I would know since I, not being a Dewsweeper, would not be able to see the manual to verify that rule.
Out on the course they are know by many names, Quick Bob, Kegs, World, Papaw, Virgil, Tom Paul, Dale, Preheat, Hot, Hennie, Hugo, Doctor Mitchell, Doctor Jones and lastly The Doctor. They are doctors, businessmen, engineers, educators, grandfathers, fathers and sons. But most importantly this group of men give back. Every year the members provide Christmas for four children. Each week through out the year they put in a specific amount of money into the pot that will provide Christmas for those less fortunate. Then a few weeks before Christmas, many from the group will meet and do all the Christmas shopping. They scrounge the store, finding the ideal gifts, determined to get all that is on their list.
During the month of December the golfers and their spouses get together for the yearly Christmas dinner that is held at the Oak Ridge Country Club. Its all very festive, the tree is decorated and greenery is placed on the tables. It's the one time of year that we are all together. Numerous members gave speeches on happenings throughout the year. Our dinner was spectacular, thanks to Donna, the chef. And as in Christmases past, a few of the wives brought in the desserts. The evening consisted of Mitsy bringing a Coconut Cake, Melanie a Fudge Pie and I brought Red Velvet Brownies. Its always difficult to choose what to have since each is so good. Some did not want to make a choice and had some of all three.
Out on the course they are know by many names, Quick Bob, Kegs, World, Papaw, Virgil, Tom Paul, Dale, Preheat, Hot, Hennie, Hugo, Doctor Mitchell, Doctor Jones and lastly The Doctor. They are doctors, businessmen, engineers, educators, grandfathers, fathers and sons. But most importantly this group of men give back. Every year the members provide Christmas for four children. Each week through out the year they put in a specific amount of money into the pot that will provide Christmas for those less fortunate. Then a few weeks before Christmas, many from the group will meet and do all the Christmas shopping. They scrounge the store, finding the ideal gifts, determined to get all that is on their list.
During the month of December the golfers and their spouses get together for the yearly Christmas dinner that is held at the Oak Ridge Country Club. Its all very festive, the tree is decorated and greenery is placed on the tables. It's the one time of year that we are all together. Numerous members gave speeches on happenings throughout the year. Our dinner was spectacular, thanks to Donna, the chef. And as in Christmases past, a few of the wives brought in the desserts. The evening consisted of Mitsy bringing a Coconut Cake, Melanie a Fudge Pie and I brought Red Velvet Brownies. Its always difficult to choose what to have since each is so good. Some did not want to make a choice and had some of all three.
Jean and Bob, who until this year was Mrs. Claus and Santa.
Santa and Mrs. Clause in Christmas Past
Red Velvet Brownies
Yield: makes 16 servings
Ingredients:
1 (4 ounce) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
3/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (1 ounce) bottle red liquid food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnish: white chocolate curls
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350'. Line bottom and sides of a 9" square pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2-3 inches to extend over sides. Lightly grease foil.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-seconded intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350' for 44-48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies, and cut into 16 squares. Garnish, if desired. Recipe from: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/red-velvet-brownies
Or you can place cut brownies into a tea cup, frost and decorate with chocolate curls and Christmas Sprinkles.
Or you can place cut brownies into a tea cup, frost and decorate with chocolate curls and Christmas Sprinkles.
Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: Makes about 1 2/3 cups
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.
