FIELD GUIDE FOR SEASONAL PAIRINGS
By: TIM OLSON
Sometimes the shoulder seasons can be challenging, too warm and melty for snow sports, trails are mushy, and the water is too hard to get out the paddles. A great time to get your gear in order, as comfort and protection are integral to enjoying the outdoors. Some good layers can help you stay cool and dry as things heat up, and protect you from the elements. Here are some gear and food/drink inspirations you might want to layer into your experience over the next few months, as you head out on a trail or splash into the lake for some adventure.
SEASONAL FOOD AND DRINK PAIRING
FOOD – spring and summer months tend to keep you on the go with the extra hours of daylight and impending bevy of plans stacking up. Pasta salad to the rescue! A relatively easy creation that can stand alone in a bowl or sit alongside some fresh grillables on a plate. It serves well as a cold leftover for a quick snack or convenient nourishment before or after you head out on the trail or water. Make it in bulk for longevity and make it your way, versatility is the beauty. Ring salad is a favorite at our house - small pasta rings with hard boiled egg, tuna, mayo, peas, celery, onion, and some elbow grease are transformed into one of my wife's revered summer staples.
DRINK – with pasta salad on the table (or tailgate), it’s time to consider a formidable companion. There are a number of great options, but two come to mind. First up, Sauvignon Blanc - a “wild white” wine that is refreshing and interesting, with a crispness and acidity that stands up to food and compliments it with a range of fruit flavor. Option two, Helles - a German style ale that is bright and light, great for cleansing the pallet, while also imparting a mild bready full bodied flavor. Easy drinking before, during, and after some pasta. Give it a try and if offered another, chances are you’ll say “Hell-yes”!
FAST, DURABLE, PROTECTIVE GEAR FOR LAND AND WATER
VOLTAGE
KOM ULTRA LIGHT COOLING SOCKS
Short for "King(Queen) Of the Mountain," KOM is a performance Merino blend sock designed for all you trail heads who have one speed... lightning fast. Bike harder, run faster, and climb higher!
FLORENCE
MARINE AIRTEX AND CORDURA
Proprietary blend of fabrics that provide a tough and breathable combination for long days playing outdoors.
GLADE OPTICS
Clarity in All Conditions with REVEAL Photochromic and Polarized Lenses. REVEAL adapts to changing light conditions in real time.
RING SALAD RECIPE
1 (7 oz) box ring macaroni, prepared as directed on box
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1 cup celery, finely diced 2 (6 oz) cans tuna, drained
3 Hard boiled eggs 1⁄4 cup onion, finely diced
1 cup Mayo 1 tsp salt
1 Pinch paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish Gently mix all ingredients together and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Serve with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a Helles German style ale that is bright and light with a mild bready full bodied flavor.