Read & Print Recipe from www.greatgrandmother.org

 

Apres Snow Shoe Supper...or after you are finished sweating in the frigid cold you can come inside and eat

 

Did your crampons get stuck on that exposed tree root in the backcountry? Did you lose your left glove? Did your long underwear inch up your rear end and cause you to feel a bit tight in your butt? Or, was your snow shoe outing just a simply delightful jaunt through the forested trails?

I snow shoe so much in the New Hampshire and Vermont area that I have this routine or recipe of how I like my post-shoe experience to be.

First, start with some friends. Indeed, I shoe solo sometimes, but my iPod is cranked in my ears so I tend to be oblivious to the fact that I am alone. Good idea to have a companion, be it a neighbor, a friend, your kid brother, or someone you secretly want to have some fun with!

Second, have the right equipment. I have some Red Feathers for the frozen lake, some new flexible Tubbs for racing my buds, a stiff pair of Atlas shoes for the forest behind the farm, and a classic sinew-wooden-framed pair for good looks. It's like having a dog with you--girls love the old pair and they are conversation starters.

Seriously, telescoping poles are good. So are neoprene booties over your ankle-boots, ski gloves with air vents, neck gator, sunglasses, water (or even a Camelback system), and a Petzl (in case it gets dark while you are on the trail). Leave a note as to where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Third, have a post-shoe plan to party. Drinks are a must. Long Trail Winter Ale or Blackbeary Ale are good choices. Micros are good for post-shoeing. Or, a deep, rich California Cab will do just fine. Me? I like single malt scotch with a splash of cold well water. Also, some good food is a must.

Then begin to cook. Have everybody pitch in, unless you are dating someone who is decidedly NOT interested in cooking, or who would rather sit there and give you instructions on what to use in your recipe. In that case, sit back and enjoy the experience and get into your Zen zone.

Put on some Jack Johnson, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, Dave, U2, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, or Matchbox 20. Crank up the music, dude. Music is part of apres winter sporting.

Dance to Queen Latifah's rendition of California Dreamin. Play air guitar--I know it's corny, but it's inherently BOY.

Prepare something easy and fun. Pizza with funky toppings. Pasta is always good. Make your own nachos. Go gastro pub on us!

Grill in the snow. Make snow angels. Put on a magic show. Belly dance with a towel wrapped around your waist and one on your head.