Last winter, my group of friends got really into cross country skiing. We mostly went to Westmount Golf Course (which is open to the public in the winter!) but this winter, we're hoping to branch out to other parks and conservation areas. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

One of my favourite things about cross country skiing is the aprės drinks and snacks enjoyed outdoors. Read on for recipe recommendations and ideas!

Rosemary Paprika Cashews:

• 1 cup of raw cashews
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• Pinch of Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spread cashews out on cookie sheet. Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven, flip cashews around and roast for an additional 2-5 minutes until cashews have a golden colour on their edges. Let cool. Pack in individual containers for your ski-people.

Banana Bread:

Banana bread is a fabulous après snack, especially with chocolate chips! And a great way to use up any frozen bananas you might have in your freezer.

• Try this recipe: https://natashaskitchen.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/
• Or this vegan recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/1-bowl-vegan-gluten-free-banana-bread/

Croissant Sandwiches with Prosciutto and Mountainoak Gouda

• Croissants from Golden Hearth
• Niagara Specialty Prosciutto (available at Legacy Greens)
• Mountainoak Gold Gouda (available at Legacy Greens)
• Arugula or Basil
• Mayo
• Balsamic Glaze

Other easy snacks:

• Clementines
• Cubes of Eby Manor Cheddar paired with Ontario apples
• Can of Scout Tuna with Spuds Kettle Chips from Barrie's Asparagus 

Drinks from our Bottle Shop:

You might want to pair your snacks with some bevvies like:

• Revel Sonata Cherry Cider - cans for convenience
• Revel Time and Place Cider - 750ml bottle to share
• Wellington Hop Water  - cans with zero alcohol
• Rally Dry Run non-alchoholic beer - cans with electrolites