Pet News

This weekend, REI's sale section is brimming with incredible discounts on a wide array of outdoor and athletic essentials. Shoppers can find significant markdowns on beloved brands such as Patagonia, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga, alongside REI's own highly-rated co-op products. Whether you're in the market for new footwear, versatile accessories, or comfortable workout attire, this sale offers a prime opportunity to upgrade your gear at a fraction of the original price. Many items, especially in the Handpicked Deals section of the REI Outlet, are available at 40% to 60% off, making it an opportune time for savvy shoppers to invest in quality outdoor equipment and apparel.

The footwear deals at REI are particularly noteworthy, surpassing even post-holiday sales in their attractiveness. Among the standout offers are the Hoka Bondi 9 road-running shoes, which come highly recommended by podiatrists for their superior cushioning and shock absorption, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking relief from back pain. Their rocker sole design also promotes a smooth and efficient gait, beneficial for both runners and walkers. Similarly, the Hoka Clifton 10 and Brooks Ghost Max 2, favored by physical therapists and editors alike, are also available at reduced prices. These selections underscore REI's commitment to providing high-performance footwear that caters to diverse needs, from alleviating discomfort to enhancing athletic performance.

For those braving the colder months, the Sorel Out N About IV Mid Sneaker Waterproof Boots are a must-consider. Currently discounted by 30%, these boots offer reliable non-slip protection against snow and ice, a testament to Sorel's reputation for crafting durable winter footwear. Highly praised by REI customers, these waterproof boots ensure warmth and dryness in challenging conditions. Additionally, the sale extends to a variety of outdoor and camping accessories. The versatile Rumpl puffy blanket, perfect for both chilly outdoor events and cozy indoor use, is available at a reduced cost. Hikers can also benefit from discounted Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles, celebrated for their lightweight design, collapsibility, and thoughtful inclusion of a built-in screwdriver, enhancing both safety and convenience on the trails.

Another highlight for outdoor enthusiasts is the Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All, a multifunctional cookware item that truly lives up to its name. Ideal for grilling, griddling, sautéing, and baking, this cast iron piece is a fantastic addition to any camping trip or backyard firepit meal. Its durability and versatility make it a valuable investment for culinary adventures, both wilderness and domestic. The sale also includes an impressive selection of athletic clothing, featuring items from top brands like Patagonia, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga, alongside REI's own line of robust apparel. Notable among these is the FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket, offering warmth and style at a reduced price, and the REI Campwell Rain Jacket, a waterproof, windproof, and PFAS-free option for staying dry in inclement weather. These clothing deals cater to a range of activities, ensuring comfort and performance without compromising on savings.

Beyond individual items, the REI sale offers a comprehensive opportunity to refresh your entire outdoor and athletic wardrobe. From specialized running shoes designed to address specific health concerns to all-weather apparel and innovative camping equipment, the breadth of discounted products is remarkable. Shoppers can find everything from Vuori Halo Performance Shorts, perfect for warmer weather workouts, to the highly sought-after Brooks Run-In No Show Socks. The sale highlights not only significant price reductions but also a curated selection of products known for their quality, durability, and positive impact on outdoor experiences and personal well-being.

This article introduces a delectable Butternut Squash Pasta recipe, perfect for the colder months. It emphasizes how this dish leverages roasted winter squash, miso, and starchy pasta water to achieve a luxuriously creamy texture without the need for actual cream. Beyond its appealing flavor, the pasta is lauded for its significant nutritional advantages, including high levels of vitamins A and C, which bolster the immune system and possess anti-inflammatory properties. The author highlights its convenience, especially when using pre-cut squash, making it an excellent choice for a quick and healthy meal. This recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful option for vegetarians, moving beyond typical bland pasta dishes.

As the weather turns colder, my preference shifts towards incorporating winter squash into my diet in various forms, with this particular butternut squash pasta being a consistent favorite. This meal frequently appears in my weekly cooking schedule because it's an excellent way to utilize leftover squash and provides numerous health benefits.

In a household of two, where only one person enjoys leftovers, an entire butternut squash typically yields enough for two dinners. I am a strong advocate for meal preparation, so I often prepare and roast the whole squash at the beginning of the week. This allows me to use it in several different dishes over the next few days.

My appreciation for time-saving methods extends to buying pre-cut and peeled squash from the grocery store. This simple step transforms the butternut squash pasta recipe into a quick 15-minute meal, perfectly suited for those busy evenings when cooking time is limited.

As a vegetarian, I am well-acquainted with pasta being a staple for dinner. Many vegetarians can relate to the challenge of being confined to plain buttered noodles or uninspiring jarred pasta sauces. However, I particularly enjoy this recipe because it offers more than just carbohydrates, providing a rich and engaging culinary experience.

Beyond the naturally sweet and earthy taste of the squash, this recipe incorporates miso, a cherished ingredient in vegetarian cuisine. Miso contributes a profound savory depth, often found in meat-based dishes, enriching the overall flavor profile. Even a small amount can enhance sauces, soups, and marinades. The robust, umami flavors of miso perfectly complement the autumnal notes of butternut squash, sage, and thyme in this dish.

Another key element in this recipe is pasta water. Both Italian nonnas and seasoned chefs will confirm that this is the most crucial ingredient for achieving a perfectly sauced pasta. As pasta cooks, it releases starch into the water. When a splash of this starchy water is added to the sauce along with the pasta, it helps to create an incredibly smooth and cohesive consistency.

The starch in the pasta water not only contributes to the mouthfeel but also emulsifies with the fats in the sauce, creating an exceptionally creamy coating for the pasta. In this recipe, the fat is primarily derived from the oil in the blended squash mixture and, my personal favorite, Parmesan cheese. It's worth noting that traditional Parmesan contains animal rennet, but vegetarian alternatives are widely available. Alternatively, you can omit the Parmesan and blend the pasta water with the butternut squash puree, though adding a tablespoon of vegan butter is recommended to maintain the rich flavor.

Hopefully, by now, I've conveyed the deliciousness of this pasta. But it's also remarkably nutritious. A single cup of butternut squash provides nearly 100% of your daily vitamin A requirement and approximately 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. During cold and flu season, I actively seek out immune-boosting nutrients, a category that includes these essential vitamins. Furthermore, vitamin A is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When served with whole-wheat pasta, this recipe delivers a quarter of your daily recommended fiber intake, which is vital for maintaining gut health and promoting a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.