Culture Shock-Eskimo Ice Cream (Barrow: local, restaurants, beach)

[warptman]

I don't speak it, but I sorta know enough to understand what an elder needs. My parents speak it but it never rubbed off on me thanks to PBS-Sesame Street-Mr. Rogers-Electric Company. The school district here has a Yup'ik Immersion program that teaches strictly in Yup'ik, which is a cool program. But I do know how to tell off a Korean here, when you learn a new language, its best to learn the bad words first.

[Blueberry]

Originally Posted by Arcticthaw

Blueberry should write a book on life in Bush Alaska. What life is really like and the cultural subtlties. Or somehting like that.

Believe me...I'm not qualified. Despite my best efforts, I'm mostly clueless. Sometimes I wonder if I'm living in the same area as others because we seem to have totally different experiences.

[Blueberry]

I think the plain fruit akutaq tastes much like regular ice cream, only fattier. It has that same "grease on the roof of the mouth" feeling you get from homemade ice cream. Some of it is also smoother than gasak ice cream. I use lots of sugar and berries in mine because I want it to taste like ice cream; some people use much less sugar and berries. The flavor is affected when the berries haven't been well cleaned.

The fish akutaq and salmonberry akutaq are another story. Personally, I run from either of these varieties. (Sorry Warptman!) Most of the fish akutaq seems to be a combination of fish and ice cream flavors. UGH! I've been told, however, that if the fish is squeezed properly and more in puree form, it blends with the other flavors nicely and you can't even tell there's fish in the akutaq. I suspect the flavor is also affected by how well the fish were initially processed after being caught.

The salmonberries in Bethel are bitter and musky tasting. I never got used to the flavor, but my daughter has always loved them.

I never had to opportunity to sample mouse nest akutaq, but many people have told me it's the best there is. It was described as having a mild nutty flavor.

Although made with similar ingredients, akutaq doesn't taste anything like bakery icing. This is probably due to the different sugars used.

[spleenificus]

Ummm,

Kinda sounds like the filling in an Oreo cookie, except with fruit.
Never liked Oreos...
Does eating this food really come up that often in daily life there?

Best,
-Merlin

[warptman]

Most of the time it is made for special occasions like parties or potlatch or gatherings.

[mal_flisk]

Am reporting spleenificus to the House Committee on Un-American Activities. What kind of American doesn't eat Oreos. OMG. LOL

[spleenificus]

Okay,

I won't eat the nasty stuff INSIDE an Oreo, but I do like the plain cookie part.
So, that will likely get me a pardon...



Best,
-Merlin

[Blueberry]

Originally Posted by spleenificus

Ummm,

Kinda sounds like the filling in an Oreo cookie, except with fruit.
Never liked Oreos...
Does eating this food really come up that often in daily life there?

Best,
-Merlin

According to my daughter, oreos are much sweeter and the filling is crumblier than akutaq.

Most of the native food is easily avoided since there's usually a wide variety of food at most gatherings. You'll be more readily accepted within the native community if you at least try the traditional foods. Most akutaq really isn't bad. (I've probably had lots of fish akutaq and never knew it.) Muktuk (whale blubber) is an acquired taste; it took me an hour to chew my piece (holding back a gag the whole time), and I belched the flavor for days afterward. (I'm not exaggerating much. ) Non-natives seem to be evenly split on the virtues (or lack thereof) of muktuk. However, every non-native I ever talked to said to avoid walrus stew. Avoid all seal oil that isn't crystal clear!

[warptman]

Hmmm, I think I'll go out to the freezer and dig up some salmon strips....

[FISH_MAKING_SHAMAN]

Originally Posted by alaskancherokee

when I was younger I was dating a girl out of Emmonak , I went to fish camp one summer with her family ,, I watched her mom make this and thought to myself there is no way I was goin to eat it ,,, she tried a couple times to get me too and I wouldnt , finally I tried it and loved it ,, sure would be good to have some now

.....


just who were you dating and when were you dating....what is your name bkuz that girl might just be my cousing.....bkuz i am from emmonak



emmonak, ak
99581 near alakanuk