Time For Alaska - Baked Or Otherwise

All eyes are turned towards Alaska where Sarah Heath Palin hails from. McCain's running mate (and let's face it - an odd choice if there ever was one) hails from this state, rich in natural resources. As much as we know about Hawaiian cuisine we know very little about Alaskan.

What do Alaskans eat exactly? Insert Baked Alaska joke here.

Seriously, Alaskans are a tough rugged people. descended from the indigenous tribes, hardy settlers and adventurous prospectors. They had to rely on what was around them as opposed to shipments from the Lower Forty-Eight. Alaskan cuisine is rich in seafood, primarily salmon and trout. Halibut also figures largely in it as do the famous Alaska King Snow Crabs. The seafood is from local waters and is used in a variety of ways , mostly in steaks and fillets.

Meat is also an important part of the diet. Caribou and moose recipes abound with the meat being used in much the same way as beef.It can be made into strews, burgers , meat loafs and even meat loaf. You can also find reindeer which also can be used in cooking.

Here's another dish I just found while researching this cuisine -Akuqat or Eskimo ice cream. It's not what you think It's whipped and sweetened reindeer fat mixed in with berries and seal oil. This is found primarily in western Alaska. If anyone out here has ever tried it, please write in. I 'm curious as how this might taste along with the texture.

Alaskan cuisine reflects the hardiness and the resourcefulness of its' people. It abounds in locals meats and seafood, taking where it can to provide food.


PS Baked Alaska is not from this great state. It originated at the famed Delmonico's in New York City during the 1860's The dish came about in the early 1800's and went under the name omelette norvegienne.