Introduction –
I can recall the first time I had the opportunity to try Yupik food; you see I have always known that I was Eskimo but never had the chance to see or taste any of the food. Yet it was the scariest moment for me because I did not know what to think of it all. Here I was this goofy teen ager learning all about the other side of me.
So today I would like to share a bit about my heritage and my favorite Yupik dish besides salmon in seal oil, but that is another dish all on its own. What I hope to share is the history and a new way to satisfy your sweet tooth Eskimo Style.
I. History of Akutaq or Eskimo Ice Cream
1. The meaning of Akutaq: this is a Yupik word that means to mix them together
2. Akutaq is a delicacy that Alaskan natives have used for thousands of years. Specifically the recipe was designed for survival and was also used as a special traveling food. Traditionally the women would make the Akutaq after the first catch or a polar bear or seal; also was made for funerals, potlatches, a celebration of a boy’s first hunt or any other celebration. Akutaq can also be eaten as a dessert, meal, snack, or as a spread.
II. What Akutaq or Eskimo Ice Cream is made of traditionally and what is used today.
1. Traditionally Akutaq/ Eskimo Ice Cream are made from reindeer fat, seal oil, fresh fallen snow or water, fresh berries, and some times ground fish. Then air is whipped in by had so that it slowly cools into foam.
2. Today Eskimo Ice Cream is made with Crisco shortening instead of fat with raisins and sugar.
Modern Eskimo Ice Cream
1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar
½ cup water, berry juice, or 2 cups loose snow (optional)
4 cups fresh berries (best to use: blueberries, cloudberries, cranberries, salmon berries or blackberries.)
In a large bowl cream vegetable shortening and sugar until fluffy then add the water, berry juice or snow and then beat until well combined after fold in the berries, 1 cup at a time until it is completely blended. Then place in the freezer to firm up before you serve.
Conclusion –
I am please to have gotten this opportunity to share my culture with you today, and hope that you have found it to be interesting. Maybe the next time you are in the state of Alaska you will take the opportunity to get out there and learn more about the Yupik people.
Now that you know the traditional way of making Eskimo Ice Cream and have tasted a version of modern Eskimo Ice Cream maybe you will take the recipe and make it your own.