Eskimo Ice Cream is known by the Akutaq pronoun Ah-goo-dak. It is a traditional dessert of native people of Alaska. It’s not like normal ice cream. Even nowadays, there are 2 types of Eskimo Ice Cream: traditional and modern.
Traditional, which is made from reindeer or tallow fat ( some sort of hard fat made from animal fat), sea oil, berries and some ground fish. While modern is made from Crisco shortening, with raisins or mixed berries with sugar added ( sometimes). But from what I read from some articles, people enjoy the modern ice cream with some kind of meat in it, fish or caribou are also common.
Cooking is not just making food, the happiest part is knowing about the stories behind and the history of the dish brought up. Reading about Eskimo Ice Cream history, I love more the culture and their lifestyle, the way they teach their people how to cook their food. As far as I know, Each Alaskan has their own way to make Akutaq.
This is served in their ceremonies, to celebrate the boy’s first hunt or regular potlucks. The ice cream is healthy and it’s also a good treat to them in the old times. They never add any sugar to their ice cream. Even though the recipe is passed down from generations, there is no exact recipe recorded. And still, Alaskans still cook their food in traditional ways over decades.
Today, I want to bring you the modern Eskimo Ice Cream recipe which is made from mixed berries and Crisco because the ingredients to make the traditional ice cream might not be available everywhere. With this recipe, you can always enjoy an Eskimo ice cream at home. Now, let’s do it
How to make Eskimo Ice Cream?
Making an ice cream is easy, Eskimo Ice Cream is even easier. Look over the ingredients, I guess it will not trouble you to find. You do not even need a whisk to mix all the ingredients, to mix just need a spoon or your hand. Akutaq means “ mix them together ”, so you can understand your job is just mix, mix, and mix.
Eskimo Ice Cream Ingredients
- 1 cup, Crisco Vegetable Shortening ( solid vegetable shortening)
- 1 cup, Sugar ( or granulated)
- ½ cup, Water or berry juice (or 2 cups loose snow)
- 4 cups, Fresh Mixed berries ( blueberries, cranberries, raspberries or blackberries )
Instruction
Step 1
Cut Criso into small pieces. In a medium sized pot, add cutted Criso and heat on low heat. Stir continuously until completely melted. Crisp melts between 47- 48˚C ( 117 – 119 ˚ F). Make sure your mixture does not reach over that heat.
Step 2
Once the Crisco is completely melted, while stirring cautiously add the sugar. Stir all the time until all the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3
Remove the pot from heat when the mixture has become completely liquid, but remain stirring. Pour 1/4 cup of water (or 1 cup of snow) into the mixture. When the mixture cools, it will be fluffy and white. Anytime you add in sugar, it will fluff more. Now add the remaining 1/4 cup of water (or 1 cup of snow).
Step 4
Blend in the mixed berries when the mixture is as fluffy and white as it can be. Now is time for you to make your own container shape as your wish or place the mixture into the container in a freezer to hard up.
Step 5
Ice cream after take out from the freezer needs some time to stand before serving. Add in some topping or berry syrup on top. Garnish with some fresh berries.
Nutrition information
Calories : 340 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Fiber : 3g
Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Yes, we just have done an Eskimo Ice Cream with very 5 steps. If you don’t like the Crisco texture, you may add some boiled potato to the Crisco sugar mixture. I hope this helps. If you ever tried some other ingredients and have another recipe, I would like to learn from you. Please leave them in the comment below. A lot of thanks!
Eskimo Ice Cream FAQs
- What is Eskimo ice cream?
Eskimo ice cream is a type of frozen dessert that is popular in Alaska and other parts of the Arctic. It is made from a mixture of snow, reindeer or caribou fat, and berries.
2. What are the benefits of eating Eskimo ice cream?
Eating Eskimo ice cream can help you stay cool in the hot summer sun and keep your energy up during long days of winter work. The fat in the ice cream can also help you stay warm at night.
3. What are some of the risks associated with eating Eskimo ice cream?
Eating too much Eskimo ice cream can lead to weight gain and other health problems associated with consuming too much fat. In addition, the berries in Eskimo ice cream can sometimes contain harmful chemicals that can make you sick.
4. What are some tips for eating Eskimo ice cream safely?
If you are going to eat Eskimo ice cream, it is important to choose a variety that is low in fat and sugar. You should also make sure to eat the ice cream in moderation. Finally, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after eating Eskimo ice cream, as the berries can sometimes contain harmful chemicals.
Keyword: Akutaq, Eskimo Ice Cream Recipe
Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Native American
Preparation: 1 hour
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour
Serving: 5