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Oldest and I went snowshoeing for ptartmigan, the boys cleaned their room so we got to ride minibikes, and oldest talked me into an early morning jaunt to look for beaver. We're hoping to get out and look for some soft water beaver in earnest soon, be safe out there!
Rumors of my assimilation have been greatly exaggerated.
Traditionally it was made from animal fat, and that is good for you.I have some moose lard I rendered down, but its very hard like a brick of cold lard. It needs to be Hydrogenated ,or warmed, so it can be whipped. Seed oil like Crisco is not digestible and will make your joints ache.
I like to think the antioxidants in the berries and the omega 3 in the fish cancels out the seed oils and sugar. Especially when your daughter made it.
Agutuk is made different, in different regions. Even neighboring villages can have variations.
Here white fish is boiled, deboned and squeezed. Then flaked and added to whipped Crisco, then sugar and berries. Some add seal oil.
Some villages don't add fish.
Some made with Tom Cod livers.
Some made with salmon.
In Scammon Bay on the coast, I had it made with just pure seal oil and berries and sugar. Set out on the porch when it was -20 and got somewhat thick, but you had to eat it fast at room temperature as it would turn back to liquid seal oil.
100 miles north they collect greens that grow on the beach and blanche them in boiling water, then shred and mix with Crisco, berries and sugar and seal oil.
I am sure there are many other variations I am missing too.
My favorite aguduk is sour dock aguduk, made with young mashed up sour dock leaves in addition to whatever lard is on hand, berries, fish. I haven't had it in years, only seems to be made in Inupiaq villages. Looks similar to green diarrhea, but tastes like key lime pie. I have no pictures, regrettably. Miss Ella Aginibik made the best. She passed when her Honda went through the ice.