Akutaq (ah-GOO-duck) is a delicacy cherished by Native Alaskans.  Its historical importance has been as a survival food, to sustain, nourish, and energize.  It consists of whipped fat mixed with berries, with optional additions such as fish and sugar. Akutaq is a Yu’pik word that means "something mixed".

Traditional Akutaq

The type of fat used determines how the Akutaq will taste and feel, as each animal has a different type of fat. Well-aged yellow fat is usually preferred because it has more flavor and whips up fluffier than does fresh fat. The ice cream can also be sweetened with sweetener or with fruits. Meat and fish Akutaq are not usually sweetened.

1 cup reindeer, caribou, or moose fat (back fat) 
1 cup seal oil, divided 
1/2 cup water or 2 cups loose snow 
4 1/2 cups fresh berries (blueberries, cloudberries, cranberries, salmonberries, or blackberries)

Grate or grind fat into small pieces. In a large pot over low heat, add fat and stir until it becomes a liquid (the fat should never get hotter than it is comfortable to your hand). Add 1/3 cup seal oil, mixing until it is all liquid. Remove from heat and continue stirring the fat in big circles.

While continuing to stir at a steady rate, add 1/4 cup water or 1 cup snow and another 1/3 cup seal oil. As fat slowly cools and starts to get fluffy and white, add remaining 1/4 cup water or 1 cup snow and remaining 1/3 cup seal oil, continuing to stir.

When the Akutaq is as white and fluffy as you can make it, fold in berries. Form into desired shape.  Cover and freeze to firm up.

Modern Akutaq

1 cup solid vegetable shortening (usually Crisco) 
1 cup sugar 
1/2 cup water, berry juice, or 2 cups loose snow (optional) 
4 cups fresh berries, (blueberries, cloudberries, cranberries, salmon berries, or blackberries)

In a large bowl, cream vegetable shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add water, berry juice, or snow and beat until well combined. Fold in berries, 1 cup at a time, until blended.  Place in freezer to firm up before serving. 

Teachers:  Find a lesson plan (grades 4 – 12) at http://www.alaskafb.org/~akaitc/alaskaAITC/pdf/7_8/icecream.pdf, courtesy of Alaska Agriculture in the Classroom. 

Special thanks to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Native Knowledge Network, http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/index.html, What’s Cooking America, http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/Akutaq_EskimoIceCream.htm, as resources for information about Akutaq.