Have whisk, will travel
I travel a lot throughout Alaska to teach Culinary arts classes in Remote schools & Institutions. Wherever I go, I always meet amazing people and experience some type of funny adventure.
Once a year, I am contracted to teach culinary classes at the amazing Northwestern Alaska Career Technical Center (NACTEC) in Nome, Alaska. Sometimes the trip there is just as much of an adventure than the class itself. The students that attend come from various Villages throughout Alaska. they go there for 2- weeks of Trade studies.
Day 1 Nome Alaska... I met with my H.S students to discuss their favorite foods & what they would like to learn. I feared it would be a case of "lets mess with the new teacher from the city" and I was right. Granted, I’m a doppelganger for Mrs. Clause and made it quite clear I am originally from Massachusetts, and had never travelled this far Nome before. 4- boys immediately started speaking to me in Yupik and luckily I caught most of the conversation. (at least the parts that were food words). Akutaq (Ah-goo-duck) is (AKA) Eskimo ice cream. not "lower 48" sweet cream version. It's Crisco, mixed with fresh fruit and fish. Now, before you judge.... it's actually quite good frozen. After they said a few more things while giggling, I replied, " well guys... I like my Akutaq made with caribou fat & white fish". "Is that how you like it also?" AND, i think caribou jerky is better than fresh." With wide eyes they all glanced to the only girl in the class.. She said "you guys... she KNOWS what you’re saying!!" Looking defeated, they said in English... "We really like doughnuts" well gang, lets make some Doughnuts! I think i got some bonus points of respect for that statement. I must admit….I hope they don't wise up to the fact I got lucky & don't know a thing they were saying!!!!
After our initial meeting, we went grocery shopping together. I wanted to explain at the store why there are different types of products, and quickly review units of measure (for purchase). We were on a short timeline and limited budget. Very challenging at a place that sells butter at nearly $12 a pound! The students are actually from different smaller villages, and what they find in a "city" grocery store is not usually available where they come from. That being said, Food and household goods most of us take for granted, is a special treat to these kids. Honestly, it was like herding puppies. If they were not on their cell phones, they were filling the basket with things NOT on the list. . To make things quicker, I gave each of them a "search, research & acquire assignment." I’m not sure how " 6-boxes of spaghetti noodles" was mis-read as " 3- big bags of Doritos, Twinkies, and doughnuts". I just tilted my head and said "seriously??!!" the student smiled and said " oh we thought you said these..!" needless to say the shopping trip took longer than expected. No matter where you are in the world, Teenagers are all the same! They really are a good bunch of silly kids. This is going to be a good week!!