Hello there, I’m Chelsea- the Mrs. to Scott.  I’ve been wanting to join in here for a while now, with a few inside perspectives of my own.  It’s nice to finally meet you; I’m looking forward to getting to know you more while I share my experiences from the Last Frontier.

So, without further adieu, here we go!

Let’s Make Some Soup

In honor of our long awaited snowfall here in Alaska, I thought I’d share a fav soup recipe of the Stephens household.  This was our second summer dip netting, and our second summer canning lots of that awesome salmon.  With all that salmon, it gets easy to get bored with eating it the same way.every.time.  So when I stumbled upon this recipe, and adapted it just a bit, I knew we found another great salmon recipe to add to our repertoire.  This soup (chowder really) is a yummy, and hearty bowl of deliciousness from some unexpected flavors.  I don’t know about you, but until I lived here, I never thought of a fish chowder- but I’m glad I did!  Read on to enjoy more…

{potatoes, milk, and creamed corn not pictured- not really sure how I forgot them, must have something to do with the two kids screaming playing at my feet}

Ingredients

This recipe is one I found about a year ago, and made a few tweaks that we really enjoy.  For starters, I added the chilies {we’ve used jalapeños too, and they’re just as yummy}, and we added some parsley at the end for garnish- cause we’re fancy like that.

Go ahead and cut up your veggies, then you can get your butter melting in your soup pot.  Personally, I like the rough-cut style of veggies; you know, all rustic-like.

Once all the veggies are in the pot with the butter, and everyone’s getting along, go ahead and add the garlic powder, salt & pepper.  Give ‘er a quick stir.

While the party’s getting started in the soup pot, go ahead and cut up your potatoes, nice and chunky.

Add in your broth, or bullion {I used some chicken bone broth that I canned a few weeks ago}.  Add in your potatoes and bring to a boil.

And now for the star of the show. You can use a fresh {cooked} fillet of salmon, or canned salmon, whichever you like or have on hand.  Once the salmon’s in you can add in the creamed corn, chilies, dill and milk.

Stir everything up and heat until warm.

Go ahead and serve it in your favorite bowl, along with some crusty biscuits {we really like these biscuits, and add some oregano to the butter} cozy up in front of nice fire, or settle down at the table with the fam and enjoy!

I’d love to hear from you…Do you have a salmon chowder recipe that you love?  Not a fan of fish, what’s your go to soup for the winter months?

We are giving away 1# of our favorite brewed coffee here in Alaska, Kaladi Brothers Red Goat… It’s a rich, nutty cup full of flavor that warms you up on a cold Alaska morning, and keeps you going through the midnight sun.

Here’s How You Enter

Head over to our Facebook Page and “Like Us”. Then come back and leave a comment below telling us your favorite coffee brand and drink (for example: Kaladi’s Black Americano, or Starbucks Vanilla Latte… you get the idea). Not a coffee drinker? Tell us what warm beverage you most enjoy.

The Rules

This giveaway will be open until Tuesday, Dec 11th at 11:59pm AKST. We will select the winner randomly using random.org and they will be contacted via email. This giveaway is limited to the US. We will ship this wonderful coffee to the winner, but only to a valid US physical address. Sorry no PO Boxes.

Wanna know more about Alaska and coffee? Click here.

Coffee and Alaska go together like Alaska and mountains, or peas and carrots.  Seriously, it’s intense.  There are many different options here too, statewide and local.  Coffee is everywhere!  And to celebrate the Alaska’s appreciation of coffee, we’re having an Alaskan coffee giveaway!  Read on to find out more…

Alaskans and Coffee were Made for Each Other

Alaskans love coffee!  It’s a little out of control.  Now, there are definitely some exceptions, but by and large, this holds true ‘round the state.  We’re even above Seattle on the coffee craze scale.  In fact, there are more coffee shops and stands in Anchorage (per capita) than Seattle.  I don’t know what causes it for sure, but I have a couple of theories to share…

First off, I think it might have something to do with our latitude.  We’re north, way north.  And with that comes the northern mentality of roughing it.  You know, working hard out in the cold, being in the elements.  Imagine even just driving to work in the dead of winter without coffee.  It’s somewhere between 25ºF and -60ºF depending on where you’re at, the car isn’t warm yet, and you’re still waking up.  That cup holder needs to be holding something warm.

My second theory has to do the nature of Alaska specifically.  Take summertime for example.  Alaskans are hardy people.  In the summer, we get it done.  Whatever “it” is.  From fishing all day during 20 hours of sunlight, to stocking up the woodpile, or hiking all over the place.  We need a little bit of caffeine to keep us going.  Where better to get it than from the bean?

Alaskans Have a Taste for the Good Stuff

The thing is though, we’re not talking about your average grocery store coffee.  Sure, people drink that too.  But many Alaskans have a deep appreciation for great coffee.  Expertly roasted, perfectly ground, deeply flavorful coffee is what really gets us excited.  Whether it’s an amazingly aromatic dark roast fresh from the French press, or rich, deep crema-topped espresso, we go for the good stuff.  You’re never too far away from some amazing cups of Joe up here.

Getting Coffee in Alaska

Speaking of never being too far away from coffee, let me share some of your options (and my favorites) with you.  First off…

Coffee Stands

Coffee stands are everywhere, seriously all over the place.  These were a new thing to me when we moved to Alaska (link).  I’d seen a few during a couple of trips to Seattle.  I was a little apprehensive about buying coffee from (or doing business with) a portable building stuck wherever there was space available (parking lots, roadsides, malls, etc).  For some reason, they didn’t exactly scream, “We’re an established cafe you can trust to sell you a fantastic cup of coffee.”  (After reading that sentence, I realized maybe I take coffee too seriously… Hmmm.)  But let me tell you, they can make some great coffee!

Turns out, all you need is water, a great espresso machine, quality beans and baristas, and you’ve got yourself some fine coffee.  But, it’s just like everything else.  You have to find the ones you like.  Some are great, some ok, some you wouldn’t stop at if you’re life depended on it (like restaurants, or bathrooms).

Coffee stands are by the far the busiest and most visited place to get coffee up here.  We have a few great ones near us that we frequent.  So if your Alaska travel takes you near the Mat-Su Valley, shoot us a quick message and we’ll recommend some great coffee stands for you.

Alaskan Coffee Shops

Kaladi Brothers Coffee

Kaladi’s is my favorite coffee… period.  I love their roasts, shops and the fact that they’re proudly Alaskan.  Now I’m mostly a black americano kind of guy, so I really appreciate the taste and quality of espresso, and I’m never disappointed at any Kaladi’s I visit.  I love it.  And most of the coffee stands in AK stock Kaladi’s coffee as well.  For a chance to try some, or stock up your supply, keep reading.

Heritage Coffee Company

Heritage is a Southeast Alaska staple, with die-hard fans, especially displaced Southeasters (you know who you are…).  I really like Heritage, and it’s a close second on my favorites list.  I’ve had their coffee several times, but I’ve also visited some of their shops in Southeast and they have something I think Kaladi’s is missing… that great, intimate and comfortable coffee house vibe.  Anytime, we’re in Southeast, that’s where we’re headed to fill up our cups.

Even more local

There’s also great unique coffee shops, like Jitters in Eagle River, or Vagabond Blues in Palmer, or the Sea Bean in Seward.  Chelsea and I love getting the chance to get away for awhile and sit down for some great coffee and conversation.  There’s no better place than these awesome local coffee shops.

Now Come Try our Coffee

Now you need to come try some of our coffee.  You’re going to love it.  We’ll see you soon.  Maybe we’ll even bump into you in line when you come visit.

Oh yeah, that Alaskan coffee giveaway…  Head on over and check it out!

Head back home

Welcome to the new face of our little Alaska blog…

When I started this blog in June of 2012, under the name Alaska Travel Journal, I knew I wanted to share great information about Alaska travel in general.  One thing I didn’t count on though, was how much the “local perspective” part would grow. We decided to start sharing our family’s experiences here, to the benefit of anyone looking for the “real” Alaska.  You know, not just what you read on pamphlets and travel guides, but the Alaska that gets in your soul, the day-to-day Alaska.  We want to provide the perspective you can only get living here.  I want you to experience a tiny piece of the wonder of this place, so that if you haven’t been here, you’ll come visit.  If you have been here, it will either draw you back or reignite all the amazing memories you have from your trip.  And, if you live here already, hopefully we can help you experience new and unvisited adventures in Alaska.

So, in brainstorming one day, the name Alaskan Insider came to mind and I fell in love with it (I don’t want to set a precedent here for changing names, so this is it. We’re set for the foreseeable future).  The Alaskan Insider…  It fits who we are, where we are and where we’re going.

Welcome to The Alaskan Insider.  All of our current content will continue to be live on www.alaska-travel-journal.com until forwarded to The Alaskan Insider so that you can still enjoy all the great articles, tips and experiences available up here in Alaska.

We will be changing our name across the board, including on Facebook and Pinterest (don’t worry, you won’t have to re-follow or like us, we’ll just be changing our name, not starting new pages).  Speaking of Facebook, if you haven’t “Liked Us” yet, you might want to do that as we’re going to be hosting our first giveaway next week.  It’s also a great place to experience more of the day to day goings on in Alaska, and to engage in the growing community of people in love with the Great Land.

Hatcher Pass is one of my favorite spots in Alaska!  It’s beautiful year-round, and I absolutely love it.  Plus, it’s only 15 miles from our house.  You can’t beat that.

I love Hatcher Pass!  It’s one of my favorite places to go in AK, by far.  And it’s so close to our home, it’s almost always convenient to head up into there.This video features beautiful views from the Hatcher Pass area including: the Little Susitna River, Summit Lake, a hike up to April Bowl and more…  Enjoy!

For more info on Hatcher Pass, click here…

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