The Pantry - Summer 2016

WILD SCOOPS ICE CREAM

Did you know we Alaskans eat the most ice cream per capita of any state? Now we can enjoy fabulous, small batch ice cream made right here in the Great Land. Wild Scoops Ice Cream is a true celebration of Alaska grown, including wild blueberries, Glacier Valley Farm strawberries, Bridge Creek Birch Syrup, even Yukon Gold potatoes made into seriously delicious toffee! Find Wild Scoops at Alyeska Resort, Flying Squirrel Bakery in Talkeetna, and in Anchorage at La Bodega, Summit Spice & Tea, and the South Anchorage Farmers Market. Or check out special release flavors at their fun pop-ups. Dates and locations at: wildscoops.com

HEATHER’S CHOICE

Headed out to explore Alaska this summer? Fuel your adventure with delicious and healthy dehydrated meals and snacks from Heather’s Choice. Born and raised in Bird Creek, Heather Kelly is a serious athlete with a degree in Evolutionary Sports Nutrition. Her knowledge and experience shine through in her products; they’re not only nutritionally balanced but also made from sustainably sourced ingredients. And they’re tasty! Flavors range from Chipotle Cherry Chili to Lemon Lavender Packaroons (a nicely packable twist on macaroons). We especially love the Smoked Sockeye Salmon Chowder. Find the full menu at heatherschoice.com

BAMBINO'S

Wow! The 2016 Grand Prize and People's Choice Awards in the Alaska Symphony of Seafood Competition went to all-organic Bambino's Baby Food. Flash frozen to maintain vitamins and nutrients, Bambino's meals are rooted in the Mediterranean diet and formulated for different stages of a baby’s development. Specialties include Hali Halibut and Salmon Basket, both featuring Alaska seafood balanced with grains and Alaska-grown vegetables. Super food for babies! Bambino's, together with the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center of Alaska, has also developed the first teething cookie formulated with an exact amount of peanut protein to help babies build natural immunity to peanuts. Local innovation, widespread impact. Available in local markets, or find meals and subscriptions online at bambinosbabyfood.com

ALASKA PURE SEA SALT FRESH BLEND

Their name says it all: Alaska Pure Sea Salt. Although it might sound simple, taking pristine salt water from the sea and turning it into salt took Jim and Darcy Michener years to perfect. Now this innovative couple has the basics down and is producing a high-quality, consistent salt that food lovers are raving about. We want to go beyond the basics, though, and highlight our favorite custom blend “Fresh.” Imagine a burst of pure salt flavor, a bit of crunch and the lingering freshness of lemon and lime zest. Perfect for finishing seafood just off the grill, on the rim of your margarita glass, or as the final touch on a ceviche or other raw fish preparation. Add this hand-crafted infusion to your summer picnic tool kit or check out all their tasty blends at alaskapureseasalt.com

OCTOPUS INK’S SILIPINT PINT GLASSES

What’s earthquake proof, packable, and an easy way to show off your love of all things Alaska? Octopus Ink’s Silipint Pint Glasses! Available in a fun selection of beach-glass hues, these unbreakable glasses feature hand drawn artwork from Shara Dorris (including halibut, mermaids, puffins, and salmon) and are perfect on the boat, in camp, or anywhere you want to avoid breakable glass. (Cold beer in the hot tub, anyone?) There is even a glow-in-the-dark option so you’ll never have to search for your drink in the dark again. Travel lids and straws are also available. Check out the whole selection at octopusinkclothing.com

KENAI SALMON RUB

What do we like about Summit Spice and Tea Company’s Kenai Salmon Rub? It’s everything we like to put on salmon in one jar. It doesn’t get any easier. A little brown sugar with just a touch of mustard, a bit of dill, and some fennel to keep it fresh - what more do you need? We love this tasty rub on a big slab of salmon. But don’t stop there — this versatile blend is perfect for beer can chicken or thick, juicy pork chops. Find this blend (and plenty of other delicious options) at summitspiceandtea.com