Alaska’s Majestic Beauty

Today we celebrate Alaska, land of the midnight sun, the 49th state to join the union. Alaska home to polar bears, beluga whales and walruses.

Alaska deserves its reputation for being cold. Much of the state is covered in a layer of permanently frozen soil. In 1971, the temperature in northern Alaska dropped to -80 degrees, making it the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States. Yet Alaska is home to over 40 active volcanoes.

Did you know that the 180th Meridian passes through Alaska? What does that mean? Technically speaking, Alaska is both a part of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Cool.

Alaska is home to the largest remaining population of gray wolves in the States. And wolves are big bucks for the state, since they are a tourist attraction.

Here’s another fun fact – Alaska is the only state whose name can be typed on the same row of letters on the English Keyboard. A-L-A-S-K-A all home row keys.

Land of the Midnight Sun. Barrow, the northernmost city in the US, has three months of continuous sunlight in the summer. Yeah, but there’s a tradeoff. It also has two months of continuous darkness in the winter. Everything has its price.

Because of the availability of more than 20 hours of sunshine per day in parts of Alaska, summer fruits and vegetables grow larger than usual. The additional amount of sunlight also makes the berries and other fruits just that much more sweet.

Alaska is home to the largest fishing industry in the US. Salmon and King Crab are popular Alaskan exports.

However; if you do your homework, you will find the most popular food in Alaska is Reindeer Sausage. Alaskans enjoy their sausage morning, noon and night. One of the most popular recipes are Reindeer Dogs. Unless you have access to true Reindeer Sausage, this Imitation Recipe will just have to do.

Happy Alaska Day everyone!

Imitation Reindeer Hot Dogs
Cocoa-Cola Grilled Onions
4 large White Onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Oil
1 teaspoon Seasoning Salt
1-1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
12 oz Cocoa-Cola

Peel and thinly slice onions. Break slices apart, set aside.

In a large skillet, add butter and oil together. Heat over medium-high heat. Once butter has melted and oils have mingled, add onions. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are tender and have begun to caramelize.

Add cola to the skillet, deglaze the pan. Continue to cook onions for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Drain off excess liquid and set aside.

Reindeer Hot Dogs
6 Dakota Sausage Links
3 tablespoons Mustard
6 tablespoons Cream Cheese
6 Buns

Note: True Reindeer Dogs are a sausage made from Caribou, pork and beef. Dakota Sausages are a flavorful substitute.

Place sausages in a skillet with about an inch or so of liquid (Water, beef stock or even beer). Bring to a low boil, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, turning as needed for even cooking.

While the sausage is steam-cooking, mix cream cheese and mustard together to create a spread. Set aside at room temperature.

When ready, fire up the grill. Finish sausages over a medium fire, turning as needed to blister the skins.

Warm buns, if possible steam buns. Split buns open, smear with cream cheese mixture, top with sausage, pile on the onions and enjoy.

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The Lord remembers His covenant forever.