Uncategorized

The Pros and Cons of Cooking with Cast Iron

August 18, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Cooking with cast iron makes me feel like I’m in Little House on the Prairie, or all cozied up in a little cabin somewhere. I don’t know why, maybe its the old-timey feel or the hearty meals that come from them, but those skillets and dutch ovens have won me over. For a minute, I was a little intimidated to use them, but now I’m hooked, and I’ll tell you why.

There are so many pros to cooking with cast iron, and very few cons. Clearly, in my opinion, the benefits to cast iron cooking heavily outweigh the minute amount of cons. Below, I’ll give you the lowdown and hopefully convince you to grab a skillet and join me in some cast iron cooking!

Cooking with cast iron over charcoal — Camping queso prepped and ready to heat up!

Ease of Cleaning

It doesn’t take anything technical to clean cast iron. A little soap, water, and a quick soak if necessary. If there are any stubborn, stuck on pieces, take your scraper to them after a short soak. Dry it completely, and oil it lightly. You’re good to go!

The only downside is you need to clean this shortly after use; no letting it sit on the stove to wash in the morning or it may begin to rust. On the bright side, if you don’t get to it right away and a bit of rust shows up you can use this handy tool and then re-season it. And if you’re looking for more handy kitchen tools and gadgets, click here!

Less Cleanup

Speaking of cleaning, when you start cooking with cast iron you’ll have less dishes do to! You may be asking yourself how this is possible. Well, let me tell you. You can use cast iron on your stovetop and in your oven, so if you’re frying up hamburger that needs to go in a casserole, you can cook it on the stove top, add the casserole ingredients to the skillet, and then pop it in the oven. So simple, and it saves you a dish!

Space Saving

Although cast iron may be a bit heavy and somewhat larger to store, it can end up saving you space. If you only need one skillet to do the work of a pan and baking dish, that saves you space and even money, too!

Durability

These pans are heavy duty. There’s no warping with this cookware, they seem to be virtually indestructible, and will last generations if well taken care of. Another bonus of this long-lasting durability is less waste. If you’re not going through a few sets of warped, peeling, and broken pots and pans in a lifetime, that’s a little less that gets sent to the landfill. The trade off? They are quite heavy. You’ll need some sturdy shelving or a storage area for them, but I just consider it a good little arm workout!

Even Cooking

From what I’ve experienced, cast iron seems to heat evenly, and retains heat well. This is very helpful, especially when cooking over an open flame or coals.

Cooking bread in a cast iron ditch oven — Savory jalapeño cheddar bread in the Dutch oven.

Classic

Cast iron cooking has been around for quite awhile now. Its classic look really goes with any kitchen decor, so if you store it in the open like I do it acts as both cookware and decor. Plus, Lodge Cast Iron has collections with a variety of cute patterns, such as the Wanderlust and Wildlife Series, which is what I have.

Made in America

There’s definitely no downside to this! My favorite thing about cooking with cast iron is that you can buy made in America cookware! Lodge Cast Iron makes their items in the USA, so not only are you buying some fantastic cookware, you’re supporting American made as well.

I hope these reasons help you decide to give cooking with cast iron a shot. You’ve got nothing to lose, and decades of delicious meals to gain! And speaking of meals, check out these handy cookbooks and magazines below for recipe inspiration.

A tasty apple crisp made while out camping.

The Best Ways to See Glaciers in Alaska

August 11, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Seeing glaciers in Alaska is on the bucket list of many. That glacier blue, the massive calving chunks of ice, and the surrounding scenery lure many to the ice cold beauty of glaciers. But where, exactly, do you go to see them? After spending my whole life in Alaska, I’ve got the inside scoop on information you need to view glaciers by air, water, and land.

Viewing Glaciers by Air

Unless you count flying in, out, and around Alaska on commercial flights, I’ve never actually been on a glacier flight. Glacier sightseeing flights will fly you around these massive mountains of ice, and even land on them for you to explore! There are many companies that fly to a variety of different glaciers in Alaska. Since I’ve never gone on one of these flights I can’t give you any reviews, but a quick Google or Tripadvisor search will be able to show you tour options and reviews.

Viewing Glaciers by Water

Glacier cruises are a perfect way to view many glaciers in Alaska from the water. I’ve gone out on these cruises in Valdez and Seward, and have really enjoyed them. These full or half-day tours will not only give you great views of the glaciers, but you may see a variety of wildlife, too. And since you’ll be right where the glacier and water meet, chances are you’ll see some glacial calving.

Other great ways to view glaciers by water are with kayaks or jet skis. As for kayaking, two of the spots are at Portage Glacier and Valdez Glacier. Jet skiing can be done out of Whittier. Always be sure to wear your lifejacket, don’t get too close to the glaciers or icebergs, and watch out for other boats and paddlers while you’re out in the water. And if you’re not familiar with these areas and activities, I’d highly suggest getting a guide.

A large iceberg floating near the edge of portage lake.

Viewing Glaciers by Land

If you’re thinking you’ll miss out on viewing beautiful glaciers in Alaska because you won’t be able to take a glacier cruise or go on a glacier viewing flight, think again! You can view glaciers right from the road! Two of the best places to do this are Worthington Glacier on your way to Valdez, Alaska, and the Matanuska Glacier along the Glenn Highway.

Worthington Glacier can be viewed from the Richardson Highway on your way to Valdez, or, if you want a closer look, you can pull on into the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Here, you’ll find trails to great viewing areas (some of which are wheelchair accessible), informative signs, ample parking, and restrooms (hooray!). It’s really a must-stop if you’re passing through.

Matanuska Glacier is visible from the Glenn Highway. As you take this highway from Anchorage to Glennallen you’ll see many large pull-offs for you to stop and take photos of the glacier. It’s a beautiful sight, especially in September when leaves are turning. The contrast between them and the glacier is fantastic. There are ways you can get a very close look at this glacier as well, which are well explained here.

Another glacier that you can get to is the Knik Glacier. In the winter, when the river is frozen, people take bikes, four wheelers, side by sides, and even vehicles over the ice to see the glacier. I have yet to do this, but if you attempt this glacier adventure as always make a plan, go with others, use caution, bring safety equipment, and don’t go out on thin ice!

A way to view Knik glacier in the summer is by taking a four wheeler or side by side. I’ve never done this, but after following Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, I’d definitely like to try. I’ve never taken any tours with them, but they look like a fun group and have fantastic reviews!

The Matanuska Glacier with fall yellow and orange leafs and snow topped mountains. — The majestic Matanuska Glacier in Alaska.

Things to Note

Safety

Safety first. Glaciers can be very dangerous. Crevasses, calving, icebergs and more can turn a fun viewing experience into a dangerous one. View them from a safe distance, and if you don’t know your way around glaciers, please find a knowledgeable and seasoned guide. Or use a guide even if you are comfortable around glaciers since they might help you learn more!

Guides and Tours

Throughly researching guides, reading reviews, and even just calling them up to see what they’re about is a great way to pick a tour. Since I can only vouch for a couple of tours (linked in the post), Google and Tripadvisor will have to help with that. But, as soon as I get to do any other tours I’ll be sure to post a review!

Viewing Seasons

Obviously, no matter what season you visit Alaska during, the glaciers will be there. It really depends on what you hope the surrounding scenery will be, and how you’d like to view them. Do you want to see glaciers surrounded by colors other than white and blue? Don’t come in winter! Sometimes, it might be hard to decipher what part is glacier and what part is snow covered mountains. Hoping to leisurely paddle a glacial lake? Visit Alaska in summertime and you’ll be able to do just that! Just keep in mind that some of these viewing areas and tours are seasonal, so check ahead for dates.

Budget

If you’re on a budget, seeing glaciers in Alaska from the road or in recreation sites, like the Worthington Glacier site, is probably the best way to go. There are hundreds of glaciers here, so check your maps before you hit the road and see which glaciers you can view on the way.

If you are making the trek to Alaska just to see glaciers, take a guided four wheeler tour, cruise, flight, or whatever you choose. Make sure to save up and budget accordingly though, as many of these are not cheap to do, especially for larger parties. It’s always good to check for military, senior, and group discounts!

I hope this helps you fulfill one of your bucket list items, or if it wasn’t already on your bucket list I hope that you’re now thinking of adding it! Visiting glaciers in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and I hope you get the opportunity to do it.

A glacier viewed from a Major Marine glacier cruise out of Seward, Alaska.

10 Reasons Why You Should Start Gardening Today

July 22, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already considering starting your own garden. And if you’re considering starting your own garden, but haven’t done it yet, this post is for you.

Maybe you need that extra boost to get you going (and growing!). Maybe you don’t think you can do it. Maybe you think it’s too expensive. Maybe you don’t think you have the knowledge or skill to grow your own food. Toss out the doubt and plant the seeds of confidence (and carrots, lettuce, peas, onion….and so much more), and lets get growing!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

It takes time to learn.

Learning how to garden takes time, which is one the the reasons you should start gardening now. You can get a wealth of valuable information from books, YouTube, Pinterest, and more, but I feel like learning to garden is more of a trial and error process. Don’t get me wrong, many of the ”rules”, guidelines, and suggestions regarding growing are likely the same from one place to another, but some of it is very location, soil, and weather dependent, so not everything is a ”one garden fits all” deal. What works for one may not work for another. This is why it’s great to talk to local gardeners to get better insight into what works for your gardening zone, and begin gardening so you have time to learn. Then, eventually, you may become one of those local gardeners people go to for advice.

A small batch of carrots from the garden. Start gardening today to learn how to grow your own. — In the spirit of learning from mistakes here is an example of one of ours. We ended up with these tiny baby carrots because the soil we thought was good was actually too clay-like and ended up stunting the carrot growth. Choose your soil wisely!

Become more self sufficient.

Self sufficiency builds confidence, and having confidence is key to succeeding in many aspects of life. Taking a tiny seed and growing something that will feed yourself, friends, and family is an amazing thing. You may not expect something so minuscule to produce anything, but with your help, water, and sunshine it will grow. And when you start gardening you’ll not only be growing fruits, veggies, and your confidence, you’ll also be able to begin relying on yourself for food instead of the grocery store. This self sufficiency and self reliance is a great skill to have.

Learn about your food.

When you buy fruit and veggies at your grocery store or market, do you really know where they come from? While there’s nothing wrong with buying things from the grocery store, I do it often, it is much more assuring to get vegetables right from your own garden were you know where and how they were grown and taken care of.

It’s also so interesting to see the growth process for various things. Learning about the different nuances for crops is fascinating. Even just reading seed packets about different varieties of the same vegetable is really eye opening, and shows you just how many things go into growing your food. With that being said, it’s likely still easier than you think!

Start gardening today to learn how to grow your own lettuce. — This year I finally got my lettuce to start looking like an actual head of lettuce! Patience is key.

It’s easier than you think.

You can really make gardening as easy or as complicated as you’d like. If you want to research, do soil testing, compare varieties, and more, that’s great! If you want to plop some carrot seeds into finger-poked holes in the soil, thats great, too! I know that technically there are probably right ways and wrong ways to start gardening, but if it works for you, then it works. And it does’t always need to be hard.

I’m all about the trial and error method. I’m all about what’s simple and easy to figure out. And guess what? I still get veggies to grow! So, if you’re delaying starting your garden because you think it may be too difficult, think again. Yes, research and planning helps, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be difficult or complicated. Just give it a try and see for yourself how simple it can be.

It’s inexpensive to start gardening.

Like any hobby, gardening can be as expensive as you want to make it. You don’t need a massive greenhouse with a self-watering system and temperature controlled fans to start gardening (although that would be awesome). With probably less than $30 you can start planting. All you really need is soil, a container or space for planting, and some seeds. Pretty simple,right? Also, if you grow your own produce you may even save some money in the long run.

You’ll appreciate your food more.

The more food you grow and harvest yourself, the more you’ll appreciate it. It’s so easy to go to the store, pick up a bag of carrots, take them home, and start munching on them without giving much thought to how the carrots got there. It took the process of getting seeds, planting, watering, patiently waiting, harvesting, bagging, and then transporting them to the store for you to get them, not to mention the many other things it takes to put produce on the shelves. Unless you grow it yourself, you’ll likely not appreciate fresh produce as much as it deserves.

It’s green in more ways than one.

Your gained appreciation of how produce is grown will likely encourage you to waste less fruits and veggies. After the time and effort you put in to growing your own, you’ll see just how valuable they are. Is the lettuce you grew starting to wilt? Better make a salad tonight! Are your strawberries getting soft? Time to find a recipe for them! Not only that, but by cutting out some of the transportation and shortening the distance from garden to plate, you’ll be saving fuel as well.

Our peas got so large they were busting at the seams!

Starting a garden is a healthy hobby.

Not only is gardening healthy for the environment, it is great for you as well! The act of gardening is great exercise and the perfect way to get out and grab some fresh air. Not to mention the luxury of all the delicious fresh vegetables you’ll be able to eat! If you’re like me, you reach for the closest and easiest snack to eat. If you have a garden those snacks may become fresh vegetables, berries, and fruits! It’s an all around productive and healthy hobby.

You’ll have the freshest produce.

Living in Alaska makes one really appreciate fresh fruit and vegetables. That short distance from the garden to your kitchen will give you the freshest produce possible. Sometimes you may need to taste test, so it may not even make it to the kitchen!

It’s so convenient.

Talk about fast food, getting fresh food from your own plants is as speedy as it gets! Having the convenience of a backyard grocery store is really a game changer.

Bonus: Gardening is fun!

More importantly, it’s fun! Picking out what we’re going to grow for the year is such a fun time. You can really experiment with different things if you want, and watching those tiny seeds turning to salads, canned veggies, jams, smoothies and more is so exciting.

I hope this has encouraged you to start gardening today. I truly enjoy this hobby, and hope that you will too! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I’ll be happy to answer. Thanks for visiting Everyday Alaska!

Wildlife of Alaska: An Alaskan Wildlife Bucket List

June 17, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Please follow all State and Federal laws regarding wildlife. Please practice good wildlife etiquette by not harassing, feeding, attempting to pet or otherwise bother wildlife. Although they maybe be adorable, they are not pets, and unfortunately they don’t want to be your friend. Be sure to give them space and follow all rules regarding wildlife viewing.

Hoping to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife while visiting Alaska? Chances are, you will! Alaska has an abundance of beautiful wildlife to see on land, in the sky, and in the water. If you’re looking for some of the best wildlife viewing, Alaska is the place for you!

If you were to ask me what my favorite Alaskan animal is, I probably wouldn’t have an answer for you. I love caribou because they look so majestic and beautiful in the tundra. I love swans because they are so graceful. I love otters because they’re adorable to watch. There is really no wildlife that I don’t love, and I hope as you see these animals on your Alaska vacation you’ll come to love them as much as I do.

Alaskan Wildlife on Land

Caribou

Caribou are neat animals to watch. You won’t often see them by themselves, so if you spot one be on the lookout for others since they travel in herds. Both male and female caribou have antlers. Males are called bulls, females are called cows, and their babies are called calves.

The opportunities that I’ve had to see caribou have been in Interior Alaska and on the Kenai Peninsula, although you can spot them in many other areas as well. I’ve seen them during all seasons, so no matter what time of year you get to visit Alaska, you may get a chance to spot caribou!

Two caribou eating along the Kenai Spur Highway in Soldotna, Alaska. — Caribou having a snack along the Kenai Spur Highway in Soldotna, Alaska.

Moose

If seeing a moose is on your Alaska bucket list, then there is a good chance you’ll be able to check that off! Moose are in so many places in Alaska. Chances are you’ll probably see them in town walking around before you see them in the wild. Similarly to caribou, there are bulls, cows, and calves. Bulls are the only ones with antlers, which they shed and then regrow. If you’re here in spring and early summer you might see some new calves out with their mom, but stay far away and beware because mom is very protective!

Muskox

Muskox are one of the coolest looking animals. I don’t know if it’s their retro, shaggy hair, or their cool horns, but they just look neat and very unique. They are called bulls, cows, and calves as well, and their coats contain hair called qiviut. Qiviut is turned into a very coveted, high quality fiber for garment making.

Chances are, you won’t get to see these guys in the wild unless your travel plans include some more remote parts of Alaska, but read on for information on a spot where you’re guaranteed to see some of these groovy creatures.

Bison

You may have similar chances of seeing a bison as you would a muskox, so if you do get the opportunity you have really lucked out! You’ll have the best chances to see them if you visit the Delta Junction or Copper River Valley areas. Interesting bison fact: my parents collect the manure from bison to use in their garden as fertilizer! I’d say that’s about as organic as you can get.

Bears

Polar bears, brown bears, black bears; it’s quite the variety. Unless you make a trip wayyyyy up north and happen to be very lucky, you won’t be seeing any polar bears, but you do have a decent chance at seeing black or brown bears depending on where you visit.

If brown and black bears are in top spots on your Alaskan wildlife bucket list, I’d highly suggest visiting Valdez. I’m definitely biased, shoutout to my hometown, but if you visit Valdez in the summer you’ll have a great chance of seeing some bears. You may even see some in town, but you’ll have an even better chance of seeing them where they can get an easy and tasty meal, which is wherever fish are spawning. Just remember that these animals are not friendly, so even if you see other people getting close to them for a picture (which some crazies will do), does not mean you should. Stay safe, and view these amazing animals from a distance, as you should with all wildlife.

A brown bear looks out at the water while standing on rocks around fish carcasses. — A brown bear in Valdez, Alaska next to a pile of fish carcasses.

Sheep

I love watching dall sheep. My husband and I go to Cooper Landing on occasion to watch them, and they are incredible to see. They’re so agile, majestic, and can survive such a harsh climate, as all Alaskan wildlife must do. The males, rams, grow in large horns that can sometimes form a 360 degree circle or more if they get large enough. The females, ewes, also have horns that just stay fairly small. If you’re looking to see some lambs, they are usually born at the end of May or beginning of June, according to ADF&G.

I believe the best way to spot dall sheep is by grabbing some binoculars and/or a spotting scope and checking out the mountains around you. You never know what you’ll see!

These sheep look a little rough, but it’s not surprising considering the rugged territory they live in.

Goats

If you are on the lookout for sheep, chances are you may get to see goats as well, and vice versa. These shaggy dwellers of rugged mountains are also mesmerizing to watch as they climb, jump, and scale dangerous terrain. You may get to see billies, nannies, and kids (baby goats) if are looking for them in the summertime.

Lynx

Be on the lookout for these large, northern cats as you travel through Alaska. They are located in a variety of areas and not commonly seen, so a keen eye and a quick trigger on the camera is what you’ll need to snap a photo of these kitties.

Coyotes

Only recently have I had the chance to see these sly dogs. The first thing you’ll probably notice about them will be their large, fluffy tails. I’ve seen them in the fall and winter in both the Interior and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, but you may see them in many different areas of Alaska during any season.

Wolves

If you’re very lucky, you may get the chance to see a lone wolf or a pack of these predators lurking about. Whether you come in winter, summer, or anywhere in between, these giant canines will be roaming about. They’ll likely be spotted in less populated areas, but are surprisingly not afraid to come into smaller neighbors and communities as well.

Wolverine

With beautifully colored fur and some ferocious fangs, this honey badger of the north is a small but mighty predator. They make many areas of Alaska their home, but are not frequently seen.

Smaller Wildlife and Critters

These critters might not be the largest in the land, but they are no less important. Squirrels, hare, porcupine, and beaver are just some of the smaller sized animals you’ll likely see on your vacation, as long as you’ve got your eye out for them. They, like many of the large animals, camouflage well so keep your ears and eyes open for them. And don’t forget to look up; porcupines can climb trees! And speaking of looking up, there’s plenty of wildlife to see in the sky as well.

This may look like just a mound of sticks and mud to people, but to a beaver this is home. If you see a beaver lodge like this with fresh branches, chances are there are beaver still living in it, and you may get the chance to see one!

Alaskan Wildlife in the Sky

Eagles

The all American eagle. You are almost guaranteed to see an eagle while in Alaska. Whether they’re perched in a tree waiting to swoop in on their prey or snacking on some salmon, eagles can be seen everywhere, and you’ll likely get some great opportunities to photograph them.

A bald eagle keeping an eye out on his meal below.

Cranes

Sandhill cranes are a very unique looking bird. According to ADF&G, they have a large red patch covering their forehead, which will help you distinguish them in the wild. If you spot these giant birds, they will likely be flying over you or hanging out in a swampy area.

Owls

There are a variety of types of owls in Alaska. I’ve been very fortunate to see owls in Alaska on a few different occasions. Most of those times have been in fall, likely because that’s the season we’re outside most. You have to keep your eyes peeled to find these wise guys and gals because they camouflage surprisingly well.

An owl perched up and scoping out the area.

Loons

You may hear the unique sound of a loon before you see actually see the bird itself. I’ve most often seen the common loon, which is dark black with a variety of white markings on its back. You can read about the entire variety of loons that can be seen in Alaska here. If you’d like to snap a photo of these beautiful birds, make sure you do it quickly as they will disappear by diving down beneath the surface of the water.

Puffins

Your best chance at seeing these fun and quirky species out in the wild is on a glacier and wildlife cruise. No promises that you will be guaranteed to see one flying about or hanging around on the rocks with your binoculars or through your camera lens, but if you do, consider yourself quite lucky.

Swans

If you’re on the lookout to check swans off your Alaskan wildlife bucket list, you may not need to look far. Swans can often be spotted in lakes and ponds next to the road, and are hard to miss due to their large size and white feathers. You’ll likely see them in most areas of Alaska that you visit, as long as they have not migrated south yet.

Two of these beautiful birds swimming around the ice.

Mosquitoes

Are these birds? Nope, but they’re Alaskan wildlife that you’ll unfortunately encounter in the air if you visit during any season other than winter. These pesky little insects can really leave an impression, so check out my ways to avoid getting bit and bite remedies here.

Alaskan Wildlife in Water

Fish

Between trout in lakes, salmon in rivers, and halibut in the ocean, you’re bound to see and catch a variety of fish on your Alaskan adventure. Some of these are not only neat to see, but are also delicious! Be sure you get a chance to try salmon and halibut while you’re here.

Sea Otter

For much of the marine life, your best bet for viewing them is on a glacier and wildlife cruise. As for sea otters, though, you may get to view them from walking around the harbor in Seward, Valdez, and other costal towns. These critters have the most dense fur per square inch, often can be found in large groups called rafts, and will very likely stick around for you to get a ton of photos of their adorable little faces.

Seals

There are a variety of seals in Alaska. If you are able to go on a fishing charter or wildlife cruise, keep your eyes peeled these for guys and gals as they zoom around the water.

Sea Lions

These giant and boisterous mammals are hard to miss when you’re out on the water. You’ll spot them lazing around in rocky areas as pictured below.

Dolphins and Porpoise

You may see a group of these speedy animals jetting through the water next to your boat. Check their markings to determine if they’re a dolphin, or to see which type of porpoise it is.

Whales

Belugas, humpbacks, orcas and more, whales are really a sight to see. It is more common to see belugas up north, but there is also an opportunity to see them in late summer along the Turnagain Arm. Humpback whales and occasionally orcas can be spotted on wildlife cruises. To spot them, keep an eye out for mist coming from their blowhole and gatherings of birds which will flock together over where whales are feeding.

This is definitely not a 100% comprehensive list of Alaskan wildlife, but it’ll give you a great starting point. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll see all of the Alaskan wildlife listed here, there’s a very good chance you’ll see at least a few of the animals on this list in the wild. And if you don’t see them in the wild, there are many other great opportunities to see them.

There are so many ways to see wildlife in Alaska, even if it’s not necessarily in the wild, so be sure to check out those options as well. Looking to see big game, little critters, and birds? Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! Interested in viewing marine wildlife? Take a trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center! Hoping to learn about muskox? Visit the Muskox Farm! And don’t forget to visit The Alaska Zoo!

Let me know what’s on your Alaskan wildlife bucket list in the comments!

25 Useful Kitchen Tools, Gadgets, and Accessories

June 5, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories. When you think of these, you may think of all the random kitchen items you’ve gathered that have ended up in your junk drawer, but that’s not the case with this list of useful kitchen items below!

Whether you are outfitting your first kitchen, looking for the perfect housewarming, wedding, or other occasion gift idea, or just looking for a handy kitchen gadget for yourself, this list is sure to give you plenty of ideas.

Brown Sugar Keeper

These actually work! My mom had one and told me how well it worked, so i eventually ended up getting one, too. You just follow the directions, plop it in your brown sugar, and voila, no more hard lumps of sugar! Some even come with cute little patterns on them, so it’s an additional little bonus on top of having no hard lumps of brown sugar. Plus, these ones are made in the USA!

Non-stick Baking Mat

These baking mats will save your baking pans, and save you a lot of scrubbing. Non-stick baking mats are simple to clean, easy to use, and save you a lot of clean up time.

Dough Whisk

My mom purchased a dough whisk for me for my birthday, and it is so handy. My favorite use for this is when I’m mixing berries into a recipe. I know it’s for bread making, but when adding a fragile ingredient like berries into a recipe, or when adding them into a mix (This blueberry muffin mix is my favorite!), it works so well, and doesn’t crush up the berries.

Silicon Spatula

All of the silicon kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories I have tried in my kitchen have been so useful. Silicon spatulas are especially helpful since they’re so versatile and are used often. Plus, they can be easily washed in your dishwasher!

Useful kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories. — These kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories are so useful and don’t even take up much space!

Scrub Daddy

These are worth the hype. I have a couple other great dish scrubbers, but needed something with a little more oomph for scrubbing baked on things (when I can’t use my silicon mat). This does the trick. They get stiffer in cold water for harder scrubbing, and softer in warm water for easier messes. It’s amazing! You can even wash these in your dishwasher. I got a four pack of double sided sponges for cleaning multiple areas in our home, but they have a variety of sponges to choose from.

Splatter Screen

Save yourself from those little grease burns and all the grease splatter that gets on everything with a splatter screen. We received one as a wedding gift and use it frequently. This one with the double mesh is very durable, and virtually no grease splashes through.

Pot and Pan Protectors

My husband and I got a set of Scanpan cookware for our wedding. It’s the best cookware I’ve used and we want to keep it in prime condition for as long as possible. The problem is, we have very little storage so all of our pots and pans are nestled precariously close together, which of course leads to scratching. The solution? Pan protectors! They are such a simple and inexpensive solution to effectively keep your stacked pots and pans pristine and relatively scratch free! These are the exact ones I have; I love the cutesy little pattern, too.

Cutting Board

I’m sure you rolled your eyes at this one because everyone knows how useful cutting boards are, but you don’t know how useful they are until you find the perfect one. With added grips to avoid sliding, grooves to catch spills and avoid mess, and American made, this cutting board beats the rest and is a must have.

Foldable Strainer

This handy strainer is great for small spaces. It has handles that can span across your sink, and collapses in for storage once you’re done.

Jar Opener

Nope, not a can opener, but a jar opener. These little grippy pads help grip those hard to open jars and open them easier without needing to call in reinforcements. They’d be very helpful for elderly people, or those with arthritis, too. Honestly, I got the one I use for free at a convention, so I’d check for them at conferences, conventions, and other events, but this one has good reviews if you can’t find a freebie.

BlendJet

I recently splurged and bought myself a BlendJet 2, and it was 100% worth it. The BlendJet is a compact, easy to clean, USB chargeable blender. It’s so simple and convenient to use. I’ve been using it to make smoothies and it blends them up with ease, just make sure any chucks of fruit, ice, or veggies aren’t too large or it may give you an error while attempting to blend those pieces.

Pan Scraper

The intended use for these pan scrapers is primarily for cleaning cast iron, but they work well for baking sheets and glass baking dishes, too. Just soak your dish, and this will scrape it right off. There is even a notched one for grill grates and pans as well.

Pan Handle Holder

Since I just mentioned using cast iron, I should also mention these useful silicon handle holders. These little accessories will save your hands from the heat of a cast iron pan by snugly covering the handle in protective silicon.

Apple Slicer

These dandy little tools make quick work of apple slicing and coring.

Hamburger Chopper

This is such a great kitchen tool. The hamburger chopper makes it even easier to chop up and cook burger to your liking for whatever recipe you are making. It just seems to make browning burger much quicker and easier; I love it!

Frother

Is this necessary? Probably not. Is it fun to have? Yes. You can use this little frother for making fancy coffee at home, or just use it to whip up some cream for topping hot chocolate!

Keurig

I’m not a coffee drinker, but to wean my husband off of energy drinks (or at least cut down on them a bit), years ago I bought him a Keurig. It’s so simple to use, and very convenient. It can be a huge money saver, too, in comparison to buying other drinks. The only problems I’ve encountered with it are lines in our display screen and a developing drip, which I’m not too worried about. Their customer service could use improvement, too, but overall I would still purchase one again and again.

Magnetic Bag Clips

I don’t know why it took so many stale chips and a spilled bag of crackers for me to get these, but it did. Bag clips are very inexpensive and get frequent use in our house. I really should have been using them years ago, but I’ve learned my lesson now. I purchased a whole set, with a couple regular large ones and some smaller magnetic ones. The magnetic ones are super convenient because we don’t have the drawer space to store a bunch of clips, so I just stick them on the fridge and they’re all set.

Fish Spatula

I received two of these from my father in law. Before that, I had never heard of a fish spatula, I just thought a spatula was a spatula. Turns out these things are dandy little tools. Have I used them for fish much? Not really, but they work great for quesadillas, grilled cheese, and many other things due to being thin enough to easily slide under anything.

Instant Pot

We were lucky enough to get an Instant Pot from friends as a Christmas gift. I had heard all the rave reviews about them, but was a little skeptical, and honestly a little scared to use it. Now that I’ve used it many, many times, I can say that it really is worthwhile having. Make sure you follow the instructions 100%, and watch a little YouTube on it if you need to. I mostly use mine for rice, steel cut oats, potatoes, and sometimes chicken, and it really helps you multitask while the Instant Pot does all the work. I’ve had some issues with things not being fully cooked or done how I want, but that has mostly worked itself out with time, and the trial and error process.

Meat Hammer

When recipes called for pounding meat thinner I use to just lay it down between plastic wrap, and hit it with my hand until it got slightly flatter and very uneven. Needless to say, this was not a very convenient or precise method. I ended up purchasing a meat hammer, and now my stuffed chicken marsala turns out just great!

Silicon Basting Brush

Like I said before, I love silicon kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories, including basting brushes. Silicon basting brushes are simple to clean and leave no bristles coming loose onto your food!

Pyrex Glass Nesting Bowls

These glass bowls are one of the most used things in our kitchen. They’re good for mixing, food storage, and even look great as serving dishes. These bowls all have colorful and sturdy lids, they fit within one another, so it saves a ton of space, and they’re made in America.

Small Strainer

Having at least one smaller strainer is useful for macaroni and cheese, washing berries, or for other smaller meals and items.

Fruit Basket with a Hanger

This fruit basket keeps oranges, onions, and other fruits and veggies from going rogue and rolling off the counter. Plus, it has a convenient hook for bananas, and really looks nice, too.

I hope this list of kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories has helped you find the perfect kitchen item for yourself or a gift for others. Happy cooking friends!

Our Visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center

May 13, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise noted. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items.

What is the Alaska SeaLife Center?

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a marine wildlife aquarium located in Seward, Alaska. It provides an educational and fun experience for visitors, while also conducting research and animal rescue. It’s like the marine version of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

The Wildlife Response Program portion of ASLC rescues marine animals and can occasionally rehabilitate them enough to release them back to their natural habitat, which I got to experience in high school and it is quite impressive and amazing.

This chunky seal was just the cutest to watch!

Where is ASLC located?

The SeaLife Center is located in the quaint Alaskan town of Seward, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula. It is less than a few hours drive south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. You can also travel to Seward by way of the Alaska Railroad.

What will I see there?

Sea lions, seals, octopus, urchins, and more; oh my! There are also a variety of fish and birds to see as well. You can view many of these animals from the first and second story of the building, which gives you a great perspective of the animals from both above and underwater, and is especially neat when watching the sea lion and diving birds.

One of my favorite areas is the touch pool, which has a bunch of critters to see and is much larger than most touch pool areas I’ve seen in other aquariums. There, you can get up close with sea stars, urchins, and more.

Detailed and interactive learning exhibits are located all over the facility, with topics ranging from salmon identification, animal statistics, and conservation. There are educators nearby to answer questions about any of the sealife you see as well. You also have the incredible opportunity to book a behind the scenes experience and even feed an animal as well!

In addition to the marine life and exhibits, there is also great artwork to see as you walk around the two story center, and around Seward itself.

Who would enjoy visiting ASLC?

Anyone who enjoys having fun! The Alaska SeaLife Center is obviously a great experience for marine life enthusiasts, but really any animal lover or anyone interested in learning about Alaska’s ecosystem would benefit from a visit to ASLC. There are activities for kids of any age, and it is wheelchair accessible.

Little ones (or adults!) can pilot their own boat.

When should I visit?

Anytime! You can stay inside during your whole visit if you want, so even if the weather is bad you can still enjoy your time at the SeaLife Center. If you have the opportunity to visit from about September through May you’ll probably find that the crowds are less, or maybe will have no crowds like we did when we went in March! During those times you’ll be able to spend as much time as you want at the different exhibits. When it’s a bit more crowed you may not have as much time at each spot, but should still have enough time and space to enjoy everything.

What should I wear and bring?

Layers! If you live in Alaska you know layers are a necessity, and if you’re visiting I highly recommend layering up. No matter what the forecast is, and no matter what the weather is when you leave, always be prepared for any type of weather.

In this case you’ll be inside for most of your time at the Alaska SeaLife Center, so you can just wear what you’d normally wear inside for the season you’re there. But, if you start your visit to the ASLC in the sun, just bring a coat incase it’s raining when you leave.

As far as bringing things, I would just keep it minimal and bring the necessities and a good camera. Other than that you should be set!

Why should I visit the Alaska SeaLife Center?

There are many reasons to visit the SeaLife Center. First off, you can see a variety of Alaskan marine life in a very convenient and fun setting. It’s great for all ages, and especially perfect if you have small children, are elderly, or are prone to seasickness, making it harder to enjoy a glacier and wildlife cruise. It’s also a great option if you are looking to save some money by going to the SeaLife Center instead of a cruise, but if it’s at all within your budget I’d recommend doing both! Overall, it’s just a great place to have an up close experience with marine life, including behind the scenes tours where you can feed some of the SeaLife Center’s resident animals!

Learn all about Alaskan fish and marine life.

How to I support ASLC?

You can best support ASLC by visiting the center, seeing what all it has to offer, learning about marine life, and sharing that knowledge and experience with friends and family! You can also donate or even become a member. There’s even an option to “adopt” an animal, which is such a great gift idea for folks back home.

I hope you get the chance to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do! If you’re going to ASLC and have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. And if you’ve already visited, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below!

Beautiful artwork located across from the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska.

« Previous Page