Get the Scoop on Homemade Ice Cream—Moose Fat to Bananas!
Ice cream is a treat enjoyed around the world — including Alaska! Not all ice cream looks or tastes the same, though, and Molly’s Grandpa Nat makes a version called nivagi. Made from moose fat, Molly learns the nivagi recipe and personalizes it for a contest.
What is ice cream like where you come from? With your child, check out the nivagi recipe in Molly's Recipe Book and compare it with other ice cream recipes, including the banana ice cream recipe below. After noticing the similarities and differences, head to the kitchen and make the banana ice cream recipe to taste for yourself!
What You Need to Make Ice Cream Your Own Ice Cream
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream
Invite your child to describe ice cream to you. Ask your child, "What does it taste like? What does it feel like? What flavors does it come in? How is it served? What memories do you have with ice cream?" Now look at Grandpa Nat’s nivagi recipe found in Molly's Recipe Book. Explain that nivagi is a Dena’ina word. It refers to an Alaska Native dish that looks, feels, and tastes like ice cream. Ask your child what he notices about the recipe.
Explore other ice cream recipes, including family recipes. Ask your child, "What do they have in common? How do they differ? Are some recipes more alike than others? How does Grandpa Nat’s nivagi compare?"
Let’s make our own ice cream! Cut up the bananas into 1-inch slices.
Put them in the freezer. Allow the bananas to freeze for at least 6 hours.
Once the bananas are frozen, help your child put them in the blender. If you want to mix additional frozen fruits, cinnamon or other flavors, add those as well.
Pulse until the bananas turn into a smooth, frozen treat. Add other fruit or flavors if desired. Enjoy!
Help your child write down the ingredients and steps you used to create your banana ice cream. Share the recipe with friends and family. Draw a picture of your creation. Maybe it will be a new family favorite? Use Grandpa Nat’s nivagi recipe as an example for how to create a recipe.
Proud of your creation? Snap a photo and share it with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We’d love to see how it turned out!
Want more “Molly of Denali” activities? Check out the Make Spiced Oatmeal Muffins recipe and the Make an Audio Message That Matters activity to continue the fun!
Author: 
Science