Clam digging in Chignik is different than most places in the world. We have to decide on how hard we want to dig, what kind we want to eat, and how far we want to go. Razors require the most effort in digging, however we like them best. Butter Clams fried in the half shell are hard to beat, especially when they are four inch clean white beauties, and steamers are so easy to get and taste so good! Decisions are tough to make in Chignik. We normally launch the 18' Lund, boat ride to a favorite clam spot and enjoy the tide, digging what we need for fine dinner fare.
Fish smoking, pickling and canning is often an adventure of its own. We have many recipes and techniques that have produced outstanding results that we are happy to share with our friends and families in the wintertime. Pursuit of perfection often leads to subtle "tweaking" of the recipes and methods to chase the ultimate flavor or taste. You are welcome to join us in this pursuit and customize your catch.
We employ a similar approach to our jam and jelly making as well. The adventure starts with the actual trips to the berry patches. Salmonberries are prized by most, so for "untouched" picking we often take the small boat to secret spots, close by in local bays, and make as much noise as we can allert the bears that we've come for our share. Nice buckets of berries result in beautiful jams, cordials, syrups and more as we process the berries into delicacies of our liking. Fireweed is a pretty, local wildflower that grows aboundantly in Chignik. The pedals are used to make a jelly as good as any we've ever had, and its color is spectacular. There are other species of berries and goodies in Chignik and if you and your family would like to join us we'll share recipes, secrets and fun with you in completing your home pack.
