The late great Gordon R. Nelson, a retired Alaska State Trooper, was renowned for his contributions to Alaskan culinary literature. His cookbooks are celebrated for blending authentic regional recipes with humorous anecdotes, offering readers a unique glimpse into Alaskan life.
Gordon R. Nelson’s first book was Lowbush Moose (And Other Alaskan Recipes), a distinctive cookbook that blends traditional Alaskan recipes with humorous anecdotes and illustrations. Published in 1978 by Alaska Northwest Publishing Company, the book spans 198 pages and reflects Nelson’s experiences as a retired Alaska State Trooper.
The cookbook offers a variety of recipes featuring local ingredients such as moose, caribou, salmon, and wild berries. Notably, the term “lowbush moose” is a colloquialism for rabbit in Alaska, contrasting with “highbush moose,” which refers to the actual moose . Beyond recipes, Nelson includes practical instructions on making sourdough starter, curing salmon, and preparing unique dishes like “Caribou Zucchini Custard” and “Alaska Sweet Pickles.”
Beyond Lowbush Moose (And Other Alaskan Recipes), Nelson authored several other notable works:
Smokehouse Bear: More Alaskan Recipes and Stories (1982)
This sequel continues Nelson’s tradition of combining practical recipes with engaging stories. It delves deeper into Alaskan cuisine, featuring dishes like smoked salmon and hearty stews, interspersed with tales from his experiences in the Alaskan wilderness.
Tired Wolf and the Recipes He Pursued (1985)
This book offers a collection of recipes accompanied by narratives that reflect the challenges and adventures of Alaskan life. Nelson’s storytelling captures the essence of survival and community in the remote regions of Alaska.
Hibrow Cow (1999)
In this work, Nelson explores the culinary possibilities of beef in Alaskan cooking. The book presents a variety of recipes that adapt traditional beef dishes to the Alaskan context, emphasizing local ingredients and flavors.
Nelson’s cookbooks are more than mere collections of recipes; they are cultural artifacts that preserve the traditions and stories of Alaska. His works are cherished by readers for their authenticity, humor, and insight into the Alaskan way of life.
Author Nelson passed in 2004. He was survived by his wife Corinne, their children and grandchildren. Per Mrs. Nelson’s 2012 obituary, she and Gordon were married in Anchorage in 1947. “Gordy joined the Alaska Highway Patrol (subsequently at the Alaska State Police and the Alaska State Troopers) in 1952, she joined him in an adventure that took them to Glennallen, Fairbanks, Palmer, back to Anchorage, and to Juneau, while lovingly raising six children. After Gordy retired, they moved to Wasilla.”
If you’re interested in exploring these cookbooks, they are available through various online retailers and secondhand bookstores.
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