by Beka Thoning

Alaskans are passionate about all things 'wild Alaska salmon'. And we hold a special place in our hearts for wild Alaska salmon skin. We dream about it. We feature it in our art, fashion and food. We use it out of utility. We write songs about it.

So why does the average person not love salmon skin? Also,  what can we do to prevent our sacred, wild Alaska salmon skin from ending up in the landfill?

This is our favorite salmon cake recipe with a twist!

Instead of canned salmon, start with a whole filet of raw, wild Alaska sockeye salmon. Plus... use the skin of the salmon in the mix for added binding power, moisture and delicious flavor! Enjoy.

Kachemak Bay is home to many amazing, energetic and ambitious people, and the multi-talented Michael and Maddie O'Laire are no exception. Michael has helped build Stillpoint and is a commercial salmon fisherman in the summer. Maddie's delicious salmon blog has captured attention all over the world as she distributes Mike's wild-caught, healthy, sustainable salmon from Alaska.

It’s a pleasure to have Maddie guest posting on our blog. Be sure to check out Maddie's recipe for Spicy Wild Alaska Salmon Poke

The Perfect Holiday (or anytime) Cookie

Our chunky, chewy Orange Cranberry Cookies are packed with walnuts and can be made vegan or gluten free to please everyone this holiday season.

This is one of our most requested recipes... and an easy cookie to have on-hand in the freezer. Our native cranberries, or lingonberries, get ripe late in the season, just in time for the first California oranges to start showing up in Alaska.

These little beauties hold up well in a packed lunch, too, making for a energy-packed trail food for our guides. Our cuisine features low sugar recipes that avoid highly refined ingredients.

Download the full recipe and helpful hints...

Stillpoint is a second-generation, family owned and operated lodge. Long time Alaskans Jim and Jan Thurston originally built the lodge, christened The Alaska Center for Creative Renewal in 2003, to host retreats for artists and interfaith spiritual groups. A transition to the name Stillpoint Lodge in 2007 marked an inclusion of more events such as board retreats, weddings and continuing education credit workshops.

Since 2015, under the new direction of son JT Thurston, Stillpoint Lodge is now opening its doors to not only cater to groups, but also welcome individual vacationers, families and executive travelers. Pairing playful eco-adventures with revitalizing leisure activities and traditional lodge offerings has created the "Perfect Escape".

So how did it all begin?