Good Eats at Last Cultural-Artisan Expo of 2014 Season

One food item we always encourage visitors to try out is Navajo Fry Bread; a traditional bread made simply of salt, baking powder, water and flour; then fried on both sides to a golden deliciousness.  On Friday, November 7, 2014, local Navajo Weaver and Jewelry Maker, Anita Hathale, introduced locals and visitors to the art of making Fry Bread.  Using an electric skillet and a deep fryer, Anita was able to show us the dos and don’ts of preparation.

Melt shortening into skillet; or put one quart canola oil into deep fryer; temp must reach 375 minimum.

Add salt and baking powder to flour.

Mix together dry ingredients.

Add warm water little by little; mix as you add.

The dough will form into a large, soft ball.

From the large ball of dough, portion out 1/2 cup smaller balls of dough.

Begin to stretch the dough using knuckles on hands.

Flatten and continue to stretch the dough using a flip-flop motion between the hands.

That 1/2 cup ball of dough becomes a 10 inch, flat round.

Yep, looks right and ready to be fried.

Now Anita shows us what happens when the melted shortening in the electric skillet could not reach that minimum 375 degrees.

Carefully place flattened dough into skillet.

Even though the oil is bubbling around the dough, it is not hot enough for frying, so the dough only absorbs the oil and does not puff up.

The result…a browned, hard Frisbee.

Monticello local, Kim Young, came in specifically to learn about this traditional Navajo food item; Anita was not one to disappoint and happily educated us all on this art.

Anita happily instructs local, Kim Young, on making fry breadl

The correct way; flattened dough goes into a 375 degree hot oil for frying.

Immediately large bubbles form in the oil, while the dough begins to puff and brown.

One side browned, a quick flip to brown the other side.

Hot fry bread…oh, so yummy!

Anita loves making fry bread!

…and now for the really good part; we get to eat it!!!

Navajo Fry Bread

Navajo Taco

Even Monticello Welcome Center Manager, Dorothy, couldn’t resist Anita’s fry bread.

Anita’s husband, Rick Jim, waits impatiently for his lunch. Sorry Rick, but we want the good stuff too!

Again, when you’re traveling through the southeastern end of Utah, tasting Navajo Fry Bread is a must if you want to have the full Southwest experience!  Thank you Anita for putting this wonderful demonstration on for us; providing us with delicious eats, and see you next year for the 2015 season!

~ Mary Cokenour ~

Fantasy Tales and Minstrel Songs at Last Open House of 2014 Season.

On Tuesday, October 28th, the Welcome Center hosted its final open house of the 2014 year.  Reveling visitors and locals with tales from his game and book series, “Castles and Caverns”, was local published author, Dan Raisor of Blanding, Utah.  Dan, originally from Salt Lake City, is married to Heather (a Blanding local) and together they began the Blanding Renaissance Festival in 2013.  Dan is also an avid chess player, worked as a librarian and active in scouting.

Dan Raisor Publications

Canadian Visitors Chat with Dan

Welcome Center Manager, Dorothy, and Utah’s Canyon Country, Alison, having a visit with Dan.

Also present were local musical duo, “Jernie” which features Jeri Burt and Bernie Christensen.   These ladies livened up our musical senses with inspirational, as well as some foot stomping, songs; their rendition of “Blue Mountain Song” was outstanding!  Jeri is married to David Burt and Bernie to Rex Christensen; these ladies are both very involved with St. Joseph’s  Catholic Church in Monticello, and often lend their angelic voices.  These two song birds also spend their Friday evenings at the San Juan County Jail, where they play their guitars and sing with the inmates, while also providing a message of hope and inspiration.

Locals who came to the Center remember Bernie from when she worked the reception desk at San Juan Hospital; in 2013, she was named Monticello’s Citizen of the Year.

Free refreshments were served at the Open House; hot beverages of coffee, tea, chocolate and apple cider; cold beverages of water and soda; cupcakes from Blue Mountain Foods and since it was the Halloween season…candy treats!

If you missed the open house, Dan Raisor and “Jernie” will be back again for the 2015 season; keep an eye out on our Facebook page for announcements of all upcoming events.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontierMuseum

See you next time…

~ Mary Cokenour ~

Cultural Expo Artisan – Jeff Hanson – Saddle Maker

On Friday, September 19, 2014, the Frontier Museum was honored to have local artisan, Jeff Hanson, demonstrate his craftsmanship in leather tooling and saddle making.  Jeff began learning his crafts at a very young age, childhood; basically due to need.  Money wasn’t abundant, so if this cowboy wanted a premium saddle for his horse, he was going to create it himself.  Jeff has done ranch work all his life; he knows the value of a good saddle for a good horse.  Word started to get around about Jeff’s talent, so other ranchers and cowboys began seeking out his handcrafted saddles.

 

 

When first meeting Jeff, you might think that he’s rather shy; but you’re going to be fooled.  He is a character in his own right; soft spoken and friendly, but with a great sense of humor that keeps one on his/her toes.  When he speaks about his work though, it’s with pride and love.

 

 

 

 

 

The designs he carves into the leather are his own hand drawn designs; first on transfer paper and then onto the leather itself.  When he works, an intense look of concentration can be seen on Jeff’s face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For display, Jeff brought in one of his saddles; these are not just coveted by ranchers and working cowboys; but those that ride in the rodeo circuit.  Jeff’s signature trademark is tooled into the leather; it is also adorned with a silver buckle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a handmade saddle of the finest quality, then contact Jeff Hanson at:

Jeff Hanson Saddles
PO Box 21
Monticello, Utah, 84535

Phone: (435) 587-9116
Cell: (435) 459-9791

Website: http://jeffhansonsaddles.com

Thank you Jeff for regaling us with your talent and friendly personality; it was an absolute pleasure having you visit the Frontier Museum.

~ Mary Cokenour ~