The Blue Corn Kitchen: A Navajo Story of Food, Family, and Tradition

In The Blue Corn Kitchen, young readers can create simple and delicious, traditional Navajo recipes using fresh and healthy ingredients while learning about the history and origin of the food and its preparation techniques.



Create delicious, traditional recipes while learning about the rich history and culture of the Navajo people.



Join three generations of Navajo women—grandmother, mother, and daughter—as they teach through storytelling why certain foods and how we make them are important in Navajo culture. The Blue Corn Kitchen features 10 simple recipes for drinks, snacks, and meals using fresh, healthy ingredients readily available to families everywhere. Perfect for young cooks ages 7 to 9, the recipes are easy enough that kids can make the dishes on their own, following the clear step-by-step instructions, while learning the important histories and teachings behind Navajo ingredients, traditional cooking tools, and methods of preparation.



Beautifully illustrated, this fun and educational book includes a variety of yummy treats and engaging stories, including:



Blue Corn Patties – The growing and harvesting of corn and the importance of juniper ash

Corn Cakes – Prayer and the kinaaldá (coming of age ceremony for Navajo Girls)

Sumac Berry Yogurt Pops and Navajo Tea - Foraging for foods like sumac, Navajo tea, pine nuts

Mutton Noodle Soup – Traditional butchering and respect for animals

Frybread – Outdoor cooking in Navajo culture

Blue Corn Ice Cream – Using nature to make food

Blue Corn Mush Fruit Bowls – Supporting native food sellers

Blue Corn Cookies – Modern recipes that keep traditions alive

Boba Navajo Milk Tea – The staying power of Navajo flavors



Along the way, you’ll also learn a few words and phrases in Diné, the Navajo language. The Blue Corn Kitchen provides young readers with a hands-on approach to connecting with Indigenous and Native American culture in a fun, meaningful, and respectful way.