EMPWR Arizona Kicks Off First Cooking Class at Madison #1

Last Wednesday, EMPWR Arizona hosted our very first cooking class at Madison #1—and it was our largest turnout yet! Nine students, each joined by a parent or family member, filled the kitchen with energy and excitement as they cooked Three Sisters Soup and Blue Corn Muffins alongside Chef Thaila.

The evening was both educational and memorable. From chopping vegetables to mixing batter, students and families worked together to prepare a nourishing meal rooted in Indigenous food traditions. The highlight came at the shared table, when all 48 muffins quickly disappeared to the sound of, “More muffins, please!”

Blue cornmeal, the star ingredient of our muffins, is not only delicious but also a great source of fiber. You can learn more about its health benefits and find additional recipes here: Blue Cornmeal Resource.

This class also reflected our Healthy Eating Habit Tip: Community. When we cook and eat together, we build connections that make healthier choices easier and more meaningful. By the end of the night, families experienced firsthand the health benefits of eating together as a community.