Class 4: Blue Corn Cookies, Navajo Cinnamon Cookies & the Power of Juniper Ash
This week marked the end of our Fall Parent–Child Cooking Class Series at Madison Elementary. For our final session, Chef Mario guided families through making two traditional treats: Blue Corn Cookies and Navajo Cinnamon Cookies. The kids especially loved rolling out the cinnamon dough and cutting it into creative shapes of their own!
But this class wasn’t just fun—it was deeply rooted in Indigenous food knowledge. We introduced families to a traditional ingredient that carries both cultural and nutritional significance: juniper ash.
🌿 What Is Juniper Ash—and Why Is It Special?
Juniper ash has been used for generations in many Indigenous communities of the Southwest. When mixed with blue cornmeal, it provides an impressive nutritional boost through a process called nixtamalization, where an alkaline substance breaks down the corn’s tough outer layer. This makes the corn not only more flavorful, but also more digestible and rich in minerals.
🔵 Health Benefits of Juniper Ash + Blue Cornmeal
Super-strong bones: Juniper ash is naturally packed with calcium—about the same amount per gram as a glass of milk. Since many Native Americans are lactose intolerant, this has long been an important non-dairy calcium source.
Unlocks nutrients: The alkaline ash helps release niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium from the corn, making them easier for our bodies to absorb.
Ancient science: Nixtamalization has been practiced for thousands of years. It’s traditional chemistry in action—breaking down the corn’s outer walls so the nutrients become bioavailable.
Better flavor + beautiful color: The process deepens the nutty flavor of blue corn and creates that gorgeous indigo-purple hue kids love in the cookies.
🧡 Wrapping Up a Wonderful Fall
We’re grateful for another season of learning, cooking, laughing, and building community together. Thank you to the families, students, volunteers, and especially Chef Mario. Together, we celebrated Indigenous ingredients, practiced healthy cooking skills, and had fun as a community.
We can’t wait to see everyone in the next session!