We were honored to welcome Ms. Alana Yazzie to our district this week. Ms. Yazzie is an author and a lifestyle and food blogger sharing her Diné heritage through a beautiful blend of modern and traditional cuisine.
She joined us to share her journey and inspiration behind her debut cookbook, The Modern Navajo Kitchen. This wonderful book features 50 recipes—some inspired by her childhood and others she created to reflect a modern take on Navajo cooking. In addition to recipes, the book includes a glossary of Navajo words, descriptions of traditional cooking tools, and a list of Native-owned food businesses where readers can purchase the specialty ingredients she uses.
Earlier this year, Brain Camp students from Animas, Apache, Bluffview, Esperanza, McCormick, and McKinley participated in a five-week cooking course. With the inspiration and leadership of FoodCorps member Ms. Rhoda Adeky—who made this idea come to life—alongside support from our outstanding Student Nutrition Team, the FoodCorps Team, and K12 by Elior, students had the opportunity to prepare a complete Navajo meal. Using recipes from The Modern Navajo Kitchen, they learned to cook an entrée, a side dish, a dessert, and even a traditional drink.
“We are so grateful to Ms. Yazzie for sharing her passion with our families and staff. Her visit made a meaningful impact and will help Farmington Municipal Schools continue to celebrate cultural diversity, offer healthier versions of student favorites, introduce new and local ingredients, and strengthen nutrition education for all our students,” said Marie Johnson, FMS Student Nutrition Program Supervisor.
During her visit, Ms. Yazzie met with our FMS Student Nutrition team and graciously signed over 75 copies of her cookbook for students participating in our elementary Ayóo Ałkaan Cooking Class.
When asked about her favorite dish, she shared that she especially loves the flavorful Azeedích’ííłchí’í Dibé Bitsí’ Ak’ah Bii’ Yizaazgo dóó Tó Áłchx’íídígo Bee Shibéezhí (braised red chile mutton stew).
Ms. Yazzie shared that creating the cookbook was a year-and-a-half journey. She collaborated closely with Wellfleet Press to bring her vision to life—from choosing the vibrant cover colors to photographing every dish herself.
Some delicious highlights from the book include Naadá’éłgai Tamale Atsi’ Yik’á dóó Azeedích’ííłchí’í bił (Navajo tamales), Dibé Yázhí Bitsí’ Lees’áán Bił Yisdisí (lamb sandwiches), Naadáá Dootł’izhí Naayízí (blue corn pumpkin waffles), and ‘Abe’ Bee Neezmasí (blue corn pancakes).
Originally from Fruitland, Ms. Yazzie now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She started her blog, The Fancy Navajo, in 2014 to celebrate and share Navajo food, fashion, and culture with a modern twist.
If you'd like to meet Ms. Yazzie in person, she will be at the Farmington Public Library tonight from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss it.