Bibliography
Robert L.Wolke, What Einstein Told His Cook (W.W. Norton & Company Inc) 2002.
This is the book that was used for the YNI seminar.
Lyrae, Willis. Tree Vitalize, 25 Different Types of Juniper Trees & Their Identifying Features. August 27, 2025. https://treevitalize.com/types-of-juniper-trees-identification/
This article names the types of Juniper worldwide. I found the name of the Juniper that grows in the U.S. Southwest region. Navajo people have used the Alligator Juniper ash to add to meals. Primarily used for its nutrients.
Schulze, Eric. Serious Eats, An Introduction to the Maillard Reaction: The Science of Browning, Aroma, and Flavor. May 13, 2023. https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-maillard-reaction-cooking-science
How does baked or grilled food fill the atmosphere with a delightful scent that makes your mouth water? Baking yeast bread or grilled steaks makes the food browned or charred. This reaction is very common when cooking and students will need to know the reaction that occurs is called the Maillard Reaction.
Falkingham, Tom. Bee Clean Soap: What is Lye? All you need to know! May 25, 2022. https://www.beecleansoaps.co.uk/blogs/what-is-lye-all-you-need-to-know?_pos=5&_sid=eaa9b4b38&_ss=r
Students will understand that Lye is the reason soap works to remove dirt or grime. Wood ash is a powerful component and has been used since the 1800’s. Lye is needed to make the bar of soap hard.
Helmenstine, Anne Marie. ThoughtCo, Physical Changes in Chemistry. August 5, 2024. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-physical-change-605910
Students whose low comprehension level will need to understand the basic difference between physical and chemical change. This article provides simple examples that students will relate too.
Helmenstine, Anne Marie. ThoughtCo, Chemical Change Definition in Chemistry. August 2, 2024. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-chemical-change-604902
A clear definition of chemical change that is not reversable. A new chemical component is formed, in this case, when cooking.
9-12 Dine Character Building Standards. https://oscad.navajo-nsn.gov/Portals/0/FILES/Programs/Dine%20Character%20Building%20Standards/9-12%20Dine%20Character%20Building.pdf
I teach on the Navajo reservation, and we are strongly encouraged to add in Dine Standards in the core contents. There is also a Cultural Center on the school campus that is open for projects, stories and lectures.
Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane. Migrant Worker A Boy from the Rio Grande Valley. Holiday House – New York. 1996.
This book is about a migrant 11-year-old that works at the fields during the summer months, spending long hours picking crops to earn money with his family. Navajos also are agriculturists; they can relate to working with the fields or livestock during their summer break.
Hruby-Powell, Patricia. Zinna: How the Corn was Saved. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. 2003.
This story aligns with the Dine Standards. The story involves one Navajo deity, also known as a Holy person in Navajo Culture. Spider Woman is part of the Navajo Creation story and is commonly known for the rug weavers. In this story, Spider Woman is sought out for her assistance with the failing crops.
Lopez-Ridaura, S., Barbara-Escoto, L., Reyna-Ramirez, C. A., Sum, C., Palacios-Rojas, N., & Gerard, B. The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture. USDA National Agricultural Library. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82784-2 (2021)
A variety of Native tribes use this method, growing corn, beans and squash together. Students will understand how each help one another survive and flourish. They may share prior background knowledge of what they grow in their vegetable fields.
Youkin, Lainey M.S., RD, LDN. Are Grits Healthy: Here’s What a Dietitian Says. EatWell. May 20, 2026. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7891738/are-grits-healthy/
Grits are similarly prepared the way blue corn mush. Both require the use of a stone grind to turn the dried kernel into powder. Students will learn that Grits are a Southern favorite and its health benefits. Grits are not a common dish on the Navajo reservation.
Warwick, Kathy W. Is Cream of Wheat Healthy? Healthline. March 4, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-cream-wheat-healthly
Cream of Wheat is served in our local cafeteria at least 2 times a month. Students will see that Cream of Wheat and Blue Corn mush are made identically. Understanding the health benefits may also help them to choose the Cream of Wheat at breakfast time.
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