Alkąąn - Navajo Cake

Our people pronounce this as Alkąąn or Alkąąd. We value it very much in our Navajo culture as it symbolizes our gift to Mother Earth upon the blessing of our young girls entering womanhood. During the female puberty ceremony, the mixing process takes a whole day, then we pour it into the ground by evening, and it bakes over night, with cutting of it by mid morning. Its ingredients can vary, and it’s a family and community affair, but its significance is what matters here. 🌺 You can also make some at home anytime (as shown here) and enjoy it with a cup of hot Navajo tea. ☕️ #AllNavajo #NihizaadBeeÁniit’é

[@lynnperez5838]

I have been trying to find a recipe like this for years online. Finally, happy to find one. I love that the teaching is all in Navajo, but I also wish there was a little translation. Especially, when talking about the ingredients. Regardless, this was a great video and teaching.

[@jymesitahawkins1853]

That was so awesome!!! Made me tear up a little 🥲. I miss my mom and grandma telling me stories on why we have these ceremonies and traditions. Especially when told in Diné. Thank you 🙏❤️

[@allenchiquito5195]

You did a beautiful job and I am thoroughly impressed! No English, all done in Navajo! I live in the city and truly miss talking in dine’ and hearing the language spoken, thank you so much - I choked up hearing you speak and seeing you make this beautiful cake (I can almost taste it... lol)!

[@beadclankitchen6363]

Thank you for your interest.

[@Gratitude453]

Ahéheé my daughter cake came out beautiful, thank you 🙏🏽

[@natashadraper9861]

Love that your speaking my language.. I haven’t heard it in a long time.. my grandma passed a few years ago..AHE’HEE!!!!

[@juliebradford2999]

Thanks for Sharing! NIZHONI ye....

[@georgekush6001]

Ahéhee’ for this recipe

[@teaganna5970]

I wish the Navajo Nation would mass produce these indigenous ingredients, it would be easier to create these recipes.
Thus creating farming jobs, and preserving these recipes with the modern times.
I love chiłchin, but I can't find it anywhere.

[@Thenani2]

Thank you for sharing

[@benthompson8502]

Nizhoni doo ah'hee. Was looking on making this, 1st attempt wasn't tht good. I'm try this now

[@rissalionelhosteen7530]

I'm attempting to make this now. Wish me luck. (Cooking my grounded white corn now)

[@beadclankitchen6363]

😊

[@emerybowman9137]

Real impressive! About how much corn did you end up using?

[@beadclankitchen6363]

About 6-7 cups

[@akiraharrison420]

Too bad this isn’t in English

[@beadclankitchen6363]

I'm sorry. We're just focusing on our language sustainability and revitalization for now. Your are WELCOME to keep up with us, though. :)