LEARNING AT HOME

corn cakesNative American Maize Cake Recipe

Fun for all ages (young children should get help with cooking from their parents)
Time: 15 min. (bun version) or 20-25 min. (pancake version)

For many Native American tribes corn, also known as maize, was planted as a primary source of food. Native Americans baked maize cakes, called “appone” or “ponop” using ground dried corn, water, and salt.

These snacks were basically simpler versions of modern day cornbread. Native Americans also used cornmeal to make a porridge called “samp”.

In this activity you will use your oven to create two forms of corn based snacks similar to those that Native Americans ate.

maize cake ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or margarine
  • 1 ½ cups boiling water (approx.)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the cornmeal, salt, and butter together and add enough boiling water to make a semi-stiff mush.

step 1

From here you have two options. (Or divide the mush in half and do both.)

OPTION 1 – Pancake Version

Step 2: Spread this mixture approximately ½ inch thick in a well-greased heavy pan.

step 2, option 1

Step 3: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until baked through. Let cool and enjoy!

step 3, option 1

OPTION 2 – Bun Version

Step 2: Using your hands, form elongated 3-inch “bun” shapes, and place on a greased baking sheet.

step 2, option 2

Step 3: Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until edges start to brown. Let cool and enjoy!

step 3, option 2

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