Rae Udy

RECIPES: Soy Milk, Sweet Soy Milk, Creamy Soy Milk, Fruit Soy Milk, Soy Buttermilk, Soy Carob Milk

By Rae Udy

Sales for soybeans and soy products have steadily increased from $45 million annually twenty-five years ago to $3.65 billion in sales today.
It is estimated in 2004 there were more than 15,000 soy food products available. Soy is now found in desserts, snacks, cereals, soups, sauces, main dishes and drinks.
The number one soy product is soy milk. Prepared soy milk can be found in almost all major supermarket chains in the refrigerated dairy section.
School children in some states will be taste-tasting soy milk and other soy foods this fall as part of a program to combat child obesity.
Soy milk has been recommended by physicians for years to patients who are allergic to cow’s milk or who are at high risk of heart disease. Studies have proven eating soy regularly can help lower risks of certain cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.
The World Health Organization considers soybeans one of the richest plant sources of protein and equal to meat and dairy proteins. Soy also contains calcium, iron, potassium and prosperous.
Look for organic soybeans and soy flour to be sure they are free from GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) or read packages of soy products for claims the product is GMO free.
Eating soy is one of the most simple things we can do to boost our health and soy does a body good.

Sources:
www.naturalgoodnessmarket.com
www.agrinews-pubs.com

SOY MILK
1 cup low-fat soy flour
4 cups cold water
1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
¼ (one-quarter) teaspoon pure vanilla

MICROWAVE INSTRUCTIONS: Place soy flour in a glass two quart bowl. Slowly add water to make a paste, continue adding water and stirring until mixture is smooth. Cook uncovered in the microwave for five to eight minutes, stirring often to prevent scorching. Watch closely so mixture doesn’t boil over. Remove from microwave. Strain through cheesecloth into a quart pitcher or wide-mouthed jar with lid. Stir in honey and vanilla. Chill immediately. Yields one quart.

SWEET SOY MILK: Add one tablespoon raisins to one cup prepared Soy Milk. Process in blender container until smooth. Strain if desired for smoother texture.

CREAMY SOY MILK: Add one tablespoon almond, cashew or walnuts to one cup prepared Soy Milk. Process in blender container until smooth.

FRUIT SOY MILK: Add a small amount of banana, dates, figs or berries to one cup Soy Milk. Process in blender container and serve cold.

SOY BUTTERMILK: Add one teaspoon lemon juice to one cup Soy Milk. Set aside for five minutes until thickened. Beat until smooth. Lightly salt and pepper to taste.

SOY CAROB OR CHOCOLATE MILK: Add one teaspoon carob powder or two teaspoons cocoa powder to one cup Sweet Soy Milk. Process on high speed in blender container until smooth and creamy.

“Cows like milk,” says Trenton, four and one-half, as he feeds Pops calf.(photo by Misty M. Weese)