Do you have that “hard to shop for person” in your circle of friends and family? How about the person who doesn’t need anything or already has everything? A solution to these dilemmas could be to give the gift of health with soyfoods.
“There is such a wide variety of options of soyfoods available that putting together a creative, unique gift basket is something that everyone can do and feel good about giving,” says Gretchen Hofing, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) soyfoods health educator and a registered dietitian based in Lenawee County. “As a food providing a complete protein, primarily unsaturated fat and healthful isoflavones, soyfoods support positive growth and good health across the lifespan,” she notes. “Research has revealed health benefits such as a reduction in the risk of developing heart disease, prevention of some cancers, alleviation of hot flash symptoms, dairy and peanut allergy management and possible osteoporosis prevention, with consumption of soyfoods,” Hofing adds.
Consider some of these themed gift basket ideas that include soyfoods and recipes:
Ethnic food, such as Italian: Prepare soy-based pasta. Use silken tofu in Alfredo sauce (also include a chunk of Parmesan cheese), soybean oil for a vinaigrette and soynuts to toss on the salad. Wrap it up in a nice pasta dish, adding a dishtowel or utensil. Check out a recipe for Quick Italian Dressing and for Tofu Alfredo Pasta Sauce.
Food for a specific meal, like breakfast: Bake muffins using soyfoods, including silken tofu for a fruit dip or salad dressing, flavored soymilk to drink on its own or add to another beverage and include a pretty potholder and a fun mug, glass or plate. Get the recipe for Cherry Almond Muffins and Cinnamon Honey Dressing.
Simply fun and unique basket: Stock basket with dried edamame, flavored soynuts, soy crisps or chips, individual-size soymilk boxes, miso soup (ready to eat or dry packet to add water to), black or tan canned soybeans and soynut butter.
Purchasing and consuming soyfoods is a great way to support your health and Michigan agriculture. The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee represents soybean producers in the state and funds soybean research and educational efforts.