SOYBEANS

It's fun and extremely cost effective making naturally nutritious and healthy soymilk right at home in your own kitchen. Simply stated, this can be done in one of two ways. There is the traditional method that takes some time and effort, though real traditionalists prefer a more hands-on approach. And, there are the modern and easy to use soymilk makers that produce perfect soymilk in minutes. These fast and convenient appliances are now very popular with our rapidly growing health-minded society that has less time for kitchen tradition. Both methods are well worth the time and effort.

Making traditional homemade soymilk begins by soaking dry, organic soybeans in water and leaving them in the refrigerator over night. When ready the following day, the soaked beans will have increased three to four times in volume. In a blender, put one cup of beans and three and one half cups of water. Three cups of water is fine if you like your soymilk thicker. Blend this together for about two minutes, and then strain it slowly thru a fine cheesecloth. This is done by placing a large cheesecloth over a deep cooking pot, and then pouring the soymilk into the cloth. After all of the soymilk had been poured into the cloth, pick up the four corners and squeeze or wring out all of the soymilk through the cloth, then simply discard the solids. This entire process is repeated three more times. At this point, there will be foam at the top of the strained soymilk that should be skimmed off. Then the straining process should be done again, two more times.

OK, now you have basic soymilk, though its not quite finished. Most people like to flavor their soymilk to their own tastes. It's at this point that almond or vanilla or other flavorings can be added. Your new batch of soymilk is then put on medium heat for about twenty minutes. Just before it comes to a boil, add about a half-cup of sugar, depending on your desired taste. Bring the soymilk to a boil and immediately reduce the heat and turn off.

Ahhh! It's now time to ladle out a small portion into a cup and enjoy your well-earned treat! Flavoring can be tweaked at this point if needed. There is always something special about hot, fresh, soymilk right off the stove and made from scratch that makes the creative process worth the effort.

OR... simply buy a soymilk maker! These modern, high-tech appliances are something like a coffee maker and blender all in one. They are simple to use, take little shelf space and make high quality, natural soymilk in just minutes! Your soymilk will now cost pennies compared to the commercial costs, so your new appliance will quickly pay for itself.

Here's the process: again, soak the soybeans in water over night. In the morning, fill the canister with water. Then add the soaked soybeans to the basket and attach the basket to the soymilk maker. Now, just plug it in, turn it on and wait for about fifteen minutes. The appliance automatically grinds the beans to the right consistency and heats the soymilk to the optimal temperature. Done! For a more silky finishing touch, many like to take the remaining solids, called okara, and press it into a coffee filter with a kitchen spatula. This will again separate out any solids and produce the ultimate, silky textured soymilk. Flavors are individual, so add chocolate, vanilla, almond or any ot the many others to bring a perfect finish to your soymilk.

So, if you can make coffee in the morning, you can also make excellent, naturally nutritious and beneficially healthful soymilk for yourself and your family. Enjoy, and, drink to your health!

Author, Douglas Becker, is a writer and researcher who has long been interested in health and environmental issues. Find out how soymilk can positively impact the health of your family and which soymilk makers are right for you at http://top4soymilkmakers.com

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