The soybean is the almost perfect vegetable answer to meat. Growing it costs less fuel per food/value than most any other food product. It is nearly the equivalent of steak, yet requires a fraction of the energy to produce. It has been called the most complete vegetable food, and is recognized as the highest quality vegetable protein. It is the answer to a hungry world. 40% of our world is hungry, and there is no excuse for that. Soybeans could be a crop in your garden this year. The 3 foods I know that can be made from soybeans are soymilk, cooked soybeans, and tofu.

Here's how to make cooked soybeans: Take 2 cups of dry soybeans, and add to 4 cups of water. Let soak overnight. Pour into a pressure cooker (otherwise it'll take MANY hours to cook) add a tablespoon of oil, and bring to pressure. Turn off heat, and let set until pressure is reduced. Bring to heat again and repeat. After about 45 minutes, when pressure is released, taste one or two of the beans. If they are soft (squish between tongue and pallet) then they are done. If they do not squish, then they are not done. Cook them some more. Uncooked soybeans are really ickky, and you don't want to eat them. They are good with a little soysauce added and a spoonful of nutritional yeast (check your local co-op). They will last for weeks in the fridge, and you will NOT believe how filling they are.

Tofu is a little harder to make, and unless you request directions, there is no time to do that now on this site. Research it on the net, or drop me an email & I’ll try to get back to you.

Soymilk, the almost-perfect food is also quite simple to make. Add 4 cups water to 2 cups dried soybeans. Let soak overnight. Drain, put on the stove about 1/2 gallon water to boil, and then process the soybeans. Using a common blender, add a little bit of soybeans with enough water to grind it well. Too little water it'll stick to the sides and not blend. Add each batch into your heating 1/2 gallon of water. When all is processed, turn up the heat, and while CONSTANTLY stirring, bring the batch to a boil. You must pay attention, because if you don't, the mix will boil over and ruin your day as well as your stovetop. After the mix starts boiling, turn down heat and cook for about 10 minutes. Next, pour the mix through a screen or cloth to remove the excess large pulp. Place back into pan, bring to boil, and add one rounded Tsp. salt, and stir in enough honey to taste. Bring to boil and remove from heat. Pour a full cup and enjoy your first batch of soymilk. Note: all natural soymilk does tend to curdle. No biggie. It will form a crust or layer on the top, but be informed that this is high quality protein, and is good to eat. Soymilk is also good to replace water in boiling your morning breakfast oatmeal or on cereal. Oooo, yum