Funk: Winter Wonder

[caption id="attachment_161" align="alignleft" width="196" caption="Executive Director, The Soyfoods Council"][/caption]

The holiday season is here and I hope you are enjoying the festivities and making it the most magical Christmas yet.

This year I suggested to my close friends that instead of exchanging gifts, we take that money and give to our favorite charities and they all agreed. With all the job losses, there will be many families in need of help. And besides, I don’t know about you but I need nothing except more time with family and friends.

Of course when you are spending time with family and friends, food is usually front and center.  My guess is you have holiday favorites; recipes that have been in the family for a long time or foods that family members always look forward to. Keep those on your menus but think about a couple new recipes this year. I am suggesting a new item for your family holiday meal - Brussels sprouts with edamame.

For some reason, I can’t get enough Brussels sprouts and they are trendy right now. We have been busy creating and testing recipes for a variety of uses, but one of the recipes I just love is this breakfast pita pocket. It’s easy and delicious and would be a perfect Christmas morning delight and a great way to incorporate a soyfood. It includes soy cheese and any other favorite flavor foods such as red or green chopped peppers, mushrooms or onions. This recipe is also one kids can help make, so let them get into the action. I promise you they will be more excited about eating food they have made.

What would Christmas be without those traditional Christmas cookies? I have included my absolute favorite toffee bars. I have made these cookies since I was a little girl but of course now I have added soy flour to the recipe.

Please go to our Web site www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com to the Christmas cookie section for more delicious cookies to add to your list of favorites.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

From my kitchen to yours,

Linda Funk, Executive Director, The Soyfoods Council