Not all Milk Alternatives are equal: Try Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Using Silk Soy Milk #rethinkwhatyoudrink

Milk!?! It’s one of those tough subjects that seems so simple, but can become so complicated without even realizing it. The thing about it is when I was a kid I don’t remember people drinking anything except regular or chocolate milk (and not anything like the ones pictured below).

When I started working at a health food store in college, I got curious about all the different milk alternatives. The funny thing was I hadn’t even realized that dairy milk made me feel bad, because we just get so use to the way that we are. For 19 years, I let dairy milk make me miserable. It’s interesting how small changes in your life can make you feel new again. That’s what happened when I went away from dairy milk. It turns out I am lactose Intolerant.

 To see more pictures from the Alternative Milk shop from home to spoon check out my google+ album

I don’t normally prefer to drink Original varieties of Soy Milk. I use them in cooking, but I generally drink the vanilla, chocolate, or sweetened varieties. When I first started trying them, I was on a budget and the budget Soy Milks are not that good. Soy Milk and Milk Alternatives for that matter have come a long way in the flavor department. They are delicious!
Silk Regular, Vanilla Soy Milk and Silk Fruit & Protein are staples in our house . However, I was excited to test out the Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. It was delicious especially warmed up a bit in the the microwave on a cold day! I like the versatility that each type of milk alternative can offer.

With a family history of early onset osteoporosis, Calcium is important for me. Even though I can’t have dairy milk that does not mean that milk alternatives can’t help me meet my needs plus more!

Silk Vanilla provides as much calcium as milk and 6 grams of soy protein, which nutrition experts agree is comparable in quality with the protein found in dairy products. Silk is also a natural source of omega-3s and protective antioxidants, is very low in saturated fat and is 100% cholesterol-free.

There are two types of soymilk commonly found on the market; those made from whole soybeans, and those made from isolated soy protein. Whole bean soymilk, such as Silk, is made by crushing the bean and removing the indigestible fibrous portions, then blending the resulting “base” with water, flavoring and nutritious fortifications such as calcium. This whole bean process preserves not only the protein, but also other important components of the original soybean including is flavones, essential fatty acids, omega-3 fats and some fiber. Soymilk from isolated soy protein is more highly processed, made by chemically extracting the protein from the bean, then reconstituting the isolated protein with water and other additives.

Beyond my health, Soy Milk has benefits for my whole family as well. I pride myself on giving my kids quality food that also benefits them as growing boys. When you are feeding boys who seem like bottomless pits, the quality and nutritional value of food can make a world of difference to their growing body and minds.

Soy protein is the only commonly consumed plant protein that is “complete,” meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to meet the body’s requirements. The medical and nutrition communities, and the FDA, recognize soy protein as equal in quality to animal protein.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes (2 steamers bags of yukon potatoes)
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallots (depending on your onion preference)
• 2 tablespoons  minced garlic
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounce) chicken broth
• 4 cups Silk Original Soy Milk
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoons pepper
• garnish: bacon, chives, & cheese

Directions

• Cut cauliflower into florets.

• Then, Place 4 cups of Silk Original Soy Milk and Cauliflower in stockpot. Simmer covered for 25 minutes (or until desired tenderness).

• While cauliflower is cooking, steam potatoes in microwave (each bag takes 7 minutes). Dice. Set aside.

• Saute onions & garlic in olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Allow flavors to enhance, but do not brown it! Set aside.

• By now Cauliflower should be tender, drain liquid from cauliflower. Reserve it for the soup!
• Use mixer to blend Cauliflower, then put back in stockpot.

• Add diced potatoes, sauteed onions/garlic, can of chicken broth & reserved soy milk. Stir until combined over medium heat until warm.

*To serve: garnish with cheese, chives, and bacon or your favorite choice of toppings.

 Dylan enjoying his 3rd helping after his Basketball Game p.s. they won 47-2, I am in no way claiming Silk Soy Milk will make your kid a better athlete, but it can’t hurt to keep them healthy!

Want to find more delicious recipes? Check out Silk Soy Recipe Page on Facebook

Have you tried the New & Improved Silk Soy Milk or Silk Almond Milk? What are your thoughts? Check your local Walmart for in-store sampling of the new Silk Soy Milk!
Please note: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and WhiteWave #cbias #SocialFabric