Soy Sistas Take Top Honors in 'Soy You Think You Can Cook' Contest

Cassie Miller, Amanda Pudlik and Elise Fiscus—also known as the Soy Sistas—emerged victorious in the final round of the “Soy You Think You Can Cook” contest sponsored by The Soyfoods Council in cooperation with Iowa State University (ISU) Dining and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. The competition invited student team members to create made-from-scratch entrees and side dishes using soyfoods ingredients.

The winning Soy Sistas—each a senior in Culinary Sciences at ISU—received the $420 team prize for their Sweet and Savory Monte Cristo Sandwich served with Creamy Winter Squash and Apple Soup. Their creative spin-off of the classic sandwich recipe combines a filling of ham, soy cheese, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion, garlic powder and apple cider vinegar and honey.  The sandwich features raisin pecan bread dipped in a batter of eggs, soymilk, and lime zest, and then fried in a blend of soy oil and butter. The chicken broth-based soup blends the flavors of squash, Granny Smith apples, bacon, carrots, onion, garlic and celery. The soup is pureed to a creamy smoothness with soymilk and lime juice rounding out the flavors.  Seasonings include honey, honey, cinnamon, curry powder, ground cloves, nutmeg and ginger.

Runners-up were the Second-Place Krazy Kooks team, who received $240 for their Tofu Cake.  Tied for third place were the teams “Soy Beautiful Soy Delicious” and “Soy Random.” The $120 prize was split between the two teams. Soy Beautiful Soy Delicious created a Meatless Stroganoff recipe, while Soy Random offered a layered, seasoned Pineapple Snap Sandwich, combining sweet and spicy flavors.

The judges selected recipes that demonstrated good culinary techniques for using soyfoods, great taste, attractive presentation, and good food safety practices.

For more information about the winning recipes or other inspired recipes incorporating tofu, soymilk, edamame, soy flour, Textured Soy Protein (TSP), soy cheese and soy nuts, visit The Soyfoods Council website at www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com.

Photos: Anna McKinney