[OrangeFish]

I just received George Stella's first cookbook which uses soy flour for baking. I have had the second book for awhile and have made several almond flour recipes that turned out great. I want to start trying the bakegoods in the first book.

I have a few concerns about soy flour and would love your opinions and experience.

1. Is it safe?
2. Does it taste good?
3. Does it smell bad?

The reason I ask these questions is that I have read some disturbing facts/opinions about the safety of unfermented soy beans and raw soybeans. If you are cooking with soy, I guess that takes care of the uncooked problem. I do eat some tofu and edamame which I understand is good for you. So a little confused.

Also, I have read that soy flour has an unpleasant taste and smell.

I am curious as to why the change of flours from the first to second books.

I would love to hear about your own experiences with soy flour. If I decide not to use it, I will try the recipes substituting almond flour for the soy.
_________________

[mhayden999]

Well, here is my $.02 on Soy Flour. I do use it, especially for pizza dough, some of the Muffin Recipes.

As far as taste. Lemme say this...you definitely do not want to taste the raw batter. I have (or had) a bad habit of "licking the beaters"etc. Uncooked soy batter tastes horrible. Now that being said. After it cooks, I find it okay. The pizza certainly aren't New York or Chicago Style crusts, but you know, for a guy who really likes pizza, it works.

The important thing is to make sure to follow the recipies closley, and it does cook quickly and will brown real fast. George posted a couple of days ago about particular brands. Here is the link to that post, which is helpful.

http://stellastyle.com/community2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10447&highlight=arrowhead+mills

I also like Bobs Red Mill Brand. As far as all the bad stuff you read about it, I really personally haven't had a problem with it. It seems to me that nowadays, everything good for you is bad for you.

I would recommend trying a few things with it, season it per the recipe and you may find that it really fill a void for you.

Best Wishes,

Mark
_________________
You can get what you want in life, if you help enough people get what they want--Zig Ziglar

[stormy1]

I like the taste of almond flour much better than soy. Have used the NOW brand soy "powder" and not too keen on the flavor. I recently made George's banana macadamia muffins, and while they looked fine, I wasn't too thrilled with the taste. Going to try Christian's banana bread muffins next (made with almond flour). Flaxmeal works well too and I've made pancakes and muffins using a combination of flaxmeal and almond flour.
_________________
url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wnU4DQV/]

[/url]

[su]

i think soy is a personal taste thing.. i personally dont like soy and will always opt for the almond.. but some people do like the taste so it is up to each person individually ...
sorry im not more help there..
_________________



"there is no new food"
"nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"

[sampaul]

Due to reading so many negative reports about what soy does to the Thyroid, I try to avoid it as much as possible. Since I am Hypothyroid, I try to avoid all things with soy nowadays, since it could effect my weight loss if my thyroid is not happy! That's the only reason I won't use soy. Like Mark, I like pizza and I did enjoy the pizza crust and some other flat bread recipes that used soy flour. I have found a recipe for pizza crust that we use occassionally made from either cauliflower or zuchini. It's not bad.

I do love the stuff we've made with Almond Flour. We make some muffins from time to time that I enjoy very much. To me they are the best thing since sliced bread. I still don't indulge in almond flour treats very often... maybe once a week on a Saturday.
_________________
~~~Courage isn't the absence of fear... it is the presence of fear yet the will to go on.~~~

[wiccanmalenurse]

I am with the majority here. I like the almond MUCH better and probably use the flax seed more than anything. I do mix a little soy, almond and flax meal together and use it as a breading to fry with. I also drink soy milk and use tofu and haven't had any problems but like Sam said, people with thyroid problems or other issues should limit it's use or check with their doctor if they have concerns. I think if you will notice the book 2 was a different direction with "mills" (like you noticed, from soy to almond) because a lot of people didn't like or either couldn't tolerate the soy AND there are also lower fat and ways to cut calorie recipes for those that have chosen or found it necessary to do so. Book three is great and as are all the recipes on this site as the variety keeps the taste buds guessing and imho easier to stick to. Like the others said, start out with some recipes that use it and see what you like as everyone is different. Take care, good luck and Happy eating,
David
_________________
Praise loudly, blame softly and treat each person you meet as a brother or sister!
"Stella Styler for "Life"!"

[TammyPaul]

Using it to make the tempura batter is good, but for all else, I prefer almond flour/flax meal mixtures.

I think the biggest thing to remember is there IS flexibility and you can find what works better for you and your tastes.


Tammy
_________________

[Margot]

We use the soy flour for the Georges pizza crust.

Most everything else we use a combination of almond flour, flax meal and coconut flour.
Even with the new pound cake - I like it better using half almond and half coconut flour. I like the flavor added by the coconut flour.
With the flax you get the added bonus of Omega 3's

Soy has a flavor that works with somethings and not with others.
Licking the beaters is not an option - yuck
It has more of a bread like consistency than the others that are a bit more grainy in texture.
_________________

[Bulldoglady]

Hi
I did low carb and enjoyed this site about 5 years ago. I'm back doing lowcarb again and having alot of success. So Hello again ! In November I had a complete hysterectomy because of uterine cancer, which was caused by excess estrogen. I'm great but will need to be monitored for 5 years. My doctor has recommended avoiding all soy products and things containing soy because they elevate estrogen levels. Being too heavy also elevates estrogen levels. Health wise if you need the extra estrogen it might be a good thing to add the soy but for me it's not an option. I've found between vital wheat gluten, flax, almonds, bran and coconut flours to be more than adequate. Also there are alot of great recipes in George's books that use things other than soy. Christian's Macaroon Muffins are to Die for!! I have to fend off my kids when i bake them! Thanks Christian!- CathyS

[OrangeFish]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to write about your personal experience with soy.

I am thinking I may try the pizza dough with soy or at some time in the future. My oven just bit the dust, so right now I can't bake anything. Curses!!

I will try some of the alternatives suggested - who knew there was something called coconut flour!

I really appreciate the friendly and helpful people on this site.

Camilla
_________________

[Margot]

Welcome Back CathyS,
I have not tried the macaroons yet - but I know what you mean about having to fight off the kids. We have been making variations on the pound cake in the new book - yumm!

I made it recently usings one of the canned pie fillings sweetened with splenda. (I get it at Wallmart) I put that on the bottom of a rectangle pan and poured the pound cake batter over that. Everyone loved it.
It was good enough to take to a pot luck.

Anyway glad you are back - look forward to seeing you around.
_________________

[ejr9010]

Has anybody else tried the savory garlic herb muffins from George's new cookbook? You won't belive that you are eating soy flour. I make at least a batch a week since I tried them. They are great! Ed

[FunkyMonkey]

I'm not all that crazy about the taste of soy flour but than again, it depends on what you're making i.e. the spices/flavorings used. George's spice muffins w/ cream cheese frosting are delicious!
_________________
Tina