Salsa, wraps among healthy recipes that could lower your cholesterol

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Dana Davis talks to Charlene Patton with the Kansas Soybean Commission about some healthy ways to incorporate soyfoods into your diet

49 News' Dana Davis reports from the home of Charlene Patton, with the Kansas Soybean Commission. The two divas of the kitchen whip up some sandwiches and salsa made with soybean products.

"The soybean is so versatile," Patton said. "It's used in so many different things."

Everyone should have 25 grams of soy protein each day. It helps prevent heart disease by aiding in lowering cholesterol.

It's used in products as varied as food to biofuel. She emphasized how important of a cash crop the bean is for Kansas.

The Kansas Soybean Commission has more on the importance and use of soybeans on its Web site or call 1-877-KS-SOYBEAN.

For more information on cooking with soy, see Patton's recipes or watch the video. We've posted the recipes here for your convenience.

Soy Recipes

RANCH WRAP

Â½ cup soft silken tofu

Â½ cup lowfat ranch dressing

Â½ cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

Â¾ cup finely shredded cheese

Â¾ cup sprouts

6 thin slices cooked turkey

1 avocado, peeled and sliced

2 tomatoes, thinly sliced wedges

6 flour tortillas

Instructions: Blend tofu and ranch dressing until smooth. Add onion and garlic. pread mixture onto tortilla; sprinkle with cheese and sprouts. Place turkey, avocado and tomato on tortilla. Fold and cut in half. Makes six wraps.

MEXICAN BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD

1 can (15 oz) black beans or black soybeans, drained and rinsed

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

Â½ cup edamame

Â½ cup chopped sweet red pepper

Â½ cup chopped green onion

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon cumin

Â½ teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions: Place black beans, corn, edamame, red pepper, green onion and cilantro in mixing bowl. Combine lime juice, cumin, garlic and vegetable oil until well blended; pour over vegetables and combine thoroughly. Chill before serving. Makes about 4 cups.

Currently in Topeka, KS

KTKA