recipe | marinated soybeans and applesauce nut cake

eat your way to a smaller footprint... I found the most intriguing cookbook this evening during my weekly pilgrimage to our local library. The book is called More-with-Less and its subhead reads "recipes and suggestions by Mennonites on how to eat better and consume less of the world's limited food resources." Not a shabby combo... healthier eating, healthier earth. Funny thing is that, though this topic may seem like a hip subject to write about today, this book was written over 25 years ago and has established a cult-like following of avid readers who sing the praises of this book.

Just giving the book a quick first glance page flip, I came across these tasty sounding recipes:

Marinated Soybeans

(serves 6-8)

Combine in a bowl:

1/4 c extra virgin olive oil

1/3 c cider vinegar

2/3 c honey

salt and pepper to taste

Add:

3 c cooked soybeans, drained

1/4 t basil

1/2 t garlic salt

1/2 t oregano

1/2 c chopped celery

1/2 c chopped scallions or onion

1/2 c chopped parsley

1/2 c chopped green pepper (optional)

1 clove garlic, minced

Mix well and chill for several hours before serving.

Applesauce-Nut Cake

(serves 10)

Preheat oven to 350º

Combine and set aside:

1 c sweetened applesauce

1 t lemon juice

Measure and mix together:

2 c flour

1 t soda

1 t cinnamon

1/2 t ground cloves

1/2 t salt

Chop and set aside:

1/2c dates

Cream together:

1/2 c margarine

1 c brown sugar

Add:

2 eggs

Beat well. Measure:

1 c walnuts, chopped OR sunflower seeds

1/2 c raisins

Grease and flour an 8x12" pan.

Add applesauce and dry ingredients alternately to creamed mixture. Beat well. Stir in nuts, dates, and raisins. Pour batter into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes.