At Home with a Farmer: Homemade Vanilla Soy Ice Cream with Bruce & Marlene Haines
Having open conversations about food and farming with South Dakotans and the farmers who grow it is what we do. In fact, that’s what Hungry for Truth is all about. In our At Home with a Farmer series, we’re stepping into the kitchens of South Dakota farmers to share their favorite homemade recipes and stories that tie back to soy. By connecting farming to food and family tradition, these moments highlight the authenticity of farm life while building trust and awareness of the vital role farmers play in our communities.
A Taste of Home
Outside Mitchell, South Dakota, Bruce and Marlene Haines are continuing a family tradition that’s been passed down for generations. On their farm, life centers around hard work, family and time spent together — and in the Haines household, that often includes a batch of homemade ice cream.
For Bruce, this recipe goes back to childhood. Now, he and Marlene proudly carry on the tradition as the “head ice cream makers” of the family. It’s not about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — it’s about making something special to share. Real vanilla, fresh soy milk and a little patience are all it takes to create a dessert that brings everyone to the table.
From the Kitchen to the Freezer
Homemade ice cream starts with a simple custard base — sugar, egg yolks, soy milk and plenty of real vanilla for rich flavor. Bruce and Marlene carefully mix the ingredients before gently heating the custard until it thickens just right. After chilling for several hours, the mixture is poured into an ice cream maker where the real magic begins.
For Bruce, part of the nostalgia is listening for the familiar sound of the churn slowing down — the signal that the ice cream is nearly ready. And of course, no batch is complete without sneaking a taste from the beater. It’s a simple joy that never gets old.
Whether it’s served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a warm South Dakota evening, this homemade treat is a reminder that the best recipes are often the ones tied to memories.
How Soy Connects South Dakota Farms to Your Table
Every bowl of soy ice cream begins long before it’s mixed in the kitchen. It starts in fields across South Dakota, where soybeans are grown with care and play an important role in food, fuel and farming systems.
Soybeans are incredibly versatile. They’re processed into products like soy milk, tofu and cooking oils, while also serving as a key ingredient in renewable fuels and animal nutrition. Packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients, soy is a powerful, plant-based ingredient that supports both people and livestock.
In recipes like vanilla soy ice cream, soybeans come full circle — transformed from field crops into creamy soy milk that delivers smooth texture and rich flavor without dairy. It’s a reminder of how one crop can connect farmers to families in many different ways.
From the soil to the scoop, South Dakota soybeans help power kitchens, support innovation and bring delicious possibilities to the table.
Discover More Soy-Inspired Recipes
Looking for more ways to bring soy into your kitchen? Explore our full collection of soy-inspired recipes for meals, baked goods, and family favorites.
Bruce & Marlene’s Vanilla Soy Ice Cream
Bring a taste of farm life into your kitchen with this simple, delicious recipe.
Vanilla Soy Ice Cream
This is a great frozen treat, especially for people who try to avoid dairy. It tastes like old-fashioned vanilla ice cream! Give it a try!
