A Tale of Kale

 A few weeks ago 65MD and I were chasing away the winter doldrums by planning our spring garden.  He had a list of what could be planted early and were were making our selections, when I noticed kale and suggested that we try it. I'd read several blog posts from my friends saying it was quite good and maybe we could give it a whirl. 

He was a little resistant to taking the time to plant and grow something that we might not like. I understood his concern, so the next time I was at the grocery store, I bought 4 small leaves of kale.  Then I put it in the refrigerator and promptly forgot about it!

A day or so later I was getting my hair done and we were discussing recipes, one of our favorite topics.  She mentioned making kale chips the night before and that even her baby loved them.  I resolved then to remember the kale and try it.  The next day, I actually did.

I must admit even though I'd heard nothing negative about kale chips, I was a little dubious.  After all, it is a dark green vegetable and healthy.  That generally spells "don't like" in my world.  Much to my surprise they were as good as the reports I'd heard.  I shared a few with 65MD who liked them enough to add to the garden this spring.  I polished off the rest and was rewarded with a lovely colon cleanse the next day.  What's not to love?

I got a few more leaves the next time I was at the store thinking they'd make a nice crunchy snack to have on hand.  My stylist mentioned that they kept well and stayed crispy. So,  I made more kale chips to have on hand.  I got scared again.  I thought that maybe the reason I liked them before was because I thought I wouldn't.  I tasted them again and again loved them.

I shared a few with a friend IRL that just started WW, but I polished off the rest.  Last night, at the store I got a whole lot of kale.  I'll be making chips again today.

In case anyone wants to try, here's how I did it:
Wash & dry the leaves.
Pull them from the center stem which is bitter.
Put a little (very little) oil in a jelly roll pan. 
Scatter the torn leaves over the oil and stir to coat.
Add whatever seasoning wanted, salt, pepper, garlic, etc.
Put in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the edges turn brown.
Watch closely so that they don't overcook.
They are good warm from the oven or at room temperature.

Enjoy!