Total Weight Loss

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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!

4 comments:

  1. Hmmm... had no clue you could make them ahead of time and eat them even at room temp! Do you store them in the fridge or just in a baggie? I am really impressed by them, too! :) Glad you tried them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just kept them in a container on the counter. They don't last long enough to refrigerate!!!
      Lori

      Delete
    2. Ok, thanks! Love the blog post name, by the way. LOL

      Delete
  2. Ooooh, kale is one of my favourite things (we used to grow it in the garden when I was a kid) and I'll eat it whenever I get an opportunity.

    Try the red curly kale if you get a chance - looks even more beautiful and tastes just a good. Happy gardening :-)

    ReplyDelete