Kale: the BFF I never knew

People have been discussing the health benefits of kale for a while now. In 2013, kale was definitely the "it" vegetable. All the cool/clean-eating kids we're doing it. Well, except for THIS guy. For some reason, I avoided jumping on the kale train--not intentionally--and wondered what the fuss was about while so many of my friends we're enjoying kale shakes and kale chips and sautéed kale and whateverthehellelse they were doing with that gritty green leaf.

Fast forward to two months ago. A born-again clean(ish) eater, I was on a mission to explore new and exciting foods that would help me reach my nutritional goals. So, naturally (no pun intended), what popped into my head: KALE...let's see what this party is all about.


I did a little research. Kale is a CRUCIFEROUS veggie; try that one on for size, it's just fun to say. Also, turns out that kale, while QUITE healthy on the whole, is not without its risks--mainly from mass raw consumption--related to thyroid functioning. However, like Kevin Costner films, it is fine in moderation. Apparently, everyone I knew was already hip to kale chips, so I decided that would be my first foray into this mean, green, health machine.

Verdict: AWESOME. Couldn't be easier to make, very delicious.  Almost inhaled the plate.  I took about two large handfuls of kale (cut off the thick spines), washed thoroughly (put in a bowl of cold water and agitate for a minute or two, then drain and dry), chopped into ~1.5 inch pieces, put on a cookie sheet (parchment paper is also recommended), sprayed with PAM (olive oil is recommended...I'm going to get a mister soon), and sprinkled on some sea salt.  Preheated the oven to 350 and let cook for 10 minutes.  I actually let them bake for 7, then flipped them, and let them bake for another 5 minutes...it all depends on how quickly they are crisping.  WARNING: they can go from chip to burnt piece of ash in very little time.  Keep your eye on these bad boys.

So, kale is now my new best friend.  Healthy, tasty, fun...everything I've ever wanted in a green, leafy vegetable.  Next, will be exploring the wonderful world of sautéed kale; stay tuned! (don't fall off the edge of your seat in anticipation)

HAVE YOUR OWN FUN KALE RECIPE?  LEAVE IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!