Happy New Year everyone!!!

For all of you who need to have a “break-up” with treats (try to get back together by valentine’s day, though…. our v-day dessert table is going to be oh so yummy), this article is for you!

I have a new love for Kale and want to share some healthy recipes with you.  Kale is one of the healthiest greens…. it can be bitter – but when cooked correctly, it has a surprisingly savory taste.

I constantly struggle with after-schoolsnacks…. I put together a little sampling of quick & easy healthy winter warmers my kids actually like!

Ingredients:

Kale

1 can of Garbanzo beans

Sliced Almonds (whole can be used as well)

Garlic Salt

Olive Oil

Parmesan cheese

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees

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Directions:

First rinse and pat dry your kale, and rinse the garbanzo beans (in colander)

Next, chop your kale and eliminate the stems – only use the leafy part… the stem is very bitter.

On aluminum foil/baking sheet, lay out the kale, garbanzo beans and almonds

Drizzle olive oil (I used extra virgin) over all three foods.  Then sprinkle garlic salt and parmesan cheese.

Once you have seasoned, put tray in the oven at 400 degrees.

Bake for about 10 min or so…. check it, so it doesn’t burn.

The kale should get crispy and a little blackened ….not too much though.

  Pull it out of the oven, and serve with fresh fruit!

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I found a salad recipe this week that is AMAZING…. I substituted a few things and made certain to use KALE.

Check out this fabulous side salad!  (Originally found on Martha Stewart)

 

Ingredients
1 pink grapefruit
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
Pinch of coarse salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 head Belgian endive (I used KALE – several pieces of the leafy part)
6 ounces mixed baby lettuces, such as frisee, mizuna, arugula, and tatsoi (I used mixed greens – spinach/arugula mix)
3 ounces fresh goat cheese, room temperature  (I used feta cheese instead)
Freshly ground pepper
Directions  (As told by Martha Stewart)

1.Before peeling grapefruit, zest about one-quarter of the rind with a grater or zester (you should have about 1 teaspoon finely grated zest). Set aside.

2.Peel grapefruit: Using a sharp knife, slice off both ends. Carefully slice downward, following the shape of the fruit to remove remaining rind and all pith. Slice grapefruit in half lengthwise, and place cut side down on a cutting board. Slice each half into six semicircles; set aside. 

3.Place reserved grated zest in a small bowl, and add vinegar and salt, if using. Whisk in oil, and set aside. (I added some juice from the grapefruit too!)

4.Slice endive in half lengthwise, and remove core with a small knife. Slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Place in a medium bowl, and add the salad greens; drizzle with dressing, and crumble in half of the goat cheese. Toss thoroughly to coat leaves evenly. (I put my spinach leaves/arugula and kale in the bowl first, then added the dressing and feta cheese)

5.Divide among four salad plates, and arrange three grapefruit slices on top of each serving. Slice remaining goat cheese into four rounds, and place one on top of each salad. Season with pepper, and serve immediately.  (Goat cheese is an acquired taste – I love it, but my kids don’t… however this salad would be just as great with goat cheese like it originally states!)

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Ok – I have one more KALE recipe for you….  this is a great side for any dinner!

Ingredients:

Kale (rinsed, chopped, patted dry – only use leafy greens – eliminate all stem parts)

(1) of the following: ham/bacon/pancetta  – any of these are fine

Olive oil

2 garlic cloves

Salt/pepper

 

Directions:

1. On medium heat, in a saute pan:  drizzle olive oil (a few swirls) in pan, and add finely chopped or pressed garlic cloves (I use a garlic press) – cook for 2 min

2. Add choice of meat – I use left-over holiday ham (chopped – about half a cup)…. sometimes a few pre-cooked bacon pieces or even pancetta

3. Add chopped kale

4. Stir, and cook until kale is tender/crispy – season with salt & pepper (and add a little more olive oil if needed)

 

If you haven’t tried kale before, I dare you to try one of these recipes…. Once you try it, I think you will be happily surprised!

Happy 2012!!!!

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Did you try one of these recipes?  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!