Have Your Kale & Eat It Too!

 

Kale. It just sounds healthy, doesn’t it? I have always been afraid to try it, probably because it was so healthy, but a friend of mine was telling me how they put it in everything and the kids don’t know the difference. Well, besides the bright green color, of course. I decided to test the theory and see for myself.

At the farmers market, we found an organic stand that had kale. Not having any clue what to look for, I had her just throw a bunch in a bag. I already felt healthier. Honestly. You can laugh, but I really felt ‘healthier’. If only thinking about healthy foods actually worked for all the actual health benefits  

When we got home, I realized I had no idea how to store, clean, cook, etc with kale. So I checked my favorite healthy food site The World's Healthiest Foods and searched kale. They had tons of great information, and I suggest anyone take the time to bookmark that site for future reference.

First things first… wash the kale. I loaded up the sink with cold water and threw it all in there. I washed each piece to make sure all the dirt and bugs (yes, bugs. It’s a natural thing, so of course bugs get in there) were gone.

After the kale was washed, I decided to steam, boil, bake and chop it for various recipes and ways to try it.

Boiling the kale was great for pureeing it. I was able to add it to my homemade spaghetti sauce (below).

We’ll see what the kids say when they get green spaghetti sauce! When I tried it, I could hardly taste a difference. I enjoyed it, and knowing the health benefits I was getting made me like it even more!

I saved a big portion to chop up and put in my smoothies.

The first smoothie I made was kale, plain Chobani yogurt, 4 strawberries and 1 banana. Yummy! I drank most of it before I remembered to take a picture!

Last, but definitely not least, kale chips. I got this idea from a friend of mine and I have to say I was impressed!! Even the Mr. liked them. They are surprisingly addicting, and the picture I have posted here is actually our second batch. We ate the first one before I had a chance to take a picture. Yes, they were that good. It was no potato chip, but I don’t love potato chips to start with, so this was a great alternative! We added sea salt, there was a perfect amount of crunch and salt for my taste. I can’t wait to buy and make more! Maybe next time I won’t tell the Mr. and keep them all to myself. Nah, he could use the health benefits too.

Since I am a kale newbie, I would love to hear any recipes or favorite meals and kale ideas people have! Leave a comment and share with everyone. I am thinking I may even add kale to Little C’s baby food next time around…