Saturday, February 11, 2012

Kale




Learning new things is a part of life that keeps us young, don't you think?  It's pretty amazing to think that as long as we've  been on this earth, I still have things to learn.  I'm 23 years old, so it seems normal that I'm still learning. But what if I had worked at a job for 23 years?  Or if I had been living in the same house for 23 years?  I probably would be an expert in my situation and now have much left to learn about my job or home.  However, life experience is a little different.  It's the only area of my life where I can do something for 23 years and still be considered an infant in my field or trade.  

Lately, I've learned about this new, wonder-plant called kale.  Maybe I'm behind the times, but I'm guessing some of you out there have no idea what kale is either.  Honestly, the first time I heard about it, I was thinking that kale are little fishies that whales eat.  But nope, that's krill.

Do you know what kale is?







 


I didn't either until very recently, when I learned about it in this extraordinary blogisphere.
Kale is sort of like lettuce except it helps prevent cancer, repairs damaged DNA cells, tastes really gross on it's own, stays fresh longer than lettuce, and you can cook with it! 

I bought some kale at the local Food Lion - and based on what other people have said, I'm very surprised that our Food Lion had it!  The first thing I made was a kale salad.  I know of one blogger in particular who likes kale salads, so I figured I would give it a try.  I didn't like it.  It has a much stronger flavor than lettuce.  So, I added lettuce!  Much better.  I prefer a salad made up of mixed greens rather than one kind, anyway.  

Two nights ago was the first time I cooked with kale, and I wanted to share it with y'all!  I snuck it into some chicken I made, and Mr. Robinson didn't even notice!  It was just a simple meal.  I marinated three small chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces, in Lawry's Seasoning Salt 30 Minute Marinade.  I dumped the chicken & marinade into a skillet and added crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, basil and kale.  I had pulled the kale apart with my fingers so that it was in very tiny pieces, and just threw it in the pan. It cooked down and it all looked like basil.  We both loved the chicken.  I couldn't taste the kale and I knew it was in there.  Mr. Robinson had no idea that had snuck some anti-cancer, health food into his meal! SCORE!  :)  



So I've been on a hunt for some more creative things to do with my kale.  I'll keep y'all informed, but in the meantime I hope you'll all go out and buy some kale!  (And come back and tell me what you did with it.)

Obviously, I turned to Pinterest.

I found this recipe for kale chips.
Source: katheats.com via Liorah on Pinterest



This really heavily garnished kale salad looks yummy!



I found an assortment of kale recipes.



I love ginger, and this recipe is for ginger kale!



Kale pasta?!  You mean I can eat my weight in carbs and fight cancer at the same time?!  This would be a good way to "splurge" without really killing all of my progress.  



Kale Pesto.



Kale & Cranberry salad.  I bet the cranberries would take the edge of kale's strong flavor.



Spicy Kale Lasagna!  I might even be able to fool my husband into eating this one!  


Kale casserole.  Man-oh-man.


Hmm...I'm not sure about this one.  A Kale-Apple Smoothie?  



This sandwich looks amazing!  Tomato & Kale!




Or, you could always have a kale bridal bouquet.  Pretty sure that's not edible.  


So, you see, there are tons of ways to incorperate kale into your diet and increase the healty foods you put into your body!  I'm going to make an avocado, kale, and turkey-ham omlete for breakfast!  I hope you're intrigued by this really cool superfood and take some time to learn more about it!  If you have any recipes, let me know!  I'd love to try them!  

Happy Saturday! 

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9 comments:

Unknown said...

I LOVE Kale!

♥ ♥ Just a Girl in Love w/ a Soldier ♥ ♥ said...

You are much braver then me, just give me my mixed greens and Im good to go lol!!

Karrie said...

I find the timing of this post a riot! I just ate a whole plate of sauteed kale last night at a friend's house! I've had it in soup before, but that's about it :)

Sarah Lillian said...

Kale chips are amazing. http://daydreaminginturquoise.blogspot.com/2011/09/kale-chips.html

Also, sauté it in a little garlic and oil and then at the end a few splashes of balsamic vinegar. So good!

Brooke @ Silver Lining said...

Kale is one of those things I haven't gotten the courage up yet to explore. But you make it look so good! And I love the kale bridal bouquet.

Meg @ Mr.C and Me said...

Kale chips FTW!

Val - Knot Tied Down said...

the only time I've ever had kale is in kale chip form. it was good!

also, I just made a twitter account for my blog and am now following you :-)

- Val (Knot Tied Down)

Pamela said...

I have never tried Kale before, but you've got me wanting to try it out! Your chicken looks delicious & the omelette sounds amaaazing!

Amber K said...

I found a recipe this weekend for chocolate coconut kale chips. I'm intrigued and scared by it! They also had cheddar kale chips that I am much less scared to try :)