We all Wail for Kale

I will admit it, I have become obsessed with Kale. I roast it, bake it, saute it, drink it and even freeze it. I eat it savory and sweet. I have made everything from chips to smoothie pops with Kale. It is hailed as one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. Kale gets it's 'AWESOME' rating based mostly on it's high concentration of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and K). Kale can help lower bad cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.
Kale pairs well with Italian themed dishes, much like Spinach. Tear up Kale to add to meatballs or cook with Chicken or Pork sausage before adding to homemade pizzas. Make a pesto using a 1:1 ratio with kale and basil,  and add the kale infused pesto to lasagna or toss with with your favorite pasta.
If you find the texture of the leaves a little rough try squeezing them in clean hands before adding to a salad.
Here are two of my favorite kale recipes:

Alaskan Kale Chips
(Named purely by first being made in Alaska)

Three Stalks of Kale – Washed, Patted Dry and Leaves torn into bite size pieces
1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated or Bottled)
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb Seasoning
Olive Oil

Pre Heat Oven to 350
Place Kale pieces evenly on a baking sheet
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Sprinkle generously with Pepper
Add McCormick Seasoning and Cheese
Bake for Ten Minutes
Or until Edges begin to Brown
Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt and serve

Warm Potato and Kale Salad
Serves Three to Four

Ingredients
One/ Two Large or Four Medium/ Small Potatoes cut into chunks (Leftover or pre- Baked or Boiled)
Two Stalks of Kale- Washed, Patted Dry and Leaves removed and torn into medium sized pieces (discard stalks)
Low Fat Low Sodium Turkey Bacon or Low Fat Deli Ham – Cut into small Strips
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb Seasoning

Heat One Tablespoon Olive Oil in Large Skillet over high heat
Add Bacon/ Ham and cook until bacon is cooked or Ham is heated
Add Kale, One Tablespoon of McCormick Seasoning and Pepper to taste
Sauté until Kale begins to turn bright/dark green
Add Potatoes and cook until heated through (the potatoes should be pre cooked so this should not take long)

Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt, serve warm

NOTE: If the Mixture begins to dry out or stick to the skillet drizzle more olive oil over it as needed to keep moist!

Use as a side dish (Lean Boneless Thin Cut Pork Chops with Salsa Verde pairs well)
Or use to top a bed of mixed greens as a hearty salad (Top with one Tablespoon Neman’s Own Italian Vinaigrette!)

Don't be afraid to experiment not only with Kale, but any vegetable. Try adding vegetables to more and more dishes. When we begin to add more veggies into our basic meal prep we give our families the opportunity to enjoy the meals they love but at a lower calorie intake. 

 The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.
- Thomas A Edison