Kale Chips?

Who would think that those two words go together so well? I initially came across the idea of kale chips on the internet. I was looking for a healthy alternative to the processed corn-potato-rice-soy-chips that my son, husband, friends and family all love. These don't exactly replace those chips for the average chipaholic but what they do is provide an incredibly nutritious snack that you can take on the go and know that you are putting something healthy into your body (for all of the health benefits of greens please see previous posts).

These kale chips have been an incredible hit with many kids in my neighborhood who's parents claim that their child "does not eat kale". Most are utterly shocked when their child eats one, and then another and another of these. This has happened to at least three children, including my own, that have tried them.

Here are a few different options for making kale chips. You do need a dehydrator to make the best raw/live version of these. If you do not have a dehydrator try putting them on a baking sheet in your oven for an hour at 200 degrees. Check them periodically and adjust the time until they are crisp. If you are using a dehydrator, spread them on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 115 degrees for about 8 hours. I like to make them in the evening and put them in my dehydrator right before bed so that they are done in the morning when we wake up.

Go ahead...try it! Let me know the results.

Option #1 Tangy Tahini

2 large bunches of kale (I prefer green leafy kale but you can use lacinato aka dinosaur kale)

1/2-3/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup tamari or shoyu

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1-2 cloves garlic

juice of one lemon

pinch of sea salt

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

handful of herbs (I prefer parsley)

Directions: Wash kale thoroughly and remove the thickest part of the stem. Tear kale into larger than bite size pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl. Combine all other ingredients in a blender until smooth. Combine mixture with the kale and massage it in with your hands making sure to thoroughly coat all of the kale with the sauce. Dehydrate/bake according to directions above.

Option #2 Cheezy Chips

2 bunches of kale washed and torn etc.

2 1/2 cups raw, unsalted, preferably organic cashews soaked for 4-6 hours (drain and rinse after soaking)

2 red peppers, seeded and chopped

1 clove of garlic

juice of 2 limes

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to more if needed)

Prepare kale and put aside in a large bowl

Blend red peppers, garlic, lime juice and salt in a blender. Add cashews and blend to a creamy consistency. This also makes a great mock "cheese" to add to wraps etc.

Combine mixture with kale. Massage in with your hands. Dehydrate/bake according to directions above.

Quick and Easy Kale Chips

2 heads kale washed and torn etc.

1/4 cup Tamari

3 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast

Prepare kale and put in large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with tamari, olive oil and nutritional yeast. Massage in with hands and spread on dehydrator/baking sheet. Dehydrate/Bake according to directions above. Easy!