Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Baked Kale Chips

I've been wanting to try these kale chips for some time now because there's been an abundance of kale growing in my garden. This was the first year I've tried growing it, and I can't believe how much three plants has produced! I've had enough for soups and smoothies all winter long.The great thing about kale (and any type of lettuce plant) is that you can cut the leaves off and more will grow back in just a few days.

I don't understand why kale chips when bought in the stores are so expensive...we're talking several dollars for a small bag! This is what motivated me to make them on my own. This is a really healthy recipe because the main ingredient, kale, is packed with so many vitamins and nutrients. It has a reputation for being the healthiest vegetable out there.
NOTE: If you've never had kale chips before, don't make the mistake in thinking that they should taste like regular chips....they don't! Just don't want you to be disappointed ;)

KALE CHIPS
1 bunch of kale
1 teaspoon of garlic salt
olive oil - You can use a couple of teaspoons of olive oil or do like I did and use the Olive Oil Cooking Spray.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With a knife carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems. (FYI I always do this any time I use kale because the stems are quite bitter and tough.)

Wash and THOROUGHLY dry the leaves. Tear leaves into bite size pieces. Either drizzle kale with olive oil or spray a light coat with the Olive Oil Cooking Spray on both sides.

Sprinkle with garlic salt. Lay in single layer on a non insulated baking sheet.

Cook in oven for 5 minutes, flip, and then put back in for another 5 minutes.
IMPORTANT: There is a fine line between making them crispy and being burnt. After cooking for the total 10 minutes, you may have to keep them in the oven for another minute or two. Keep checking to make sure they aren't burning!
That is it...pretty easy!