09 Feb Crazy About Kale
Ahhhhhh: beautiful, colorful, flavorful, and healthy kale! It has long ruffled leaves that resemble large parsley sprigs with hues varying from lavender to chartreuse. The most common type seen in the U.S. is deep green tinged with shades of blue or purple. Kale can grow in colder temperatures and withstand frost, which helps produce even sweeter leaves. There are so many different dishes that can be prepared with this incredible vegetable and it pairs well with just about anything one desires. One of my favorite meals to make with Kale is Roasted Chicken Legs with Potatoes (found under my Recipes). This delicious dish is a simple, flavorful, and cooked in one roasting pan. Kale is also available year-round, making the dish a regular and reliable healthy family meal. When purchasing Kale, choose richly colored (relatively small bunches) and avoid limp or yellow leaves. Also, make sure to remove the tough center stalk before use and keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator; it will store for 2-3 days (after that, the flavor becomes too pungent and the leaves get limp). Kale is so amazingly delicious and has so many health benefits – why not pick up a few bunches next time you’re at the grocery store? You too will become “crazy about Kale . . . .”
Diva Tip:
• Kale is low in calories, high in fiber, and carries a high concentration (or is an excellent source) for antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and K that promote anti-cancer health benefits. This leafy green vegetable is also rich in eye nutrients along with numerous other health benefits.
