Brown Sugar Kale Chips

You may remember my entry on sauteed kale back in January. And if you do remember that entry, you may also remember me stating I wasn't a huge fan of kale, mostly due to the texture. Well this recipe totally changes my opinion of kale. For the good. Crispy, sweet, and snackable brown sugar kale chips are AWESOME.

It all started when my colleague made me try her homemade baked chipotle kale chips. I was pretty 'eh' on the idea, but I went for it and was pleasantly surprised. I didn't mind them. Then she mentioned I may like brown sugar ones even more and explained the recipe (which I am only recalling by memory here...) Turns out, I love brown sugar kale chips!!! And I would like to share the recipe... so here it is!


Brown Sugar Kale Chips
Takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. Serves about 3 people. (Unless you're like me and eat the whole thing...)


Ingredients:
1 bunch of fresh kale
1 1/2 tbs olive oil
1/2 - 3/4 cup brown sugar




Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with tin foil.



2. Wash kale and lay out on a towel (or paper towels) to dry. To help the kale dry quickly, use a towel (or paper towels) and pat down the kale by hand. I hear you can also use a salad spinner to help. Try to get the kale as dry as possible.





3. Tear kale into chip-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Note: Do not include the stems.





4. Add a splash (about 1 1/2 tbs) of olive oil and mix in with your hands.





5. Add the brown sugar and mix in with your hands. I eyeballed the amount. I just kept adding more until I felt it was well coated.



6. Spread kale mixture across a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and slightly brown.




7. Be sure to remove from the baking sheet as soon as possible. The more time the kale chips have to cool, the more they will stick to the tin foil!!!

Sautéed Kale

Went for a second run this week with this sautéed kale.  To be honest I didn't really like it.  The flavor was great, but the texture of the kale... I wasn't a big fan of.  I've only had kale once before at The Green Cafe, but it was much softer and easier to chew.  I do, however, think it turned out how it was supposed to, and my roommate gladly ate it for me.  He enjoyed it and said that kale definitely has an acquired taste.  Here is the recipe nonetheless!
Sautéed KaleSource: Vegan's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Inspiration for Cooking, Eating, and Living Compassionately by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Takes about 20 minutes to make and serves 1-2 people
Ingredients:

• 4 stalks of fresh kale
• 5 baby Portabella mushrooms
• 1/4 onion
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1/2 lemon
• olive oil
• sea salt

Directions:

1. Wash kale and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.  Place in a bowl.  Squeeze the lemon half onto the kale and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Pour a splash of olive oil in a large skillet and heat on low.  While heating, rinse and chop up the remaining veggies. 
3. Sauté all veggies until cooked.  Serve immediately.