Kale Chips & Project 365

I have a new snacking obsession and can happily report that unlike some of my others, this one is entirely virtuous.

Kale chips aren't a new invention and are popular among health enthusiasts, raw foodists, and vegetarians. I am none of those three, but I really do love these. Fresh kale is rinsed and dried, then tossed with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of seasoning. I like mineral-rich Celtic sea salt, but have also toyed with other seasonings--cayenne pepper, Old Bay, a shower of cracked black pepper and found all lovely.

The crisp chips take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake (really, it's not baking; it's drying) and disappear in mere seconds. Light as air and nori-thin, with just a hint of earthiness and (of course) that addictive salinity; I was able to consume two entire bunches of Lacinato kale during a single episode of The Office.

It's January and we're all still being good. Sticking to our resolutions. Making declarations for the year. These detox and resolution-friendly chips might be just the thing to keep us going a few weeks longer than usual.

I photographed these for Day 5 of my Project 365, in which I photograph one new and different thing a day, every day, for the entirety of this year. There are a lot of us doing it, sharing support and secrets and things we didn't know about each other with each photo. There is even a group just for food bloggers who have taken on the challenge (thanks to the lovely and talented Shannalee of Food Loves Writing).

And yes, since you must be wondering, I did change the look of things here a bit. The macarons are resting in a folder on my hard drive in order to make way for something a little different. I know you might miss them, but I hope you'll appreciate the fresh coat of a paint. It's a sign of good things to come, I'm sure!


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Kale Chips


Ingredients
1 bunch Lacinato (dinosaur) or regular kale, rinsed and gently patted dry
Olive oil
salt (I like Celtic sea salt, but at least try and use Kosher)
Desired seasonings (optional)

Special Equipment: 2 parchment-lined cookie sheets

Directions
Tear the leaves off the thick stems of the kale. Toss in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. If you're adding any additional spices, add them now. Toss to make sure the leaves are well coated. Arrange in a single layer on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.

Bake in a 250 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until the leaves are dry and crisped. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before removing from the parchment paper. Serve and enjoy immediately