Monday, May 28, 2012

Kale Chips

Kale Chips and Salsa
Summer is quickly approaching and BBQ season is in full swing around here.  I love grilling out with the family and there are so many healthy options.  One thing I just can't resist and have no portion control over is potato chips.  I can not even have them in the house.  So, when I heard that "Kale" chips are good alternative to potato chips, I was skeptical but curious.  To tell you the truth, I did not even know what kale was.  So, I did a little research and experimenting and came up with this.  Okay, so they are not potato chips, but they are surprisingly crunchy, salty and satisfying.  I had mine with fresh salsa. 

Kale Chips -
1 bunch of Kale
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Kosher salt

So, first step is to go to the store and get kale.  I have heard there are a few varities, but my store only had one kind so that is what I got :)  Rinse the Kale and pat it dry.  Next, rip in into large pieces.  The kale leaf has a rib in the middle of it so tear around that and discard it.  Next toss the kale with the Olive oil.  Make sure the leaves are not drenched in oil, but lightly coated.


Next, spread the kale in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 275 for 20 minutes.  
After you take the kale out of the oven, sprinkle it with the kosher salt and let cool.  Enjoy. Oh,and the Kale is zero weight watchers points and the Olive oil is only 3, so go ahead and eat the whole tray.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Easy yummy corny dip

Happy Mother's Day!  I had a wonderful day.  It did include having 15 family members over for a BBQ.  I just love having the family over and with everyone pitching in and with the hubby manning the grill- all I had to make was a dessert (that recipe to follow later) and an appetizer.
I wanted to keep it simple and healthy, so this is what I came up with.  
I guess people liked it, because it is GONE.

16 Ounces of reduced fat cream cheese (you could go fat free, but ick)
1 package of ranch dressing mix
1 can of corn
1 diced red pepper.

Let the cream cheese come to room temp and then just mix it all together.  Serve with veggies and crackers.
Hey, it is Mother's day, I had to keep it simple.