Eat More Kale. Here's Why:

I don't know if I am one to talk. Today instead of going for a run, I sat on the couch watching SYTYCD and eating Turkey Hill's Double Dunk chocolate ice cream.

Main message: you think you don't like kale but that's not true. Here's some things to like about kale:

1. It is cheaper than dirt.

2. It doesn't have to taste like dirt.

3. Kale was popular in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and during WWII in Europe because it is easy to grow and contains abundant nutrients.

4. One variety of kale is referred to as 'Hungry Gap' because it can be harvested into the early winter.

5. It contains Vitamins C & K, beta carotene, sulphorophane and a host of other things you can see here (at least 20 other daily requirements):  http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2969?qlookup=11234&format=Full&max=25&man=&lfacet=&new=1 

6. Several studies link nutrients in kale to decreases in risk for cancer, as well as lowering cholesterol.

Here is how I know you can eat kale: Ethan did. And you should see how he looked at it when he saw it in the refrigerator. He has a deep distrust of leafy green things not disguised as lettuce.

Massaged Kale Salad with Carrots and Dried Cranberries

 REMINDER: this will not taste like dirt

See? Doesn't that look like a nice, harmless, salad?

What will you need?

Salad

Some (curly) kale (If I am making salad for myself, I use about 1-1.5 leaves)

carrots (i like mine shredded, personally)

dried cranberries

flaked parmesan (or whatever cheese, really)

whatever else you want in your salad! it's your salad!

~1 TBS olive oil

~ 1 tsp lemon juice

Dressing (just give this dressing a try, before you go ranch-ing it up)

1.5 TBS olive oil

1+ tsp Apple Cider vinegar (or if you are a pro vinaigrette-maker, use whatever proportions YOU like)

1 chive, minced or onion, if that's what you have

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tad honey or mustard, either is delicious

What to do?
1. First, de-stem your kale and cut it up. I prefer to roll the leaves and slice them in strips. The texture changes when you massage it, so don't go expecting lettuce.

2. Place all of your kale in a medium bowl with your lemon juice and olive oil. Massage with your hands - YES! do it! - for 1-2 minutes. The texture and color should change, becoming softer and darker green.

3. Mix your dressing ingredients. Probably taste it first, if vinaigrettes are new to your kitchen prowess. Set aside. (Its really better if you let it sit for, like and hour, but ain't nobody got time for that.)

4. Add all the other junk to your salad.

5. Mix dressing. All done.

ps. There are like 500 ways to cook kale. There are entire blogs dedicated to this stuff. Although i had eaten massaged kale salad a few times before, I had never figured out how to make it. Luckily, the BigY people really know what is going on in their featured recipes book. Just give it a try. Even if you don't LOVE it, it's still better for you then most of the things you are eating. Unless you have a perfect diet. In that case, stop reading my blog.