Hail ye Kale!

“You have to massage your kale.” That was a recent quote from my lovely produce guy who is not afraid to make me blush! Can I just say that I have fallen in love with kale…enough to massage it! (P.S. You massage the kale with avocado, olive oil, and lemon! It is worth noting that my babysitter uses these same ingredients in a masque on her face and she has beautiful skin!)

Kale is a superfood, also fondly known as the “queen of greens.” Your can steam, braise, bake as chips, or eat it raw. It’s a nutritional powerhouse boasting significant doses of vitamins A, C, and K, and is a great source of calcium, iron, manganese, fiber, and live-to-be 100-antioxidants. The deeper emerald green in color, the better chance for taking advantage of its body detoxifying, cancer-fighting and anti-inflamatory benefits. Because it hails from the cruciferous family (think broccoli, brussel sprouts & cabbage), the tastiest way to eat it raw requires first, a good olive oil massage!

The Yummiest Kale Salad

1. First, wash the kale very well and then de-stem it.

2. Chop up 1-2 avocados (make sure they are soft).

3. In a bowl, generously coat the kale with a good olive oil, the avocado, and the juice from 1-2 whole lemons. Wash your hands and then get to work. Massage the kale with the olive oil, avocado (it’s like butter!), and lemon for a good minute or two! Sprinkle with kosher salt and ground pepper.

4. Next, get creative with your ingredients. The choices are endless! I personally love mixing in Montmorency dried cherries, shelled pistachio nuts, edamame, Pecorino cheese or Parmesan, a swirl or two of honey and voila! You could even add in sliced figs or pears, both of which are in season right now. If you are not up for getting your hands dirty, Whole Foods does a lovely kale salad of dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, and walnuts.

Bon Appétit

Live in Hope,

Farrell