One Step at a Time & Kale Chips

I work at a farm market that also has a deli with a full line of gourmet style prepared foods and sandwiches. It is absolutely fascinating to see what people purchase on a daily basis. Some come in weekly for produce, eggs, and some of our college raised beef. Others come in occasionally for our line of specialty sauces and dips. Many come in daily for their lunches, the majority of whom purchase sandwiches, sodas, and chips.

Let's examine this for a minute. Sandwich: probably not the worst thing on the tab. Generally made with whole grain breads, lots of meat, and a good bit of greens. Soda: diet this, zero calorie that. Artificially sweetened mayhem. Eck. Chips: at least many of them go for the baked kind. Or is that even better? Well, I guess if anything it's better than the cookies.

Okay, now let's take a step back. We are in a farm market. Chips? How about the apples, oranges, pears, berries, or plethora of other goodies that cost the same and are 100x better for you? Soda? Right next to the water in the cooler. Right on top of the unsweetened no preservatives added teas. Sandwiches? All you've gotta do is look in the case and see the many options of grain-free salads, meats, and other sides that won't dent your wallet, waistline, or moral when purchased in sensible quantities.

Unfortunately, we have been so trained in this society to eat sandwiches and chips for lunch. It has become so second nature to us that other options are never considered. It takes a little bit of practice, but once you are more aware of your food surroundings then it becomes much easier to consider those better options. Think about that greasy fry before you but it in your mouth. Then think about that cool, crisp apple that will cleanse your palette and keep your fuller, longer. 

Simple changes, one step at a time.

Now, there are certain 'chips' I am okay with. Homemade veggie chips are a much better option for you; healthier, cheaper, and oh-so-delicious!

Kale Chips

The Food

- 1 bunch of kale

- Olive oil

- Salt

- Garlic powder

The Prep

Tear the kale off the steams, wash and dry as thoroughly as possible

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

The Method

When the kale is uber dry, put it in a bowl and drizzle it with olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves to ensure that all leaves are coated

Spread on a foil lined baking sheet

Put in oven for about 10 minutes, until desired crispness (no need to turn)

Put kale chips in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and garlic powder to taste, toss until all chips are coated

Enjoy :)

*You can really play with the seasonings on this one. I mean seriously. Salt, pepper, paprika, savory, cajun mix, all spice, curry, onion powder... oh, the possibilities are endless!