Saturday, January 14, 2012

Best green smoothie ever

I am drinking the BEST SMOOTHIE EVER RIGHT NOW! I have not figured out how touploadphotos from my I pad yet but will soon, it is so important to record the recipe immediately!

Vitamix or Blender
2 Bananas
1/2 Bunch Kale
3/4 inch piece of fresh ginger
1 Cup frozen mango
2 handfuls parsley
1 Cup apple cider
1 Cup water
2 Tablespoons honey (for the bear)

Add ingredients in the blender, smooth and enjoy! Soooo yummy! Drink right away to obtain the most nutrients!!!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

CHEEZY GRIPPOS KALE CHIPS

Shalom.
Kale chips have become one of our signature snacks that I love to share with everyne from kids to health nuts to junk food lovers.... I posted a recipe a while ago... However that recipe has evolved and gotten more influenced by Cincinnati culture and love for GRIPPOS potato chips that lives here..the previous recipe is more simple if you are not stocked with the ingredient list here- pleases scroll down.... Picture to come... Please know that I do not measure a single ingredient I just eyeball it and season to taste.. These measurements are just generalizations.


CHEEZY GRIPPOS KALE CHIPS:
Prep time: 20 minutes. Drying time: 3 or more hours if dehydrating
Tools:
High powered blender or food processor
Dehydrator or low temp oven
Salad spinner or large bowl, strainer, and kitchen towels

Ingredients:
2 bunches of kale (lancito or curly work equally well)
Cashews (raw) 1 cup ( or more )
Lemon juice, fresh squeezed 2 lemons
Hickory powder, 1 teaspoon
Cayenne, to taste
Chili powder, to taste
Nooch, aka nutritional yeast, 1/4 Cup
Braggs Amino Acids, few squirts
Maple syrup, 1 to 2 Tablespoons (optional)
Ummmm...I just start throwing seasonings in of whatever I like, have on hand or am feelin at the time...I highly suggest going to Colonel De's herbs & spice shop if you are in Cincy... Or Thymes Square over in Bellevue KY... LOCAL HERB AND SPICE STORES HAVE WAY WAY BETTER PRICE, SELECTION AND KNOWLEDGE THAN THE GROCERY MEGA PLACES! Anything from curries to taco seasonings taste great with kale chips.

Assembly:
Preparing kale...
Take large veins out of kale..just the bottom part closest to the roots, if is thick.
Put kale in bowl or salad spinner if you have one
Cover kale with cool water
Wash off kale in water..move it around wiyh your hands to make sure there are no sand bits or anything.
Strain off water
Spin if you have a spinner or strain and towel dry if not.

Making dressing...
In a high powered blender or a food processor purée the remaining ingredients. I encourage you to taste the dressing and season as needed for your preference. If needed I have added a bit if water to get things moving...sometimes a little olive oil...

Drying...and Mixing...
Prepare your dehydrator trays I spread a few out in easy reach..
There are low temp oven kale chip recipes out there too. Google it...
Now pour the dressing over the leaves (about half at first) massage the dressing into the leaves with salad claws or your hands... You want full coverage, add dressing as needed until the leaves are covered.
Lay the leaves out on the trays evenly, a little overlapping is okay but not a lot.
Dehydrate until chips are dried... Mine usually take a few hours check along the way...

If you do not have a dehydrator but are interested in creating dried foods. I purchased an inexpensive one for my home and have gotten plenty of use. Someday I may get a higher grade one, for now this $40 Nesco one suits me fine.

ENJOY!!!!