The first thing I did after starting on my challenge to eat more vegetables is subscribe to services that deliver organic produce to my front porch every week. Between a CSA share from a local organic farm and a subscription to Imperfect Foods, I now bring in a much larger quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables than I ever used to buy for myself. The upside is that we now eat a much larger quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables.

But there is a downside. Sometimes things pile up that I don’t really care for or don’t know what to do with. Exhibit A – three bunches of kale sitting in my refrigerator last week.

I know that kale has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, but my family just wasn’t feeling it, and I was at risk for composting a lot of kale. So, it was time to search out some recipes, and try some new things.

I was lucky. The very first recipe I found was Kale Chips, and it was a hit. Even though my first attempt wasn’t quite right – I doubted the recipe and used too much salt – we still ate every crumb while the chips were still cooling on the pan. After some tweaking, the second try was even better, and again, they were gone before I had a chance to put them in a bowl. And remember, this is from people who thought they hated kale.

If you have some kale to use up, or even if you’re one of those people who buy it on purpose, I hope you enjoy these kale chips. They’re light and crispy, simple to make, and a healthy snack. And they’re really, really good.

Tasty Kale Chips

½ bunch kale leaves (if using an entire kale bunch, double the recipe, and make it in two batches)
1½ tsp olive oil

• Preheat oven to 300F.
• Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Remove leaves from the kale stems and tear them into large pieces. Wash and spin the leaves until they’re as dry as you can get them.
• In a large bowl, use your fingers to massage the oil into the kale leaves until they’re well coated with oil.

¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp sea salt

• Sprinkle the spice mixture into the kale and toss to combine.
• Spread the kale on the baking sheet in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the kale.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Cool the kale briefly and enjoy.

Adapted from Oh She Glows. I was excited to discover this site, and I recommend checking it out.

How is Kale Good for You?

According to WebMD, Kale is a superfood, high in the following:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Folate (a B vitamin)
• Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
• And also: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Zinc

It can help lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and it’s low-calorie but filling, so it can help you lose weight.