Hearty Kale Chips!

Oh the glories of kale!  Despite its appearance and reputation as a way-too-healthy coarse vegetable, kale is believed to be superbly beneficial for humans as it's rich with nutrients.  Kale (Brassica oleracea) is related to cauliflower, broccoli, and collard greens.  Similar to other cruciferous vegetables, kale is rich in vitamins C, K, and calcium.  Kale is also an ideal source of antioxidant carotenoids such as beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), zeaxanthin, and lutein (all of which are purportedly good for eye health).  As if such characteristics weren't sufficient kale is also an adequate source of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol; both compounds are associated with anti-cancer properties.

So to celebrate the wonder of kale we have a hearty, healthy recipe to share with you; we hope it delights your palate and helps you enjoy green living.

Hearty Kale Chips
2 bundles curly kale, leaves plucked from stems (w/ stems discarded)
1 c raw cashews
2 garlic cloves
1/8 c nutritional yeast
1 large lime, squeezed
1 tsp red chili powder
water
salt, pepper, and Hungarian paprika to taste

*We recommend use of organic ingredients where possible.

Using one or two large bowls separate the kale leaves from the stems and rinse thoroughly.  Place 1 c raw cashews in a blender, add enough water to meet the 1 c line on the blender's side.  Then add the remaining garlic, nutritional yeast, lime juice, and spices.  Blend all sauce ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.  Thoroughly lather the kale leaves with the sauce.

Place the coated kale leaves onto a 4-stack dehydrator and dehydrate at 115 degrees for 4-5 hours.  You should have enough kale chips to last one week (unless you're super hungry...it's easy to feel that way with this scrumptious recipe ;-).