Kale love

[silva]

Wow. I'd grown up with collards in Ohio, many friends had southern roots, but even my older relatives all grew them. I hadn't heard of kale until I started shopping at a NFS, and on VB!

Collards are big, dark green, flat and somewhat thick leaves. They cook down just like kale, but are always tender, and I never have to remove the stems.
Kale is often fibrous, and harder to chew. I always chop it well when I cook it, but I prefer it in raw in a salad, or baked as chips.
Collards I steam with with just enough water to boil off when cooked, then mix with sauteed onions and garlic. Sometimes I add liquid smoke to the water. I'd say a direct sub for kale.

 

[silva]

Collards are not good raw. IMO, at least. They're bitter raw, but mellow cooked.
Never baked them.

 

[led.boots]

I've never had collards. They're not as widely available as kale where I am.

I love collards but hate washing all the sand off! (Easier now that I use vinegar water, but still.) We have potlucks at work often, and my black friends bring cooked collards to die for. Collard greens are way easier to find in the grocery or farmers markets here than kale is, though kale's new popularity has helped.

 

[kibbleforlola]

Collards are disgusting, don't do it. Also, southerners typically cook collards with ham hoc in the pan, so I'd make sure those "to die for" greens really don't involve death.

 

[led.boots]

Collards are disgusting, don't do it. Also, southerners typically cook collards with ham hoc in the pan, so I'd TtY make sure those "to die for" greens really don't involve death.

The ones I eat from work friends are not cooked with meat. I've learned over the years to ask about everything before I eat it, for sure. Cooked well, I think collard greens are delish.

 

[Joe]

One of the co-authors of the book "50 Shades of Kale" posted an offer to get the Kindle version of the book for free. I think the time-limit on this offer has expired. However, because I "bought" the book for $0.00, there is some sort of feature where I can have a copy of the Kindle book sent to anyone for 14 days. All I need is an e-mail address. So if anyone on VV would like to try this, please PM me with your e-mail address, or "an" e-mail address, and I'll give this a try.

The book is full of information, but many of the recipes involve meat. Many others have eggs or cheese. Perhaps you might substitute for these ingredients. Or just use the non-objectional recipes.

They also have a series of seven bonus videos with info about kale available for free.

Free bonus on book site at http://50shadesofkale.com/free-bonuses

Here's the link to the first video: http://50shadesofkale.com/success/

Today, we're gonna talk about the many phytonutrients in Kale... so, what exactly are phytonutrients? Here's the answer: http://50shadesofkale.com/day-2-kale-nutritional-stats/

Kale is quite a hardy vegetable... yet when you expose it to heat, nutrients can degrade quickly. That's why Jen shows you in this video how to properly sautee kale:

http://50shadesofkale.com/day-3-sauteed-kale/


Are you giddy at the thought of getting more booty trimming kale into your daily meals? We are too and that's why we want you to know the bottom line is not to overcook it. We're sharing all the insider tips so you can be slim and satisfied....
Fastest and easiest way to cook kale
How to maintain the nutrients in kale while cooking it
Best cooking equipment to cook kale
How to flavor and spice up kale
How does wine compare with antioxidant load of kale

 

[Moll Flanders]

I feel like I have to steam it to death in order to get it tender enough to eat...it's a tough little green.

I'm not a fan of kale. I went through a stage of liking it and making kale chips but now the thought of it makes me heave.

 

[Joe]

http://www.vegsource.com/news/2011/...-lower-glaucoma-risk-with-darkest-greens.html

January is when many make resolutions to turn over a new leaf -- it's
also National Glaucoma Awareness Month. So why not combine the two by
resolving to eat more dark leafy greens, like kale and collards. Why?
A recent study found that older women who eat kale or collard greens
at least once a month decreased their odds of developing glaucoma by
nearly 70%.

About 2 million Americans over age 40 suffer from some form of
glaucoma -- a buildup of fluid pressure in the eye that damages the
optic nerve, making it the second leading cause of blindness
worldwide. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles,
wanted to explore the link between consumption of particular fruit and
vegetables and incidence of glaucoma. Looking at dietary data for
1,155 women age 65 and older -- 8% of whom had glaucoma in at least
one eye -- they found a higher intake of certain produce items
correlated with lower risk. In addition to kale and collard greens, a
weekly consumption of carrots yielded a 64% lower risk, while at least
a weekly serving of peaches (processed) translated into a 47% lower
risk.

Previous research suggests a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may
also play a role in reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related
macular degeneration (AMD). One study found that high intakes of
lutein and zeaxanthin, plant compounds concentrated in leafy greens,
delivered an 18% lower risk of developing cataracts. Leafy greens --
and orange-colored fruit and vegetables -- are also rich in
beta-carotene, which when converted to vitamin A helps support overall
eye health. To learn more about eye-healthy nutrients, and the foods
that provide them, click here.

http://www.dole.com/NutritionInstituteLanding/SuperFoods/NI_Eyes_Landing/tabid/872/Default.aspx

 

[sallyomally]

Love collards and kale. Usually braised with garlic and onion or in soups. We make this often in the winter:

http://epicureanvegan.com/2011/10/27/potato-white-bean-kale-soup/

Good served with chunks of rustic bread.

 

[Joe]

In the continuing saga ...

We're half-way through the bonus materials.... today, we're showing you how to make kale-onnaise.... a super-healthy spread similar to artichoke dip... but with kale of course!

You can use kale-onnaise for a lot of things, such as a quick raw kale salad:
http://50shadesofkale.com/day-4-raw-kale-salad/

Whether your want to dabble with the raw diet or or enjoy being in the raw, you'll adore this fast and cool dish that can make without turning on the stove. Whip up our Kaleonnaise (recipe below), a brand spanking new way to top your salads and sandwiches.
How to enjoy kale if you're a first timer
How to make a tempting kale salad that will keep you feeling full longer than traditional lettuce salads
How to add good fats to your diet and why you should include them daily
How to flavor salads with gourmet salts
How to make kale into a tasty dip for Superbowl and food centric parties

Thanks,
Jen & Drew

 

[Joe]

Day 5:

Who could resist kale chips? If you've never made them, it's real easy, just watch today's video: http://50shadesofkale.com/day-5-kale-chips/

Do you have a fetish for snacks foods but hate the punishing calories they deliver? Kale chips will be oh so gentle on your waistline but you can still feel naughty while you enjoy their salty crunch.
A fool-proof way to make ever popular kale chips great for potato chip addicts
How to cook "less than perfect" kale
What part of the kale plant carries the most nutrients
Other superfoods to pair your kale with
How to make kale a fun appetizer dish
Thanks,
Jen & Drew

 

[Joe]

Day 6:

In today's video, we're highlighting breakfast options for kale... including a super-fast, super-filling egg & kale: http://50shadesofkale.com/day-6-kale-breakfast/

Starting your day with kale for breakfast can get your day off on the right foot. The egg/kale combo is rich in carotene, omega-3, and choline - real turn-ons for your brain!
Easy ways to fight stress with the first meal of the day
How to eat less calories throughout the day with a high protein breakfast
How to get two servings of veg in your first meal of the day
Healthy eats for work-out fans
New ways to enjoy eggs

 

[Calliegirl]

Love collards and kale. Usually braised with garlic and onion or in soups. We make this often in the winter:

http://epicureanvegan.com/2011/10/27/potato-white-bean-kale-soup/

Good served with chunks of rustic bread.

It was pretty warm today, but I decided to make this anyway. It was delicious.

 

[SuicideBlonde]

Kale stew for this weeks stew.

 

[RabbitLuvr]

I bought some kale yesterday to put into pasta salad this week.

 

[Joe]

Day 7:

Fried rice is a hugely popular dish for take-out, but oftentimes, it's not the healthiest option. In this video, we're gonna show you how to "Healthi-fy Asian Fried Rice":

http://50shadesofkale.com/day-7-healthy-asian-fried-rice/

No need to sneak off to your local Chinese take-out joint, you can have this kale-afied version to feed your lover or loved ones, totally guilt free.
This rice travels beautifully, so you can even get your kinky kale on at the office. Just warm 1-2 minutes on high in the microwave and dig in.

• Healthy ways to make Chinese fried rice
• How to add more fiber to your meal
• Make a vegetarian dish that everyone will love
• A gluten-free meal when cooked with GF soy or tamara sauce
• How to pair kale with other veggies, like mushrooms that are high in vitamin D

Enjoy,
Jen & Drew

P.S. It's the last day in the weeklong series... but we have one more bonus video coming tomorrow... stay tuned!

 

[Joe]

Day 8--Bonus Day:

We've shared kale recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.... but is it even possible to have desserts with kale? Well, you're about to find out in this unannounced bonus video:

http://50shadesofkale.com/bonus-kale-dessert/

Kale for dessert? You betcha -- frozen hot chocolate is on the menu and it will bring you to your knees. Sinful chocolate can be healthy when you start with 100% unsweetened cocoa and mix in kale.
One of the healthiest ways to enjoy chocolate
How to turn kale into a tempting dessert
Best blenders for ultra smooth kale
Best dairy to dial up health and taste in your desserts
How to further boost nutrition in shakes

Enjoy,
Jen & Drew

P.S. As always, share the love...

 

[Freesia]

You guys are lucky, I have to drive to specialist places to get kale, it isnt there at any supermarket.

 

[AeryFairy]

I've started frying it as part of my breakfast. Damn tasty.

 

[RabbitLuvr]

I got red kale for the rabbits this week. It looks so good, I want to eat it! I might take a leaf and put it in mashed potatoes. Don't tell them!