Crispy Kale

As we're moving towards a greener world, let's shoot for making veggies and fruits the biggest part of our meal. Kale is my favorite - it offers so many benefits! Not only is it decorative on platters of shrimp, vegetables or fruit, but it's one of the most densely nutritious vegetables around. It actually contains some protein (!) along with Vitamins E, A, C, K, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium (good for osteoporosis prevention), fiber (which can help with digestive disorders, cancer, heart disease and daily healthy bowel function), potassium, copper and manganese, and omega fatty acids - both 3 and 6. It also contains rich sources of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants, including Vitamins A and C.Try this - but don't walk away from your broiler while it's cooking!Groceries:

• 1 Bunch Kale - the denser the better (Red kale is particularly yummy. You may want to buy 2 bunches at once - you're going to love this dish.)
• 1-2 T olive oil
• sea salt

Here's how: Turn oven on to broil. Grasp stem of kale in one hand (one stalk at a time) and glide your other hand down the stem to remove the leaves. Tear leaves into bite size pieces and spread on a cookie sheet. You can fill a cookie sheet with 2/3 of a bunch of kale. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt on top. Toss leaves to mix. Place cookie sheet under broiler, and set timer for 2 minutes. Check kale at the 2 minute mark - remove the pieces that are crispy, and lightly toss the remaining pieces and then return to broil for another 1 - 2 minutes, until all leaves are crispy but not burned. Place in a bowl and munch away...Tip: Invest in a quality cookie sheet. It holds heat and makes great cookies, too.Another Tip:Save kale stems (and other veggie scraps). When you have a container full, chop it in the food processor and mix about 1 cup per meal into your dog's food. Raw veggies are super tasty and nutritious for dogs, too.