How was everyone's weekend? Things here are going swimmingly! I'm currently learning a song in Spanish for an audition on Wednesday...yeah sooo that's happening:)
So since the weather is getting cooler, it's officially acceptable to start using the oven again! If you're anything like me, I never turn on the oven during the summer! It's just too dang hot! But now, bring it on, baby!
And just what did I make?
Sweet & Chewy Kale Chips!
Now before you run screaming the other way at the thought of "sweet" and "kale" in the same sentence, just hear me out. Truuust me, this is a winner.
This recipe was my recreation of one of my favorite treats from Hu Kitchen! They make a similar kale chip call Sweet Kale Crunch and it. is. rockin. Again, I can't even begin to describe my love for this SCD-Friendly restaurant, so you'll just have to try them out the next time you're in NYC :)
That's the sign outside Hu:)
Back to the kale treats.
These little guys are addicting! And they're a super healthy sweet treat for lazy Sunday afternoons (or anytime really!) I made them when I was home for myself, my dad and brother to munch on during the Bengals game. They both really enjoyed them! We cleaned the entire tray of them!!
And they're Gluten Free, Vegan, Specific Carb Diet friendly and Paleo!
Here's what you need: (Serves 2-3)
3 large stalks of kale, washed, dried and torn into bite sized pieces
½ cup chopped cashews
½ cup chopped pecans
2-3 Tbsp EVOO (You can use coconut oil -- I haven't tried this b/c we didn't have any, but it would be delish!)
2-3 Tbsp honey (Vegan option: Agave)
½ tsp cinnamon
¾ cup raisins
½ cup chopped cashews
½ cup chopped pecans
2-3 Tbsp EVOO (You can use coconut oil -- I haven't tried this b/c we didn't have any, but it would be delish!)
2-3 Tbsp honey (Vegan option: Agave)
½ tsp cinnamon
¾ cup raisins
Preheat your oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and spray it with olive oil. Make sure your kale is bone dry (otherwise it will steam instead of crisp up) and tear it up into bite sized pieces. Put your kale pieces into a large bowl. Drizzle your EVOO and honey over the kale. Then, with clean hands, massage the oil and honey into the kale. Massage for about 2 minutes, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. *This is messy, just embrace it.* Next, sprinkle in your remaining ingredients and massage them into the kale as well. (You'll notice the kale has become much more pliable.)
Spread your kale out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and raisins at the bottom of the bowl over top the kale on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-16 minutes. *Note: Due to the honey, these chips can burn extremely easily. As soon as you begin to smell the cinnamon and sweet pecans, take them out. They'll crisp up.)
Where to begin on this unconventional sweet treat?! Can I just say, kale is the new black?! ;) But seriously, who would have thought that kale could be so delicious? -- And a DESSERT?!!!
For all the skeptics out there, this recipe truly transforms kale! I know personally, I used to think kale was a hearty, bitter, green that had no business sneaking its way into a dessert. But this recipe will convert you!! It did for me!
These little bites are crispy from the kale chips, but then crunchy, chewy and sticky from the raisins and nuts. They are wonderfully nutty and sweet with a subtle warmth from the cinnamon.
And the raisins were my favorite part. They were intensely sweet, and paired phenomenally with the cinnamon and honey.
I dare you to try this recipe. You'll find yourself making them every week for Sunday football! :)
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