Kale Chips

Kale Chips

... because when you're trying to eat healthier, kale chips become your source of savory satisfaction in place of Doritos.

Over the past few days, hubby and I have really began changing our diet. We got rid of all junk food at home and replaced it all with fresh fruits and veggies. This also means I had to part ways with chips. I love chips. Actually, I love potatoes in all their glory. Potato chips, fries, baked potato, tater tots, you name it. So obviously, if you're trying to eat healthier and avoid carbs and fats and the whole nine yards, you avoid chips.

And kale chips are the next best thing.

Kale

Of course, potato chips and kale chips don't compare. Who are we kidding? But kale chips are a quick fix and good enough replacement when you know you can't have potato chips. And if they're baked right with delicious seasonings, you can actually have yourself a crispy snack you won't feel guilty about!

KALE CHIPS

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 packs of teared kale (each pack is 10 ounces; I used 2 bags from Trader Joe's)

- seasonings of choice (I used pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Greek Mediterranean seasoning)
- freshly grated parmesan, optional

TO MAKE:
1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Put your teared kale, without their stems, into a big bowl. Drizzle oil over the leaves and massage the oil into every leaf. Be sure not to drench the kale in oil! Use just enough oil to massage onto the kale but don't soak it in oil.

3. Sprinkle your spices onto the leaves. I do this: I put a little bit of each seasoning into a small bowl, mix it up, then just sprinkle that whole mixture over the kale leaves. I'd say 1/4  of a teaspoon of each spice and seasoning works perfect! Toss around to combine.

4. Arrange your kale in a single, even layer on your baking sheets, making sure the kale is as spread out as possible.

5. Bake for 10 minutes. After that, rotate your baking sheet and bake the chips for another 15-20 minutes, until the kale has shriveled up and has looks shrunken. I'd say 25 minutes to half an hour works well here. Just make sure the leaves feel and sound crunchy before you take them out of your oven- it may take longer. Make sure you toss the kale around while it's in the oven as well.

6. If using cheese, add the grated cheese all over the kale chips toward the end of the 2nd baking rotation and bake *just* until the cheese has melted. Add more shredded cheese before serving.

7. Let the chips cool for a few minutes and then serve. Enjoy!