Kale

Kale has always been one of my favorite veggies. Even before people realized that it was healthy and started eating it, I loved kale. Kale is delicious and is super easy to cook in a variety of ways and make it taste amazing. I like to add kale to as many dishes as I can, but I also like it eat it by itself. Here are three of my favorite recipes for eating kale by itself or with something else.

Sauted Kale (my personal recipe)
-This recipe is great on its own or as a side dish or over pasta. If you put this over pasta I suggest adding mushrooms which should be cooked after the garlic but before the kale.
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale (rinsed and ripped into small pieces)
3 cloves garlic (minced and crushed)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp white wine
1 tsp lemon juice
salt
pepper
Italian Spices

Directions
Heat the olive oil at medium-high heat, add the garlic, cook till golden brown. Add the kale, quickly add the wine and lemon juice and cover. Allow to partially steam, about 1 minute, add the spices, mix, recover and allow to steam for about 2 minutes more. Mix, remove from heat and enjoy.

Kale Chips (my personal recipe)
-This is how I typically make my kale chips, but you can flavor them how ever you like. For example, they would be great with curry powder and ginger. Or if you are from Maryland like me you will probably enjoy them along side your Blue Crabs with some Old Bay seasoning. Kale chips make a great healthy snack or a great side dish.
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale
1 Tbsp olive oil
Italian spices
pepper
salt
garlic powder

Directions 
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Rinse each whole kale leaf individually and shake off as much of the excess water as you can. Rip the leaves into bite size pieces and place into a colander, allow to air dry for 15-30 minutes, tossing occasionally. After the kale is dry, place in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with olive oil, add spices, toss again. Lay out a single layer of kale pieces on a cookie sheet, cook for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the leaves are lightly browned. Enjoy!

Flavorful Steamed Kale (my personal recipe)
Ingredients 
1 bunch of kale (rinsed and ripped)
2 garlic cloves (rough chopped and crushed)
2 lemon wedges
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp white wine
Italian spices
salt

Directions
Place all ingredients in a few inches of water cover with a steaming basket, add kale. Bring to a boil and steam the kale till its color changes. Sprinkle with a little salt, enjoy.