Thursday, March 8, 2012

Superfood Snack: Kale Chips!



Since all of my posts so far have been about desserts, I thought it was time for a recipe that's a little salty, rather than sweet.  Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is an awesome source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C; it is also full of anti-oxidants.  Kale is touted for its cancer fighting power in that it activates enzymes in your liver that help neutralize carcinogenic substances.  Read all about kale at the World's Healthiest Foods Site.  Even if you've never heard of it, kale is easily found in most supermarkets near other cruciferous veggies. Get rid of the potato chips - try kale!

Baked Kale Chips
Ingredients
bunch of Kale (organic if you can!)
olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
sea salt
** Try any blend of spices you like to season the kale**

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350. Cut the curly leaves of the kale from the center rib (the rib is bitter) and tear into pieces.  Rinse well and allow to drain (you can also pat them dry with paper towels).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray a sheet if you don't have parchment); place kale on baking sheet and mist with non-stick cooking spray. (You can also toss the kale with a teaspoon or 2 of olive oil in a bowl before placing on the baking sheet.)  Bake for about 7 minutes; sprinkle with sea salt, toss kale and return to oven for another 8-10 minutes.  There's a fine line between baked kale and burnt kale - make sure to keep your eye on it! When it begins to brown, remove from oven. 

Nutrition
Calories: 36 (in 1 cup)
Vitamin K 1328 % DV
Vitamin A 354% DV
Vitamin C 89% DV

Stay healthy!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Brown Rice Pudding

We had lots of left over brown rice from dinner the other night, so I thought I'd reinvent it rather than letting it go to waste.  Here's my take on a traditionally high calorie/high sugar dessert!

Low Sugar Brown Rice Pudding
 
Ingredients
3/4 cup brown rice, cooked
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
pinch of salt
3/4 tsp Sun Crystals (could also substitute sucanat, stevia, or honey)
1 T liquid egg substitute
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions
In a small saucepan, simmer rice, 3/4 cup of milk, salt, and Sun Crystals for about 15 minutes until it thickens; stir occasionally.  Add cinnamon, remaining 1/4 cup of milk, and egg substitute; simmer for another 2 minutes.  Serve warm or chilled.  
**tip** Since almond milk doesn't set like cow's milk, you may want to add a dash of arrowroot powder or cornstarch to help thicken the pudding.

Nutrition (makes about 3 servings)
Calories: 81
Total Fat: 1.5g
Total Carbs: 13.4 g
Fiber: 1.4 g
Protein: 2.5g 

Stay healthy!