Kale Confiscation : Chinese Flavored Kale Chips

The standard fare of cookies and cakes usually dominates our refreshment table at church between services.  Recently, one member graced the refreshment table with an elaborate and gorgeous edible arrangement.  While normal people enjoyed the fruit, I longingly drooled over the kale, whose only intended purpose was to serve as a backdrop, keeping the fruit in place and looking good.  For me, it proved to be a test of self- control.  Having no pride, I quickly gained permission from the donor to confiscate the kale as soon as the fruit was gone. 

Once home, I put my imagination to work and came up with this delectable, edible science experiment bursting with nutrition and flavor.  I promise you, you’ll never look at an edible arrangement the same way again. 

Chinese Flavored Kale Chips

Combine:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup raw apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 clove of garlic, minced or put through a garlic press

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root

Squirt of Braggs Liquid Aminos

Sea Salt – optional

Red Pepper Flakes – optional – make as mild or wild as you like

Pour above mixture over a pound or two of fresh kale leaves which have been washed and stem cut out.  I cut along the inside of the stem on both sides to remove the woody stem.  If it is tender, you might wish to leave it intact and eat it. 

Once the mixture is evenly coated, put the kale in your food dehydrator and dry until crisp.  If you do not have a food dehydrator you can bake this in your oven until it is dry and crisp but you will lose many of the nutrients which are heat sensitive.  Set the oven on the lowest setting possible.  Edges will most likely turn brown.  The time needed to dehydrate will differ with each brand of food dehydrator and/or temperature of your oven. 

Variation:  Use your favorite Italian Dressing

Variation:  Use same dressing as above, omit sesame oil and add 1 – 2 teaspoons of curry powder

Variation:  Use just olive oil and sea salt

Variation:   Brush with olive oil and then sprinkle with nutritional yeast and salt

If you have other variations, please share them in the comments section.