Time to show Kale some LOVE!

Call me cheesy but I honestly love Valentine's day. Not for the Hallmark cards, or the roses, or even the chocolates. No. I simply love a day devoted to showing others that you care about them.  Brainstorming all the ways that I can put together little care packages with goodies and infuse them with love is something I treasure and probably spend way too much time preparing. I just wish everyday were more "valentine's day-esque".   

In the spirit of all this love, I thought it only be fitting to show Kale some love as it basically provides us with a 100% naturally sourced multivitamin. Its curly edges and rough texture might make it look a bit standoffish but give a little massage and it becomes incredibly sweet and tender!

If you don't believe me give it a try with the following recipe... 

My dear friend Vange taught me this amazing preparation and I honestly can't go more than a week without making it since it is so simple, tasty and nutritious!

Massaged Kale Salad with Apples and Gorgonzola 

2 LARGE bunches kale (curly or lacinato "dinosaur" varieties work great, whatever looks the best)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/3 cup sunflower seeds, toasted (optional)

¼ cup diced red onion 

1/3 cup currants (optional)

¾ cup diced apple, (½ apple)

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (or whatever cheese suits your fancy)

 

1. Be sure to choose 2 large bunches of kale.

2. De-stem kale by pulling leaf away from the stem.  Wash  leaves.  Spin or pat dry. 

3. Stack leaves, rollup and cut into thin ribbons (chiffonade).

4. Put kale in a large mixing bowl. Add salt, massage salt into kale with your hands for 2 whole minutes. The volume of the kale should reduce by about 1/3.

5. To toast seeds, put in a dry skillet over low to medium heat and stir constantly for a few minutes until they change color and give off a nutty aroma.

6. Put kale in a fresh bowl and discard any leftover liquid. 

7. Stir onion, currants, apple and toasted seeds into kale.

8. Dress with oil and vinegar and toss.  Taste for salt and vinegar, adding more if necessary. When at desired flavor, toss in cheese. 

Now that you've massaged kale, treat yourself to a massage as well.

Happy Valentine's day!