I confirmed what I had always believed about myself this past month. I am a stress eater. I threw caution into the wind and settled into a December filled with chips, doughnuts and other fried foods. Let’s not forget the countless desserts and copious amounts of bread that I ate either.

But with 2012 behind me and 2013 and an unacceptable scale reading facing me in the mornings, I am getting back on track with more reasonable food choices. So, I thought that the first thing I would share with you is my new potato chip substitute, Kale Chips.

We tried these for the first time with our friends, Jen and Tom. They had invited us over for dinner and this was a quick appetizer that they whipped up in no time. I wasn’t sure if I would like them at first, but since I am willing to try almost anything, I took a ‘chip’ from the bowl and was immediately impressed by the satisfying crunch that it provided. Yes, I can totally use these as my new go-to snack of choice.

I am pleased with how little time it takes to make this snack. All you have to do is rinse and drain the kale, toss it with a little olive oil and some spices, and throw them on a tray in your oven, it really is that simple.

Since Jamie and I enjoy things that are a little spicy, we find that our favourite flavours to make kale chips are garlic and chili powder with some red chili flakes thrown in for some heat. However, you really could flavour these any way you wanted. Maybe toss them with some dried dill for a dill pickle kale chip, or brighten up the flavour by tossing them in lemon flavoured olive oil and some lemon zest. The flavours really are endless.

Kale has become a regular addition to our grocery list. I have received some great kale salad recipe from friends that I also want to try, but I keep gravitating to the baked kale chips when I find myself staring at the bunch of kale in the fridge. I really am a sucker for a crispy chip.

These stay crispy for a long time, so you could whip up a batch the next time you have company coming over. I am sure that you will be able to convert some of your friends to kale lovers!

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Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• pinch red chili flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. With scissors, remove the kale leaves from the stems. Rinse in a collander and dry thouroughly with paper towels.
4. Toss kale leaves with olive oil, garlic and chili powder and red chili flakes.
5. Place on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes.
6. I bet you will find these your new favourite go-to snack!