Reunited with an old friend

It's been a full two years since I've used my Excalibur food dehydrator. I was in the store today with my hubby and saw a box of raw kale chips for $7.99! I really really wanted them, but I couldn't throw down almost $8 for kale chips. So I bought two large bunches of organic kale and pulled out the Excalibur, and I'm not sorry I did!!

I made two flavors, both are delicious and relatively easy to make. Here they are:

Cheesy Kale Chips

1 bunch kale
1/3 cup raw pistachios
1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp garlic salt (I'm in love with Trader Joe's garlic salt grinder!)

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Start by adding all ingredients except olive oil to a food processor and blend to a fine crumble consistency.

Next tear bite size kale pieces from the stem, wash and rinse, and use a salad spinner (or towel) to remove excess water.

Place kale pieces in a large bowl, add olive oil and "massage" the kale until wilted. Add half of the crumble mixture and toss to coat.

Place pieces in a single layer on dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 110 degrees until crispy (about 4-5 hrs).


Teriyaki Kale Chips

1 bunch kale
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp tamari sauce
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/4 tsp onion powder

Mix ingredients and follow same instructions as above (eliminating crumble steps).

Zoodles

Super simple lunch today, Tomato Basil Zoodles!

1 zucchini, spiral sliced
1 Roma tomato, chopped
3-4 fresh Basil leaves, chopped
10-12 whole raw cashews
2 tsp olive oil
Pink Himalayan salt, to taste

Mix all ingredients and enjoy. Super fresh flavor and so easy :)

Smoothies for Breakfast

I've taken a liking to starting my days with smoothies. This is actually a bit unusual for me but I love the boost of raw energy I get from a good smoothie in the morning. My favorite recipe is super simple:

1 fresh banana
1 packed cup fresh greens
1 cup frozen fruit (I like berry blends or mangos)
1 cup water
1 Tbsp chia seeds

I often double this so I can share with my family. It's the best way I know to get dark leafy greens in my girls' diet. They love it!