Kale

Kale is one of those vegetables that I never had growing up. I would see it in the grocery store and of course I heard of kale, but I didn't know what to do with it. And I wondered...is it good?
Not only is it good. Its good for you! Kale is one of those super veges. Kale is an excellent source of calcium and iron, creates strong bones and teeth and helps prevent osteoporosis. So for those of you out there asking....what about calcium...kale actually has more calcium than milk! According to the researches from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, reported that the calcium in kale is readily absorbed by the body more efficiently than the calcium contained in milk! In studies of 11 women, the absorption of calcium from 300 mg. of kale averaged .49, while from a similar amount of milk calcium absorption averaged .321.
So now that we know kale is good for us, how do we fix it? The easiest way is to just steam it and then drizzle a little dressing made from a little olive oil and vinegar of your choice. Delicious.
Before you steam the kale, you must cut out the "vein". Don't worry, if you forget or eat it you won't die! I've also make it by washing under water, then drying in paper towel, leave some moisture on leaves. Place safflower oil in a large frying pan, saute some minced garlic, then start putting in the kale, stir, the kale will really cook down. I then sprinkle with Gomashio...yum!
Be creative! Don't be scared. Any way you would fix spinach, you can replace it with kale instead.
Even chopped as a salad! Mixed with pasta...(udon noodles my new favorite pasta), use your imagination....you won't be disappointed!
Kale sauteed in safflower oil over medium heat, then sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.