Kale Chips

Chips are a perfect snack in my book. Something about the combination of crunchy and salty really hits the spot. Unfortunately, most store-bought chips are made with rancid oils and a host of preservatives and chemicals. Not a tasty or healthy option. But why buy chips when a great choice is easily made at home?

Chips bought in the store have plenty of cons stacked against them. Most are fried in some kind of vegetable oil, and this option is even less healthy than it sounds. Vegetable oils such as corn, soy, canola/rapeseed, cottonseed and safflower are rancid. These oils are extracted under high heat and chemicals. They are bleached to make them look palatable and then deodorized so we cannot smell the rancidity created by the processing. Cold-pressed oils such as extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil are healthy alternatives to processed vegetable oils.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are increasingly common in our food supply. Genetic modification (GM) involves either the insertion of genes from virus or bacteria or deletion of genes, thereby changing the natural structure of the food. GMOs are associated with human infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, diabetes, cancer, increased sensitivity to food and changes in liver, kidneys and the gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately, even organic foods are increasingly contaminated with GMOs, so take this into consideration when choosing your food.
The following foods are GM unless they are specifically marked otherwise:
Corn, soy, canola, cottonseed, sugar from sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, crookneck squash, some zucchini and potatoes.

Potatoes are not only likely to be GM but are also part of the dirty dozen. So they are both laden with pesticides and unnecessarily altered in a laboratory. It is best to choose organic if you wish to consume potatoes to reduce exposure to GMOs and pesticides.

This recipe provides a tasty alternative to conventional chips.

I hope you enjoy this delicious way to increase your vegetable intake and indulge in a crisp snack!

Kale Chips

Ingredients:
1 head of organic kale, washed and patted dry
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or melted coconut oil
Unrefined sea salt
Pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Remove the kale ribs, rip leaves into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add olive oil and dust with salt. Massage the oil and salt into the leaves. Then taste, adding salt and pepper as needed.

Arrange kale evenly on baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.

Tools:
Large bowl

Variations:
Consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, chili powder, thyme, Italian seasoning or add any seasonings you enjoy!

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In Health,