Some people think about the Earth every day. But the rest of us need reminders every now and again. And that’s where Earth Day comes in. It’s like one of those Hallmark holidays like Valentine’s day – something that is part of our culture and gets a lot of attention. But hey – that’s okay. We should be thinking about how we impact this place we call home.
To celebrate, I am part of a Virtual Picnic for the planet. Of course, my picnic food of choice is Kale Chips. You have heard me talk about them before. I’m a bit of a junkie (and preacher, in fact). They are just that good.
Kale chips are a perfect Earth Day food, too. You might be wondering if I am off my rocker – but I can clearly explain. If we are supposed to be thinking about Mother Earth on Earth Day, what better for her health than to eat a food made from all natural ingredients. Nobody can argue with eating kale leaves tossed in olive oil instead of a package of fried chips that have been processed and transported all over the country to get to your picnic blanket. Right? So go ahead – be proud to eat these chips.
But these kale chips come with a warning. Reports from parents indicate that they cause strange behavior in their children. Otherwise ordinary children have been known to call their fathers and ask them to pick up kale on their way home from work. Others have procrastinated doing their homework to flip through the pages of The Whole Family Cookbook, and have declared that they MUST have kale chips with dinner…Consider this a simple cautionary tale. Your children may display similar behavior.
Dinosaur Kale
Kale Chips
These tasty treats are easy to make, and store well in an airtight container…if you don’t eat the whole tray first!
Ingredients:
Bunch of kale
Olive oil
Salt, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Hold the thick stem of each kale leaf with one hand. Pinch the base with the fingers of the other hand and rub them up the stem – the leaves will tear right off!
- Put the kale pieces on a baking sheet lined with a silpat (a silicone baking mat) or with parchment paper.
- Pour on a little olive oil and toss with clean hands. Sprinkle with salt (and pepper if your kids like that…)
- Make sure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet sheet.
- Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until crisp.
- Keep an eye on them in case they start to burn.
A Gaggle of other Delicious Earth Day Picnic Recipes:
Simple Bites | Pressed Sandwiches
My Baking Addiction | Mixed Berry Cheesecakes in a Jar
Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad
Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade
Dine & Dish | Sangria
Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad
Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe Roundup
Three Many Cooks | Black and White Caviar
Food for My Family | Homemade Potato Chips and Avocado Ranch Dip
Sugarcrafter |Apple Hand Pies
Tickled Red | Tangy Potato Salad
What’s Cooking with Kids | Kale Chips
Confessions of a Cookbook Queen | Mini Lemonade Cakes
TidyMom | Picnic Pies in a Jar
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Kale chips rock!! I wish that were were all closer today so that I could eat half of the batch with you
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I can now attest to how delicious these are – seriously we were all fighting over the last few bites!
I keep meaning to make these. You’ve just reminded me it’s GOT to happen this weekend! Thanks so much for being part of the picnic, Michelle.
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I’ve never made kale chips but I think that I must!
I love kale chips! Easy and so healthy! Yum!
Kale chips are the best!
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Love these, I can’t stop eating them. In fact I’ve got some Kale in the fridge right now to make these!
We love kale chips! We also make collard chips and chard chips, too.
I like to toss on a little bit of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella for the last couple of minutes of cooking. (Usually done at the point when I check them, but they aren’t quite done.) Warning: these get soggy if you save them, so you need to eat them all!
Full confession I’ve never had kale chips! Can we still be friends? =)
Now we definitely need to picnic together.
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I keep meaning to make Kale Chips, but for some reason they always slip my mind.
I love kale chips too, great picnic idea. Lately, I’ve been roasting the entire dino kale stalk – tossed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Addictive. And so super power healthy.
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