Spicy Parmesan and Paprika Kale Chips

I don't know about you, but I am a snacky person. In years past, and especially in times of stress, I had a strange affinity for the combination of salt and vinegar chips and chocolate ovaltine...yeah, I'm weird. So in my epic quest to find a snack that was satisfying, sufficiently salty and with the necessary crunch, I have investigated many options. Baked chips, reduced fat, all of the stuff you can buy pre-packaged at the store. I have a new favorite though, and it's homemade, delicious, slightly salty, slightly spicy, a tid bit cheesy, and crunchy crunchy. Oh, and it's made from kale and completely preservative and junk free, so I can eat them as often as I wish! That's my kind of snack. I know, you're thinking, "kale? ew!" Kale is so good. I love it in anything, but as a chip, it has a slightly earthy flavor and an amazing crispy-crunchy property that makes it irresistible. Even my picky hubby likes them! Make some, and revel in the beauty of healthy snacking.

Start by preheating your oven to 300. If you have parchment, line a baking sheet (I needed 2) with parchment paper. Wash a bunch of fresh kale.

Slice the ribs from the kale, and tear it into bite-sized pieces.

Drizzle three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large bowl.

With your hands, mix the kale and oil, almost massaging the oil into the kale, until the leaves are well-coated.

Scatter the kale over the baking sheets. Top them with a sprinkle of sea salt, 5-6 turns of freshly ground black pepper, for some heat and spice, a generous sprinkle of paprika, and top everything off with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, checking them every five minutes after ten minutes of baking. Mix them around a bit to ensure even crisping. When the leaves are dried and crunchy looking, they are done. Baking them at 300 ensures even cooking without burning, but be sure to watch them.

Remove from the baking sheet and enjoy. These keep well for a day or two, uncovered. They are delicate, so be gentel and don't smash them into a container. Enjoy the healthy goodness!

Spicy Parmesan and Paprika Kale Chips


Ingredients


-1 bunch of kale, washed and ribs removed
-3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
-Sea salt
-Black pepper
-Paprika
-Freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
2.  Wash kale and remove ribs. Tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl with three the olive oil. With hands, gently massage the oil into the kale, until each leaf is coated.
3. Spread kale on baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt, several turns of freshly ground black pepper, some paprika, and some freshly grated parmesan. All seasoning is really to taste-a sprinkle of each ingredient is best.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, checking the kale at 10 minutes and 15 minutes to avoid potential burning. When kale is crispy and dried, it is finished. Remove from oven and baking sheets, handling gently. Serve and enjoy.