In an effort to try new things...

My boys are like most children in America when it comes to eating. Despite the reality that the huz and I will eat anything -- and I mean ANYTHING -- our kids have developed their own selective tastes. Veggies of choice include carrot sticks, steamed broccoli (yes!), crispy steamed green beans, and, very rarely, a bite of bell pepper. And, if you believe corn is a vegetable and not a grain and a tomato is a vegetable and not a fruit... well, sometimes they eat those too.

After oodles of research, I have been informed that their selective tastes will change over time. And our job as responsible parents is to continue to expose them to a variety of healthy food choices without any pressure that they 'have' to finish their plate. I know, I know, some of us were raised in a strict environment with parents who were products of the Depression era... yada yada yada... and we couldn't leave the table until everything was cleaned off our plates. I understand this train of thought. There have been many times where our budget for groceries was extremely limited and I would be furious at the thought of throwing away any leftovers. But with eating disorders and obesity running rampant in our nation, I think it's important to avoid creating extra anxiety in our kids when it comes to eating. So, fingers crossed, our kids will learn to love trying new things just by being exposed to a wide variety of foods in their childhood...

So, yesterday, in an effort to increase fiber in our diet, I thought I would introduce a vegetable that no one in our family has ever eaten. Ever.

Kale.


Which, by the way, has an incredible amount of fiber per serving. But, truth be told, it's not that great. Truly. I won't be running to the farmer's market anytime soon for a gorgeous bunch of kale. But, hey, I'll try anything once.

And using this preparation, I may even try it again.

Crispy Kale Chips

1 bunch of kale
some olive oil
some salt & pepper/seasoned salt

Oh-so-simple directions: Tear off leaves of the kale into bite sized pieces. Toss with a small amount of olive oil (or, even easier, spray with cooking spray) and toss again with some salt and pepper, or seasoned salt, whichever you prefer, to your taste. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the kale leaves onto the sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes and tadaa! crispy kale chips.

Crunchy, salty and good for you.


Here's the true taste test: What did the kids think?


Little A, 2 years old, LOOOOVED THEM. That little guy constantly surprises me. He ate a small bowlful.


Our 5 year old, on the other hand, gave a polite bite and declined to try another. No thank you, mama.


What can I say? I'm just proud of him for trying it. Good job, little man. And here are your chicken nuggets for dinner. ;)