Mmm Leafy Green Kale

Last winter was the first time that I tried to grow my own kale. I have long grown Silverbeet/Swiss Chard but hadn't thought much of kale since I am exposed to it so rarely- I can't recall one time that I've seen it in the supermarket or green grocer since moving to Australia four years ago! After hearing how amazingly healthy it is and having high hopes that it may be as easy to grow as silverbeet, I bought some seeds at our local gardening store.
The seedlings came up great and produced a fair few leaves before it got too warm outside and the plants went to seed. The way I dealt with this short but sweet harvesting period was to make a couple rounds of Kale Chips through a preparation method I had read about in a Vegetarian Times newsletter. Oh. my. lord. They were amazing and addictive, and I couldn't believe I was eating a food that has been touted as a "superfood" and "the most nutrient dense food that exists"! I CANNOT wait until its cool enough to grow some more- it will be a staple in my garden next winter.
In the mean time, I saw this article on "17 Ways to Use Kale" and thought I should share it because it helps make this somewhat unknown leafy green a bit more familiar. And if you do manage to find yourself some kale, A) Let me know where I can get it too!!! and B) Try some of these preparation methods!

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/17-ways-to-use-kale-slideshow.html