Ok, maybe I won't try kale chips. I try to eat kale fairly frequently because it's really good for your eyes, and I'm trying to stave off glaucoma. Ugh. The other recipe sounds good, though.

When you mentioned kale chips I thought to myself yuck. Thank you for trying them; now I don't have to! Also, I'm glad you got another camera - I love seeing your photos.

Have a great week!

Hope

That nixes the kale chips for me, since I wasn't a big fan of kale to begin with -- although I do like it in a soup with a can of black beans, a can of tomatoes, a linguica sausage diced and browned (maybe in the case of linguica I should say pinked), and a couple of chopped leeks. You've just reminded me that I usually do this with spinach, but I should try the kale again sometime. Tomatoes and sausage are on my list of big no-nos, but I've found I can eat them in small doses.

I didn't watch the Oscars -- not having seen any new movies this year, I know, I need to get out more, I didn't see the point. Besides, I was busy with pompoms.

Laurie,
On that Chickpea Stew, I see it calls for chorizo. Is that what you use or do you substitute it something else?

Who wore your favorite Oscar dress?

Gina -- I don't use chorizo. I have cooked it with andouille sausage, spicy Italian sausage (my favorite!) and some turkey spicy sausage they have at Whole Foods. Pick something with a lot of flavor because it really makes the stew. I try something different every time to mix it up.

Jenny -- I though Helen Mirren was GORGEOUS. I can only hope to look that good when I am 40 (and she is 65 or something!) She is phenomenally beautiful.

And I was so happy that Hurt Locker won! I saw it Friday night and couldn't stop thinking about it. I loved that it wasn't political at all, but shows you a picture of the real work of war. Plus Jeremy Renner is nice to look at.

MMM...your everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pasta sauce looks so delicious..I think I can taste it in every bite of my boring low fat cottage cheese!!!

I was so happy Sandra Bullock won for leading actress..she is so beautiful and humble..I love her!!

This reminds of the incident with ratatouille. I've always hated it and that's most likely because it was never made very well (not saying that kale chips would ever be tasty, no matter what you put on them, haha)! I stumbled across this recipe randomly and I must say, ever since, I've been a complete addict! It's totally on the stove and almost all in one pan! Its filling, completely full of good-for-you-veggies and of course olive oil and seasoning (which without, nothing would taste good!)
Its SUPER easy and keeps really well in the fridge to take for lunch or whatever later in the week.
Everyone should swear by this authentic ratatouille recipe!
I've seen you post a lot of dishes with roasted and sauteed veggies, so I really think you'd like this one.

Link didn't post in the first one...so here it is:

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-vegetables/recipe-dads-authentic-ratatouille-106669

Hi Laurie. As I frequently tell my kids (and myself), it is good to try new things, even if you don't end up liking them. I have never heard of corn pasta. How does the taste compare to wheat pasta?

Thank you. I kept reading about how great kale chips were. First time I tried them I thought maybe I cooked them too long. So I tried again cooking a little less. Hated them both times. I thought it was just me but I'm so glad not to be alone.

I used the rest of mine in a soup but your sauce looks great.

Just wanted to say thanks for posting all these recipes and food photos... it's been incredibly helpful! I'm in the midst of my own year of "cook more whole foods" experiment. I am not much of a cook, so every time you walk through your process/recipe, I weep with joy. I roasted beets this weekend and they were delicious! I have you to thank for that.

Lorraine -- corn pasta is really good. I tried the brown rice pasta and thought it was too doughy and sticky. But the corn pasta is just right. It does tend to clump up so use a big pot with plenty of water and stir it a lot at the beginning.

Long time reader, first time commenter. I made a fabulous soup this weekend, and made enough that I have lunch today and tomorrow!
Sweet & spicy:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Curried-Squash-and-Red-Lentil-Soup-351416
(Approved by someone who claims he doesn't like lentil soup)

I had a nearly-identical experience with "kale chips" - blechhhh - although I did taste the results three times before throwing in the towel, because it made me nuts to throw out organic kale(spritzed with organic olive oil). It couldn't even go on the compost pile.

I think I'll stick with to adding it to soups and stews, and cooking an occasional panful with olive oil on the stovetop.

I much prefer to sneak kale or chard into things too - I'm not a fan of the greeny taste. But at least you tried someting new!

I watched most of the Oscars last night. I thought Mr. GC had a bit of an attitude that I didn't care for, but he was ribbed quite a bit about his personal life on the red carpet, so maybe that explains it?
On the other hand Colin Firth looked tres handsome!

Hi Laurie. This is kind of off topic, but how are you washing your veggies that I see in the background in the first pic? I've been looking for some good ideas to wash my veggies and was hoping you could tell us how you do it. Thanks so much!

Do you have room on your patio for a small compost bin? It makes me feel less guilty for throwing out food if I can put it in the compost bin.

I don't think there is too much kale would taste good in or on, except for a flavorful sauce that cooks it down to nothing. Kale chips? Yuck lolol

Laughing at myself -- I'm one of those folks who scrunched up her face and said "EWYWWWWW" when she heard of baked kale chips. But since I *DO* like nori, I guess I'll have to try that recipe after all even though you *don't* like it!

Mary
PS in other news this headline caught my eye at lunch... let's hear it for wine!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20100308/hl_hsn/lightdrinkingmighthelpkeepwomenslim

Must have been watching Jacques Pepin on PBS. I tried to make them but most of them were soggy instead of crisp. I will stick with kale soup.

Rice pasta can get gooey very fast. You just have to time it EXACTLY. Then it's totally worth it.

Helen Mirren gets my vote.

My attitude toward kale is ambivalent at best. I'll eat it if it's there, but it's not something I'm ever going to make an effort for. And I'm sorry to say kale chips just never sounded like a good idea. Thanks for trying it so we don't have to. Wonder if the chip idea would be any better with spinach, which I like a lot? Pasta sauce looks wonderful, though, and I'll definitely be trying that!

You intrigued me with the kale chips, so I went off in search of a recipe and cooked some up this weekend. I am in the HUGE minority here when I say yum. But then, I do like nori. We tossed it with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. And I say again, Yum! You can send yours to me :-) p.s. That sauce looks divine!

Faith -- I use Biokleen vegetable & fruit wash. I buy it at whole foods, though you can get it online, too. I love it! You can actually feel the difference it makes on some foods, like apples and cucumbers.

But honestly if you have a good simple soap (not a heavy detergent but basic soap) you can use that and it's just as good. I wash everything. Sometimes when you drain the sink you can see all the dirt that comes off even pre-washed salad and it's icky.

Then again I am a little freaky about some stuff :)

I had the same experience with kale chips: wanted to love them, so, SO didn't.
http://pureandstrange.blogspot.com/2009/12/in-which-i-make-two-things-i-havent.html

You're right. I probably do like kale chips because I grew up eating toasted nori. My mom used sesame oil on nori...I think I will try that on my next batch of kale chips!

Helen Mirren gets my vote too - she was (and is always) just stunning.

I'll take a Jake Gyllenhall/Jeff Bridges sandwich, please. :)

I have had kale chips from a store and they are GOOD! Here is a link to an article about the company that makes them:

http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/63216/

I was hoping you'd found a way to make something like these at home! I think a dehydrator might work better than an oven, or cook them at a lower temperature. Also, the curly regular kale has stronger leaves and they probably stand up to the drying process better.

Ruth, it wasn't an issue of texture or doneness, I just didn't like the taste. I will be the first to admit that I am not a whiz in the kitchen but I doubt any technique improvements would make me like these unless they suddenly tasted like an entirely different item.

But if you like nori, you'll probably like the kale....

I surely enjoy reading your blog, and as always, this one was no exception. (And now I know not to bother making kale chips!) Clever, clever title too!

There is a raw food store in Chicago that sells kale chips. I like 'em. I don't know if I am remembering correctly or not, but I think they may put a bit of honey on them. Man, I hope I'm not pulling that one out of my butt.

I really admire that you are willing to try new things. I know a lot of people (umm, probably including myself) who don't try things, and say, "I don't like that." without trying it first.

While reading your blog, my 10 yr old son came and sat beside me...he's decided your cool because you rate Cherry Tomatoes so highly. :)

I have to say that I love the kale chips! I don't want anyone who might try them to think no one liked them. Exactly the kind of thing I would have hated as a kid. I haven't made them myself yet, so thanks for the recipe!

Pamela, I did think about that before I posted (I always try to anticipate the way people will respond, uh, particularly if I think the response may be negative LOL) (not that I thought the Kale Police would come after me but you know what I mean) and I knew that by writing this and giving my opinion some people would turn off kale no matter what, which isn't my intention of course. But I had to be honest. Though I really do think it's a taste preference issue, not a "kale is gross" issue.

And now that I think about it... there isn't a kale Police, is there? ;)

I can tell you I've made parsnip chips using this method and they are DELICIOUS. And I like roasted Brussels sprouts leaves a lot. Actually, I LOVE the leaves of the sprouts when they get all crispy and browned. And I will eat roasted asparagus when it's so dark and crispy it's practically charcoal.

Oh, and potato chips of course. The best of the best!

I love kale, but not sure about kale in chip form.

Terrachips Beets and Sweets were on sale at Whole Foods so I grabbed a bag (I love sweet potato chips). They were good! I'm not a big fan of beets (except in a beet bread recipe that I haven't made in ages) but I was pleasantly surprised. Just remember that beet juice is often used as a food dye and if you eat too many at once... I think I'll pass on the kale chips but will definitely revisit the beet chips and may even add roasted beets to the menu.

Kale chips? They look like old dead leaves to me!

I had trouble with all dark greens for a long time, but discovered the perfect preparation: rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Sweet, salty, healthy and a good strong flavor to balance the bitter/earthy flavors. YUM.

Cameron Diaz has my vote, along with Meryl Streep. I'm an awards show addict, and watched the Red Carpet pre-show too. Loved Monique (spelling?) in the press room & how she controlled who she would call on. You go girl!
And The Cove....a MUST see. And, finally a woman director wins. Loved Streisand presenting that.

oh no! i admit, i was very eager for the kale chip report! i do love them, myself, but i think you're definitely on to something with the toasted nori comparison---i love it also and often eat it plain!

sorry they didn't work out for you!

That kale looked just like my green chard. Kale in my part of the country (Oregon) usually has a gray cast to it, while the chard is kind of flat, and a deep delicious-looking green.

If it is actually chard, I can understand why you don't like it. I can't imagine baking or drying chard sprayed with olive oil!

I was actually holding my breath on the kale chips. They are gag-worthy, and since we appear to have similar tastes, I was worried about maybe having to give them another go if you liked them! But hurray! You don't and neither do I. Order restored in the universe.

Thanks for the honest report on kale chips. I love kale in soup and stir fries, but did not trust the rave reviews on kale chips.

I'm sorry you didn't like the kale but kudos to you for giving it a shot!

Not so much for those who don't like the taste of Nori, but for those still curious about kale chips, if you sprinkle a little cheese (Parmesan or even cheddar) on the top, it really alters the taste and takes some of the bitterness away....

No, don't do that to lovely kale! Instead, saute it with onions until the onions are sweet, then stir in goat cheese and top with toasted nuts. Really. So much better for everyone.

I can't do nori, either. It's just too bitter for me; I've tried! Thankfully there's a fantastic sushi restaurant near me that will make your rolls to order, so I can get my tuna and avocado nori-free :) Mmmmm.

After you post on kale chips, I tried, I really want ed to like them. Uhh, no. I tried a couple and threw the rest away. The kitchen smelled really bad, so I turned on the fan and opened a window and lit a candle. I totally agree with you - there are much better ways to use kale!

I thought of you this morning when I saw this on the news...about the runaway Prius in LA. I was curious if this officer was the one you caught on the cell phone the other day?! Baha!

http://www.freep.com/article/20100309/BUSINESS01/100309012/1002/rss02

So this is a blonde knitting joke that a friend shared with me and it reminded me of your pics and comments of people driving a few post back. ENJOY!

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, 'PULL OVER!' 'NO!' the blonde yelled back, 'IT'S A SCARF

If you want to try kale another way that leans toward sweet (I find it delicious), I got this recipe from a friend who got it from rachael Ray (I think). It's made with bacon but you can skip the bacon I find and use olive oil for that. So, cook small chopped pieces of bacon till crispy (if you go this route). Remove from stove. Leave enough grease to lighlty coat the pan or just drizzle with olive oil. Add chopped kale, destemmed (not too chopped). Cook kale till it's bright green. Add a cup or two of chicken or veggie stock. Add salt and pepper. Add a cup of dried cranberries. Add a sprinkle or two of nutmeg. Let simmer till cranberries are plump and kale is your preferred texture (I like wilty but not dead). Top with bacon. I love it. Even though I rarely use the bacon. The nutmeg is crucial. It cuts the bitterness somehow. Maybe it would help the chips. Hmmm. Hope I did t make too many typos. iPods. They are humbling.

Try putting some finely grated carrot into your pasta sauce (for the volume you have in your pan, I'd add one carrot). It was my mom's secret trick. It adds a very subtle sweetness. Very yummy!

Love your blog!

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