Kale Salad

Oh my goodness it has been far too long! For those of you that don't know, I made a big move from Georgia to Jersey back in November. Big change. It has given me a new appreciation for hospitality, kindness, warm weather, and smiles. No matter what, I will forever be a southern girl. I obviously have still been cooking, just been quite the slacker in posting. So, here are 2 new recipes to start off 2013. I will post one here, and another in a new post. 
Both recipes tonight involve the ever popular "superfood" kale. For the past year I've been attempting to like this veggie that is supposed to be so good for you. On my own I failed. Well a couple of weeks ago, I went to a potluck with a friend and one of the girls brought kale salad. First thought, great, I am with a bunch of health nuts. If you know me, you know that while I eat well, I also like good food. And kale and good food have never been in the same sentence. Being a trouper, as my parents raised me to be, I fixed myself a plate. We;; turns out, it was: DELISH! Not the quickest salad to put together, but so worth it if you ask me. The best part for me is that you are making it from scratch, therefore you can control the ingredients and change them up however you like. Keeping with my blog's theme, this recipe will make 2 good servings. Leftover salad you think, yuck. Bonus of kale: it holds up til the next day, even with dressing on it! So I hope you try this and I also hope you love it as much as I do! 

Kale Salad:

• 1 bunch kale(I used curly kale)
• 1/2 orange
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 small shallot finely diced
• 1/2 apple diced(I used a pink lady....I would use something tart and crunchy)
• 1-2 tbs honey or agave nectar
• splash of balsamic vinegar
• about 1/4 cup EVOO
• pepper to taste
• salt( I prefer kosher salt or fine sea salt)
• 2-3 tbs toasted sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup feta
• 1/4 cup craisins

In small bowl combine juice of orange and lemon, honey,diced shallot,  olive oil, balsamic, and pepper. Whisk together to form dressing.

WASH(kale is dirty!) and devain kale. Devaining means cutting out the stem from top to bottom. Chop kale into bite sized pieces. In large bowl place kale with generous pinch of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale. Yes, I said massage. You will quickly notice the kale start to change color and almost look sautéed. Continue to massage kale for about 5 minutes. Add diced apple, sunflower seeds, craisins, and feta. Toss all with salad dressing. Great by itself or served as a side. 

Guys, this is so so good. Please try it. Especially you fellow "on the fence" kale lovers out there. This will make you hop the fence! ;)

Feel free to ask any questions!