Kale Chip assistance!

[NaturallySpeaking]

Hi everyone!

Well, I'm trying my hand at Kale chips for the first time.....the first batch is in the dehydrator now, but I kind of did it by the seat of my pants in terms of preparing / breaking up the Kale because the instructions just said, "break into large pieces."

Well, Kale is pretty huge and I think I may have gotten them too large, because they are sitting so "tall" that I can't get my dehydrator shelves in without skipping a slot. (I've got an Excalibur 5 sheet) and I've only been able to get 3 sheets in, skipping every other sheet. (I've got LOTS of liquid and Kale still waiting to go in!)

So, Kale questions for the experienced (which is not me): :)

1. I took the long stem out (the bottom part where there are no leaves). Is this correct?

2. Do you keep the rest of the upper stem part while breaking up the top (leafy) half? (I did).

3. How many "chips" would you get from one big leaf of Kale? I made them into three big chip pieces, and maybe that's where I went wrong. Should I be trying to get like 6 pieces per leaf?

So, basically, does anyone have some tips on how to best break up the Kale for chips?

Thanks mucho!!!!

Lauren

[Emma-Liza]

I took the entire stem out and cut the two halves in half. So, four chips per leaf. I think the thickness of the stem would drastically affect drying time. They dry pretty fast w/o stems. Hope that helps.

[NaturallySpeaking]

Awesome! Yes, that helps! I'll just chalk up this first batch to learning curve and eat around the stem!

This sure is an adventure. Most of the time, my first time making a recipe turns out "not quite right". It's actually a joke around the house now..."mom's making another raw disaster!" But it's said in fun, and my family is having a good time on the journey (me too)! :)

Lauren

[snoops]

I take out the middle stem and break each half into about 6 pieces. That way they end up each being a mouthful - maybe1"across. I still have to skip every second tray in the dehydrator because I use the really curly stuff that doesn't lie very flat.

[Revvell]

Well, Kale is pretty huge and I think I may have gotten them too large, because they are sitting so "tall" that I can't get my dehydrator shelves in without skipping a slot. (I've got an Excalibur 5 sheet) and I've only been able to get 3 sheets in, skipping every other sheet. (I've got LOTS of liquid and Kale still waiting to go in!)

Which is why I ALWAYS recommend the 9-tray.



1. I took the long stem out (the bottom part where there are no leaves). Is this correct?

I cut the whole vein out.




2. Do you keep the rest of the upper stem part while breaking up the top (leafy) half? (I did).

No.


3. How many "chips" would you get from one big leaf of Kale? I made them into three big chip pieces, and maybe that's where I went wrong. Should I be trying to get like 6 pieces per leaf?

I've never counted.

[lsadeseyens]

I cut the stem out and then I just break them up like I am making a salad. They are fairly small, maybe 2 inches by 2 inches. I mix kale with dressing then spoon them out onto the tray, spreading it around somewhat evenly. Never thought to just cut into 4 or 6 pieces...... though that makes it easier and less time consuming...

[rawviveyourself]

I just take out the spine and tear the leaves as I go - the number of them doesn't matter, because I barely get them out of the dehydrator and they are GONE!:D

[NaturallySpeaking]

Thank you for all the helpful replies! Even though I left the stem in, and made them reeeeeeealy big, they still turned out "OK" (just had to dehydrate them longer). The flavor was so good, and my 4 year old was actually asking for "more Kale chips please!"

I made my first ever totally raw dinner tonight, and took pictures! I'll post them in the photo section! All in all, it was a great night!

Tomorrow, I'm using the rest of the sauce and Kale, and I'll do them up as you all suggested! :)

Thanks!
Lauren

[DebB]

Hi Lauren ~ Which recipe for the chips did you make? I haven't made any yet, but I'd like to - I have the kale and I'm glad you asked these questions about making the chips! *Ü*

[spicyfull]

Don't forget to Save the Stem, Spine and put it in your GREEN Smoothies.

[NaturallySpeaking]

Hi Deb!

I used a recipe I found here, on the forum:

Chrissy's Goddess Chips (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=25739)

Good luck making them...they're yummy!

spicyfull - thanks for the tip on saving the stems for smoothies...hadn't thought about that!

[Veganforlife]

Which is why I ALWAYS recommend the 9-tray.


I cut the whole vein out.



No.


I've never counted.

I concur with Miss Revvell girl!

[lsadeseyens]

Don't forget to Save the Stem, Spine and put it in your GREEN Smoothies.

and all this time I have been throwing these out!!!!!:eek:

[DebB]

Hi Deb!

I used a recipe I found here, on the forum:

Chrissy's Goddess Chips (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=25739)

Good luck making them...they're yummy!

spicyfull - thanks for the tip on saving the stems for smoothies...hadn't thought about that!

Thank you Lauren ~ I earmarked that recipe for the one I want to try now! *Ü*

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

AutumnBreez Kale chips:

Wash and dry 1 bunch Lacinato Kale - Long dark kale
remove stem completely and cut into 2-3 inch pieces
set aside.

Dressing:
In vita mix blend the following ingredients-
4 (+) tsp. garlic (+ depends how garlic you like)
1T. olive oil
1/2 c. braggs apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. braggs amino acids
2T. Tahini
2 dash of all purpose seasoning- organic
2 dash of Cayenne pepper
1/4 Lime (quarter a lime- cut lime in half length ways, half again, remove from skin with some pith intact.)
Optional -additional sea salt
2 tsp black pepper

In large bowl, pour dressing, place a few pieces to saturate with dressing and put on teflon sheets as it will drip a little, had to eliminate trays to skip every other shelf, the kale grabs tray if set too close as you take a tray out. Dehydrate then enjoy.

[NaturallySpeaking]

AutumnBreez,

Thanks for another Kale Chip recipe to try. The ingredients sound YUMMY!!

Lauren

[LainaV]

I just kind of make them up, and they are always really good!

Just cut out the stem (the whole thing) with a paring knife and you'll have two "strips", then cut each strip into 3-4 pieces so you'll get 6-8 "chips" per leaf.

Then throw them in a big bowl and throw olive oil and whatever spices you want over them (I used ground red pepper, cumin, garlic powder and a bit of salt).

Dehydrate until crisp and dark and devour!