Review: Nice Color Pictures, and easy to follow directions
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2013
The book starts off with good information on what kale is and the nutritive values thereof.  There are also some really nice pictures to help identify the various kinds of kale.  Basic directions on preparation of kale along with cooking methods with usage and storage tips are helpful to the newby kale consumer.  I would give  4 stars for that info and the pictures.However, some of the recipes are kinda' reaching and rather unimaginative.  For instance, a number of them use the same ingredients that I have used spinach in.  It was almost like kale had been used as a  substitution because that ingredient was needed for a simply kale recipe book.  While some may be delicious dishes, they are somewhat time consuming for those on a tight schedule.  For instance, listed under breakfast recipes is a mushroom onion casserole with a 45 minute prep time and an additional 35 minute baking time.  Add to that eating time and much of your morning is already gone.I skimmed through the recipes looking for something new and different.  I found Crispy Kale Chips.  I had my doubts; however, having an ongoing hyper curiosity about anything new to me I tried the recipe.  I followed the directions exactly as written.  I realize that oven temps do vary, and I used the low side of the suggested baking time.  At any rate, I had a very crispy slightly burned tasting bunch of leaves.  I think one could use this “stuff” as a topping for salad or in the place of dried parsley.  CHIPS??  Not by the definition that one usually has of the word.  However, according to Webster's 1913 dictionary a chip is anything dried up, withered, or without flavor; -- used contemptuously.  Well, okay.I also tried the strawberry kale salad.  Not bad, but no where does it say to wash the kale.  A personal note:  I have found that a simple rinse does not guarantee clean, non-gritty kale.  Kale can hide the gritty dirt.....and bugs nicely in its curly leaves and substantial stems.  All in all, this is an okay book for those individuals that are not too well versed in the uses and benefits of kale.  I would give it a 3.5 star rating if I could.