Snack Time: Kale Chips

Not to long ago, my little bro came out to stay with us for a week at the end of his summer vacation. We hung out, he played a lot of video games and just relaxed.  Fun times.  I  also helped him learn the basics of C programming.  He, in turn, wanted to teach me something.  He recently learned how to make Kale Chips and was excited to share his knowledge.  I was a bit skeptical, but I was a good sport, and off to the grocery store we went. 

We ripped up the Kale into chip size pieces and filled up a  big bowl.  We then covered them in oil and seasoning.

Spread them out on a pan and popped them in the oven. 

When they were ready, I hesitantly tried one.  To my surprise they were quite tasty.  The texture  took a bit getting used to because they aren't exactly like chips.  They actually kind of melt in your mouth. Overall, they were pretty good.   My little baby girl even tried a couple, which is amazing because she hates anything that hints of a vegetable. 

Thanks to my brother for introducing us to a new healthy snack!  The video above is where he got the recipe from.  Enjoy!

Snack Time: Hummus

Another yummy but healthy snack that I discovered recently is hummus.  It is totally quick and simple.  As I researched how to make it, I came up that every recipe has the same ingredients in common.  The main difference is the proportions.  You can basically adjust the proportions based on your personal taste.

Make sure you have these ingredients in your kitchen:

Garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas)
Tahini (it's like peanut butter, but made out of sesame seeds)
Lemon juice
Garlic
Salt and/or pepper
Olive oil

I'll give you the basics here, but I would still recommend looking up a recipe with the particular proportions that sound good to you, so that you have a basis where to start.  I've also seen a few variations with extra ingredients, so you might want to try those too. I've tried a few different ones, and then still ended up tweaking it a bit to what tasted good to me.



Mix all ingredients except for the olive oil in a blender or food processor. Transfer to serving dish, then drizzle with olive oil.   Garnish with topping of your choice,  I think I used paprika here.  Other options are parsley, or pine nuts.    Serve with pita bread or veggies. I suggest you give it a try, it's easy peasy, quite delicious and even good for you.

Snack Time: Popcorn and Brewer's Yeast

I've been trying to come up with more healthy snacks.  It's usually easiest to eat junk, especially if it's sitting around in your cupboard.  Cookies, candy, chips never last long in my house because if I know it's there, I like to nibble, and before I know it, I've eaten half a box of cookies by myself.  Not so good for the midsection.  :( 

To avoid this pitfall, I've been trying come up with snacks that are quick, easy and yummy.  Recently we were were at my parents house for a visit, and I was reminded of a snack that I used to love as a child. I used to love eating popcorn.  I remember it was fun using the air popper and watching it fill up the bowl.  But since I've been out of the house I never got my own popper and I fail at making it microwave popcorn. If burning microwave popcorn was an Olympic sport, I'd bring home the gold every time. :)   Even if I could make it right, it's not that healthy with all that butter and salt they drench it in. 

So don't have a popper or burn it in the microwave like me?  I'm going to show you how to make it on the stove (thanks to my dad)  with nothing more then a pot, oil and the popcorn kernels.

Step one:  Put enough oil to cover the surface area of the bottom of the pan. 
Step two:  Pour in one layer of popcorn kernels.  If you put more, there won't be enough room in your pan once it starts to pop. 

Step three: Turn on high, cover with lid. 
Step four: Watch, and remove from heat once popping starts to slow down.  You don't want to leave it on the heat otherwise, it'll continue to cook and burn the pieces at the bottom of the pan.

Step five:  Wait for it to cool a bit and then transfer to a bowl and cover with topping of your choice.
Last and most important step: Grab your bowl, and maybe a friend to share it with and curl up on a comfy couch for a good movie. :) 

I like to put brewer's yeast on mine.  My husband doesn't like it, but it's one of the few healthy items from my childhood that I still like.   If you've never tried it, it's definitely an acquired taste.  It says on the package it tastes nutty or cheesy, but I think there is no way to describe the flavor.  I recently bought this kind, but I think you can get it in the bulk section at your local health food store.  I did some research, and it's all sorts of healthy.. like being high in vitamin B, high in protein, high in chromium, folic acid, and lots of other good stuff.  Google it, you'll  come up with all sorts of information on it's benefits. 



Brewer's Yeast by Modern Products

Or if you're like my husband and think that it's too weird, try a little sugar and cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic powder or just a light sprinkle of butter and salt.  Try to be creative with your topping without making it unhealthy and enjoy your snack!