Celebrating the Healthy Way

Mindy here. Hope you all had a marvelous Memorial Day weekend. Ours was quiet, uneventful. Of course, I smoked the slab o' meat Sunday, but was still at a loss for sides. Since I'm enjoying much success with my return to Weight Watchers, I didn't want to splurge too much. I needed at least one healthy, satisfying side. And, thanks to the Food Network, I found it.

I don't know about y'all, but lately I seem to be hearing more about kale than ever. Like it's the latest craze. But when I saw this recipe for Kale Slaw, I knew I had to try it.

Here's what you'll need:

• l head kale, stems removed and thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1/2 an orange, juiced
• 1/2 a lemon, juiced
• salt
• ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
•  1 slice bacon, cooked crisp and chopped (since I don't dare have real bacon in the house, I used a heaping tablespoon of bacon bits)
• 1 rounded Tbsp. mayonnaise

Place the kale into a salad bowl. Toss with carrot, orange juice, lemon juice, and salt. Using your hands, rub the acid into the kale. Basically, pretend you're giving it a massage.

Set kale aside.

Prepare a large bowl of ice water and a saucepan with boiling water.

Place the sliced  onion into the boiling water for 15-30 seconds. Remove and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. This removes the bitter taste of the raw onion.

Drain the water and blot the onions with a paper towel.

Add the onion, bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper to kale and toss well.

Add the mayonnaise and mix the slaw well.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made several hours in advance.

This was so yummy, y'all. Though the next time, I think I'll add the juice of the entire orange. That citrusy flavor lends just enough sweetness to make it addicting.

I know Missy posted a recipe for kale chips not long ago, but have do you use much kale in your cooking? Or is it one of those greens you've avoided, uncertain what to do with it, like I was? Maybe kale is a staple for you. How do you like your kale?