Raw-r!

As one part of this happy new journey, I'm exploring the wonders of Raw Food.  Mind you, I'm not going militant or anything, just trying a few dishes - trying to incorporate fresh, and possibly live, food in our diet.  And it's easier than I thought!  Just by consciously balancing your regular diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is the first step.  Easy!  We all do that anyway, right?

The first dish I tried was Jennifer Cornbleet's Mediterranean Kale Salad - that's right, I said RAW kale.  I know, I know!  That was my first thought too - but it's not tough or icky.  I promise you!  You just wash, de-stem and chop up 4 kale leaves, add 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice and a 1/8 tsp of salt and squish it in your hand until it's soft and shiny.  Then you add 1/4 chopped red pepper, a tablespoon of sliced black olives and a tablespoon of pine nuts (expensive, but such a tiny amount, it's worth it if you can buy them from the bulk section).  I'm tellin' ya.  This is delicious!  and it makes you feel decidedly SMARTER when you eat it.  Maybe it's just psychological.  I never ever thought I would crave kale anything, but I honestly do crave this salad.

Sooooo tasty!  ~ v