Kale Rub Down

K, so I went to school for holistic nutrition and wellness.  I know a lot of holistic-y wellness-y people.  They get irritating with their green smoothies and sun salutations and those hideous barefoot running shoes.  One thing they got right?  Kale. 

Do you like having awesome skin and hair?  Do you like feeling energized?  Do you enjoy a good poop in the morning and even another in the evening?  Eat. More. Kale.  Or, you know, any dark leafy green thing.  Just eat them.  And no, they're NOT good blended up into a cup and gulped down.  So here's a pretty good and maybe pretty weird thing to try: rub it down.  I mean massage your greens.  I'm sure you've seen this on menus and other blogs, but it's pretty mind-blowing the difference it makes in the texture.  The salad goes from raw, crunchy and gut blowing to soft, supple and well, easy to eat.

Kale Caesar

2 bunches organic lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped (i didn't do this this time around, but you should) 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup croutons, grated cheese or coconut bacon or all three

1/2 cup caesar dressing, recipe follows

1. In the morning or at least  a couple hours prior, rub your kale with the oil all over and in between.  Get into the tougher pieces and really break them down with your hands.  After it sits, toss with the dressing lightly (you don't have to use it all!) and top with desired add-ins.  (but for real, this coconut bacon MAKES it, ya'll)

Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup homemade mayo or vegenaise

4 anchovy filets

2 cloves garlic, minced 

juice of one lemon

lots of fresh black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse until combined.  If needed, add salt but anchovies should be plenty briny.  If you like a creamier dressing, go for more mayo, if you like it more vinaigrettey sub oil for mayo or just use less!