I have long been a fan of this hearty green, now regarded as a 'super food'. Known for its explosive levels of Vitamin A, C, K, and considerable amounts of cooper, manganese and fiber, kale is the total package. Kale can also boast that it is a strong anti-inflammatory, which for you older and sickly folks is pretty much all you should be eating. But all that aside, how does it taste?

I feel like every time I offer someone kale, they have a horror story of its bitterness and lack luster flavor. I'm sorry for those of you scared by a misguided chef who didn't know what to make of this wonderful green, but please, I beg you to reconsider writing it off! Kale is a hearty and bossy cooking green but is not a one trick pony! This recipe highlights the delicate and rich flavor that kale has to offer, but unlike your usual salad green, kale needs a but more TLC. In order to break down kales firmness it requires a lemon-salt massage. This may seem like a hassle but with all the benefits gained from raw kale, it seems like a pretty fair trade. Kale, which comes in many forms such as curly (pictured above), dinosaur, or red Russian, can stand up to bold flavors of this zesty dressing or a Caesar. Play around with with kale and get your daily values of vitamins!

Massaged Kale Salad

1 bunch kale, rinsed, stalks removed and leaves ripped into bite sized pieces

1 lemon, juiced

sea salt

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon mustard

1/2 teaspoon, srirachi, optional

fresh pepper

In salad bowl add kale, and drizzle with lemon, salt and a drizzle of olive oil and massage until leaves are covered. Let sit for 3 minutes. Prepare dressing. Combine renaming lemon juice, olive oil, honey, mustard, srirachi and fresh pepper. Toss in salad mixture. Garnish with nuts, seeds, grated veggies (such as carrots or radish), chesses (like parmesan) or sun-dried tomatoes (as picture above)!

P.S. If you need any more convincing this salad from start to finish, with the aid of the Italian Market, cost a miniscule $2 dollars!!! Not only is kale amazing, its ridiculously cheap! Eat it!