CRISPY KALE BARS
Copious amounts of kale were sacrificed in my pursuit of a kale energy bar. On my umpteenth attempt at puréeing the leaves into gooey-green glue, inspiration struck: why not incorporate the kale in crispy kale-chip form? It only took one batch to know I had a winner. The trick to getting great bars is to make sure that the kale is super-crisp, which is a cinch so long as you dry the leaves thoroughly- I'm talking layers of clean dish towels or many turns in the salad spinner, a mere minute or two of effort, before baking. If water remains on the leaves, the kale will steam, not crisp. I don't know about you, but the prospect of steamed kale bars doesnt do it for me. But crispy, toasted seed-enhanced bars? Yes and yes!
Provided by Camilla V. Saulsbury
Categories Berry Low Fat Kid-Friendly Low Cal Oat Kale Healthy Seed Small Plates
Yield Makes 10 bars
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 3. To prepare the kale: Thoroughly wash the kale under cold water and then remove all of the excess moisture by blotting the leaves between several layers of paper towels or spinning multiple times in a salad spinner. Transfer the kale to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the leaves with the oil, tossing to coat the leaves.
- 4. Bake the kale in the preheated oven for 12-17 minutes until the leaves appear paper-thin and crisp, but not browned (watch closely). Using the parchment liner, transfer the kale to a rack and cool completely, about 10 minutes.
- 5. Meanwhile, spread the oats, pepitas, and sesame seeds on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in cereal and berries. Crumble the cooled kale leaves into the bowl; gently stir to combine.
- 6. Combine the nut or seed butter, sugar, syrup, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract.
- 7. Immediately pour the syrup mixture over the oats mixture, mixing with a spatula until coated.
- 8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Place a large piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap (coated with nonstick cooking spray) atop the bar mixture and use it to spread, flatten, and very firmly compact the mixture evenly in the pan. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firmly set.
- 9. Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 10 bars.
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Ari Martinez
[email protected]These kale bars are a bit too expensive for my taste. I would have preferred them to be a little more affordable.
Mandy Pickett
[email protected]These kale bars are a bit too salty for my taste. I would have preferred them to be a little less seasoned.
Ch Idrees Sarwar
[email protected]These kale bars are a bit too oily for my taste. I would have preferred them to be a little less greasy.
King Parker
[email protected]The kale flavor in these bars is a bit too strong for me. I would have preferred them to have a more neutral flavor.
Yeseen ali Yeaeen ali
[email protected]These kale bars are a bit too crispy for my taste. I would have preferred them to be a little softer.
Muwanguzi Julius
[email protected]I've made these kale bars several times now, and they're always a hit. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a healthy snack at home.
Nur Kamal
[email protected]These kale bars are a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids loved them!
Rocky Bhai
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of kale, but these bars were surprisingly good. The kale flavor is subtle, and the bars are really crispy and addictive.
Paul Butler
[email protected]These kale bars are the perfect healthy snack. They're crunchy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
Walex Forex Academy
[email protected]I love how easy these kale bars are to make. I always have kale on hand, so it's great to have a recipe that I can throw together quickly.
Tsepiso Mokake
[email protected]These kale bars were a hit at my party! They're so crispy and flavorful, and the kale adds a nice nutritional boost.