Looks can be deceiving

Hale to the Kale!

For such a harsh and coarse appearance, kale can be intimidating to grab at the store or want to cook. However, we all know it's benefits are truly amazing and make for some super tasty, healthy eating.

So here's my stab at a quick kale medley, of sorts...

-1 bunch kale raw
-1/2 acorn squash
-1/2 cup or 3/4 red onion
-1/2 can or 3/4 of white kidney beans
-1 cup raw walnuts, more or less your call
-shaved parmesan, whatever you dig
-1 big salad bowl
-homemade balsamic, but really any dressing of your choice

Take one bunch of kale, remove the spines and rinse thoroughly in salad spinner, massage it before spinning. Once spun throw it in salad bowl.
Prior to cleaning the kale, cut acorn squash in half, salt and pepper both sides cook in oven for 45 minutes to one hour at 400 degrees face down in pan with about 2/3 inches of water. When done, drain water and cook a few more minutes face up. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Take a knife and dice them, like you would an avocado, inside the skin making horizontal and diagonal slices to create little squares. They won't come off skin perfectly but it doesn't matter, they're ready to go in salad bowl but you may want to do this step last.
Before the squash goes in cut the red onion, any way you like and throw in salad bowl.
Rinse and drain the white kidney beans, throw in salad bowl.
Toast the raw walnuts (put them in oven while cooking the squash) for about 15 minutes or less depending on your oven. When done chop and put in salad bowl.
Lastly, sprinkle on lots of parmesan and top with a dressing, my suggestion below.

homemade balsamic dressing
-1 garlic clove sliced once
-1 healthy tablespoon dijon mustard, or any mustard
-1 teaspoon and maybe a splash or two more of rice wine vinegar

-2 tablespoons or a few splashes more of balsamic vinegar
-2 teaspoons brown sugar
-lots of ground pepper
-pinch of salt
-some lemon (optional)

Mix all ingredients in cup or small bowl and whisk, discard garlic before dressing the kale medley

Accompany this with fish or meat for a heartier meal or roll it up in a tortilla, it's all good.