I have never been one of those, “Oh it’s a new year I better start eating healthier and I better head to the gym because I didn’t all last year” kind of people. Maybe that’s good, maybe that’s bad. Whatever it is, it works for me.
Last year I made a resolution to live a more balanced life and just be happy and satisfied. I think I accomplished that. I keep chasing my happiness through this blog and good things and happiness follow me. I am even continuing this into the New Year.
While some of you were kicking off a diet today, Mike and I went to dinner with my family. We went to Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. It is a family tradition. You can’t get any better than two dollar PBR drafts, fried chicken, and fresh made to order biscuits.
I figure, why stress out over healthy eating? Stress is even worse for your body than a buttermilk biscuit!
For those of you trying to better yourselves and eat healthier, I have a recipe for you. Kale is an amazing super food. I love making it into a pesto and putting it on noodles or roasted vegetables. It is like a secret second serving of vegetables. Vegetables on top of vegetables!
Now that is what I call healthy! Don’t go crazy with dieting people. It is all about balance. Plus you are all fantastic the way you are!
- For the Potatoes:
- 5 Large Russet Potatoes, cubed
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Pinch Salt and Pepper
- ………………………….
- For the Pesto:
- 2 Cups Chopped Kale
- ¼ Cup Pine Nuts
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Parsley
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut potatoes into cubes. Soak the potatoes in a large bowl of ice water for at least ten minutes while the oven warms up. After ten minutes, pat potatoes dry on a dish towel.
- Place cubed potatoes on a medium baking sheet. Toss potatoes together with olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, tossing a few times in between.
- While the potatoes roast, add cheese, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse for a few minutes until the garlic and nuts are a small mince. Add in the kale, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
- When potatoes are roasted, add to a large bowl along with three tablespoons of pesto. Toss together to evenly coat. Serve right away.
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I am totally all about balance. Unfortunately, at the moment my waistline and my pant waistlines are not in balance.
Fortunately, this plate of healthy food you have is also very delicious!
I put kale in a fresh juice once, and I about lost my marbles…in a bad way. I’ve been scared to try it again ever since! I would totally try it in this though. I mean…pesto is good with anything, ya heard?
Give it another try! It’s not overwhelming or overpowering. I think you will love it!
You didn’t mention that this year you’re resolving to not live in a bagel anymore…
Ps, I have a spinach-kale pesto I’m posting next week. We’re doing that weird same recipe thing again!
That is a brilliant idea! Looks and sounds luvly!
As to the resolution thingy: every day is a fight, every day is the chance to do something, if you want to …
I never use the diet word. It needs to be a lifestyle. And a lifestyle that includes fried chicken and fresh biscuits is my kind of life!
Love using kale in pesto. Totally into that veggie on veggie action!
I never thought to use kale in a pesto, what a great idea! And I completely agree about dieting after New Years, as long as you attempt to eat healthy and live a healthier lifestyle you’ll not only look better but feel better as well!
I love this post and completely agree
And this kale pesto is so cool and you know I love potatoes!! Yum!
What a gorgeous recipe!! I’ve always wanted to try kale pesto!
You really should try kale pesto. It is a little heartier but still so delicious!
This recipe sounds fantastic! We are already fans of roasted potatoes, AND kale, so I think this is going to be a winner.
Stefanie, I wanted you to know that I made the Jalapeno Cheddar Crackers TWICE in the last two weeks! The first time – on 12/22 – they were such a hit my husband said “You can make these next weekend, too!” – which I did on Sunday. SO YUMMY! Thanks for a great recipe.
Happy new year to you and Mike and all those you love.
I am so happy they were such a huge hit! I love those crackers. Happy new year to you and your family Candy!