Healthy Chips

 

We all have that one downfall, that guilty pleasure, and for many of us it’s chips – potato chips, tortilla chips with guacamole, bbq chips, and while they deliver on taste, they provide us with a lot of empty calories that could be swapped out with a healthier snack. It can’t just be any salty snack, it actually has to satisfy, and once you try these savory kale chips, carrot chips and green bean crisps, you will have a new, healthy alternative for that late afternoon snack. A large part of staying healthy is about planning ahead, so if you make these in advance and bring them to the office or have them available at home, you won’t be tempted to eat less-than-healthy snacks.

Kale Chips

• 1 bunch kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove kale stems from leaves and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
3. Bake until edges are brown, but not burnt, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Carrot Chips

1. Peel carrots into thick slices
2. Toss slices in olive oil and salt
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes
4. Let them cool, and enjoy!

Parmesan Green Bean Crisps

• 1 pound hericots verts or thin green beans
• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbs canola oil or cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat a convection oven to 375 degrees (400 degrees for a regular oven). Combine the Panko, cheese, salt and garlic powder in a small bowl and toss with your hands to combine.
2. Place the dry green beans on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Toss the beans with the 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle the cheese mixture on top, gently turning and pressing the topping onto the beans.
3. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the beans inside. Do not open the door, let the beans cool in the oven for at least one hour to let them achieve their crispiness.
4. Serve plain or dip into the sauce of your choice, ketchup, marinara.