is the superstar of healthy food right now. Everything that is even a little bit good for you seems to be in kale: it's high in iron and calcium, fiber and antioxidants, omega fatty acids and hip factor. What's not to like?

For some people the answer to that question is, "The mystery. . . . and maybe the flavor a little bit too." There are those that find kale a little bitter, so they shy away from it. Most people, though, avoid kale at the grocery store mostly because they don't know what to do with it. "

So, I just munch it off the stem as I watch tv? Or what?"

When I was a kid, I told my babysitter that I was allergic to spinach. That was a lie mostly, except for the fact that cooked spinach really does make me gag. If I make it go down my throat, it doesn't stay long. As with spinach, so with all greens. Therefore, while I like the self-righteous feeling of eating a lot of healthy greens, I'm also kinda picky about how I eat them.

So maybe if you're looking for a place to start with the wonder food we call kale, you'll also like these, my favorite kale recipes. Click on the pictures for links to the recipes.

Sesame, Kale, and Tofu Salad >>

This is a mildly flavored powerhouse of nutrition right here. No cooking required, either: just assembling! (My favorite kind of "cooking!")

Super Garlicky Kale >>

I recommend toasting almonds for this recipe (just toss raw almonds on a hot, dry skillet for a few minutes) and if you can take it, don't skip the red pepper.

Kale Chips >>

Works well with variations, as well, such as parmesan or cayenne. And even people who say they don't like this vegetable

love

kale chips. Try 'em!

I couldn't find a recipe for my personal favorite >>

A bunch of kale torn into bite-sized pieces

An avocado or two, diced

A few big tomatoes, diced

A couple tablespoons of olive oil

A tablespoon or so of lemon juice

a teaspoon each of salt and cayenne

Then massage and mush all the ingredients together until the kale softens a bit.

moves and removes