Kale-abration Salad

If you don't grow kale in your garden for any other reason, grow it for the Kale-abration Salad.  Or buy kale at your local farmers' market, or the grocery store.

During college, Kate was an intern at a place called NuGenesis and this is a salad from their cookbook.  She grows kale in her garden and the kale in this picture is from her garden.  She makes this salad frequently.

1 large bunch kale (about 8 cups)
1 large clove garlic, finely-minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup Craisins or raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or other nut
1 apple (chopped)

Thinly slice (chiffonade) the kale.  Make a paste with the garlic and salt by mincing garlic and pressing salt and minced garlic with the flat blade of a knife.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil and honey with a whisk.  Add garlic/salt mixture and whisk until combined.

In a large bowl, add the sliced kale, and massage honey/oil/garlic mixture onto the leaves.  Do this for FIVE minutes.  This process tenderizes the kale and removes the bitterness.  Top with Craisins or raisins, apple, and nuts.

Serves 8.