Clean Eating for Spring: Kale Salad w. Brie & Grilled Chicken

If you've been reading for a while, you know that I am passionate about creating recipes that are seasonal, delicious, and nutritious. As the warmer months approach, I know we all have clean eating on our minds, so I am excited to share a recipe today that uses fresh, healthy ingredients but still tastes indulgent and amazing! This salad would be perfect for a spring lunch with your friends, or as part of your weekly meal prep. Just don't forget the brie, the best part!

To see the full video of how I prepared this spring dish, check out Cheese of Europe here! Bon appetit!

Ingredients:

(Dressing)

1/4 olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast

(Salad)

1 bunch kale, sliced

8 ounces Brie, sliced

1 cup glazed pecans, chopped

1 green apple, cored, sliced into thin wedges

(Chicken)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Whisk the oil with the mustard and slowly add the vinegars. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Remove the stems from the kale and slice. Toss the kale with desired amount of dressing and set aside to marinate.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, kosher salt, lemon zest, pepper, and paprika.
4. Oil the chicken and rub the seasoning onto each piece. Grill on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side. Let rest 4-5 minutes and then slice.
5. Mix pecans and apple slices to the marinated kale, then place the sliced chicken and Brie on top.

Springtime Tablescapes

With the recent spring weather preview we had here in New York got me excited about the season to come! I love hosting parties in the springtime because it’s all about gorgeous surroundings and simplicity, so I like my menu and tablescape to match that simplicity.

Keeping the menu fresh, light, and simple is key for a springtime party. Some favorites are prosciutto and melon, simple grilled jumbo shrimp with tomato sauce, and bruschetta.

As for the table, the season is all about the flowers, so keep those florals as the focus! Stick to either one type in a multitude of colors, or one color scheme incorporated in a variety of flowers. As for the rest of the table, keep it low-maintenance with clean, white dishware and simplistic glassware. Subtlety is key!  I love the rustic feel of wooden tables as a backdrop, and allowing the flowers and food to be the highlight.

Here are a few more  tablescape ideas I loved on Pinterest.

-Chef K

Morning Kick Starter!

Spring is on its way! We've all gotten cozy and bundled behind our coats, but it seems as though now is probably a good time to start planning for that lighter, healthier, body.

Here's a great low-sugar, cold-pressed juice I do every morning to start my day off right. It's energizing, great for your skin and overall total body. What could be better than that? Just a quick, fresh juice in the morning will give you loads of nutrients, fill you up, and give you the energy to start your day off right. Plus, you'll curb all those pastries and sugary delights first thing in the morning! Don't worry, one for dessert later won't hurt ;)

Morning Kick Starter 

1 Green Apple

1 Bunch Kale

2 Handful Spinach

4 Celery Stalks

1/2 Lemon

1 slice Watermelon

Hope this morning juice becomes a part of your routine as it is mine! Don't forget to experiment with other fresh vegetables and fruits that you like. Your local farmer's market is a great place to see what's in season and how you can add a little spin to your favorite morning juice or smoothie. Enjoy!

-Chef K