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Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Skinny: Creamy Kale & Avocado Dip



There's been a little extra fat, or "snuggage" as I lovingly like to call it, hanging around my skinny jeans lately.  I know.  It's my own damn fault - eating crème brûlée everyday for like four days, and then the most gorgeous birthday cake ever held residence inside my fridge for another four days after the crème brûlée had vanished.  While I've been digging the indulgences, it's time to stop eating so much fat reign things in a little.  I like to be an everything in moderation girl, but let's face it, lately it's been over the top.  Just ask my skinny jeans.




Dear Kale:  I want to like you.  I really do.  But sometimes I find you a bit hard to choke down.  A bit too bitter and tough for my liking (kale growers are never going to sponsor me, are they?) was how I always thought of you.  Until now.  This dip has changed my life forever.  And now we can begin anew.




I held a little soiree, chez Renee, to ring in my 39th year, and this dip was a hit.  And my friends totally weren't lying to make me happy.  I don't have those kinds of friends.  If it would have sucked, they would have told.  Full of secret ingredients like cottage cheese, it's light and bright and it looks pretty in a blue bowl.  Giving the kale a light sauté with sliced garlic and olive oil is just the beginning.  Bust out your blender and go to town, dropping in things like cottage cheese, avocado, lemon zest, chili flakes, cilantro and yes a wee bit of sour cream.  I may be reigning things in a little but I'm not insane.  This dip needs a little fat.  And it's the best way kale has ever made its way into my belly.  That's a true story.  I've been snacking on it all week, with pita chips or sesame rice crackers and even thinned out a little with buttermilk for salad dressing.  When I was first planning my party I thought I must make this killer artichoke dip because it's insane and rather requisite at my gatherings.  But you know what, I think it's been trumped.  I'm never going to be a skinny girl, but with this recipe in my back pocket, my jeans are happy again. 




Creamy Kale & Avocado Dip

2 cups packed kale, rinsed and stems removed
3 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups 2 % cottage cheese
2 heaping tablespoons sour cream
1 avocado
juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
a handful cilantro or basil or other herbs you like
1 tsp red chili flakes

Heat a skillet over medium heat.  Add the olive oil, kale and garlic.  Cook until kale is softened and garlic is golden.  Let cool.  In blender, add the cottage cheese, sour cream, avocado halves, juice and zest of lemon, chives, herbs and chili flakes.  Blend until smooth, scraping sides.  Season with salt and more pepper if you like.  Pour into a bowl and serve with pita chips.  *fresh chives from my garden were used in this recipe! give it up! Inspired by Flavour.



This was the cake my dear friend made for me.  Everything was edible and incredible!  Inside was vanilla sponge with coffee liqueur, fresh raspberries and chocolate whipped cream.  So Good! 

16 comments:

  1. Haha you make me laugh. Love the snuggage, love the dip :)

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  2. Looks divine. What a brilliant way to eat your greens:) Your b-day cake is lovely!

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  3. I'm not a huge fan of kale either but would definitely try it again after seeing this lovely dip.

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  4. I think kale and red chili flakes are best friends, and the dip looks so yummy! I hope the tv thing went well and wish I could see it. Have a fantastic weekend!

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  5. Mmmm this sounds and looks delicious - I'm always on the look out for dips that are a little more 'friendly'- thanks!

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  6. This dip looks lovely! However, does this dip turn brown after being in the fridge because of the avocado? I love avocado, but am always wary of putting in dips for this reason. I guess my main question is does this dip keep for a few days in the fridge or is it best eaten on the day it is made?
    Thanks for the recipe!

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  7. Thanks everyone! Anita - I hate it when avocado turns brown too, but this dip stayed nice and green for a few days in the fridge. The lemon juice will definitely help prevent it from turning brown. Good question!

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  8. My skinny jeans are feeling the same way lately. Another blogger friend said there's the Freshman 15 and the Blogger 50! (well fortunately it's not THAT bad... but if things keep up it will be!). I too am not great friends with Kale... but this might just convince me to give it a shot! Happy birthday!

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  9. Renee, this looks beautiful!!! I'm so glad my post inspired you to make this kale dip and actually like kale! I love your addition of avocado, makes for such a pretty colour to the dip. Three cheers to kale ;)

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  10. Melissa, i hear you about the Bogger 50 LOL! Give the kale a go in this dip - it's really delicious. Elaina - thank you for the inspiration...go kale go!

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  11. This dip sounds so so good! I used to just eat kale in stews that had beans, chorizo, and kale. I didn't realize it could be consumed it dip form too. mm dips.

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  12. I have those same conversations with my skinny jeans. I'm not a big fan of kale either, but that dip definitely sounds good!

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  13. Kale and avocados in one dip? Looks amazing!

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  14. Happy belated birthday! Your friend has quite the touch in making cakes- it's gorgeous and sounds scrumptious. And finally a good use for kale. I'm no fan either but I think you have me convinced that it can be made tasty in this dip. And healthy too- hooray!

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  15. Leave it to you to make something dreadful like kale look (and probably taste) great!

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  16. I'm too old for skinny jeans, 9thank God!) but my two favourite salads involve kale. I will certainly try the dip. The cake looks even better!

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