Giada's Spicy Green Beans and Kale

We’re teaming up with other food and garden bloggers to host Fall Fest 2010, a season-long garden party. Each week we’ll feature favorite garden-to-table recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty, whether you’re harvesting your own goodies or buying them fresh from the market. To join in, check out   awaytogarden.com.

It may not be easy being green, but it’s easy to eat your greens when there’s so many to choose from at the farmers’ market this time of year: mustard greens, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach and, my personal favorite, kale.

Instead of cooking greens into oblivion with lots of fat and salt, I prefer kinder, gentler treatments that preserve nutrients (not to mention flavor) , from kale chips to pesto to a riff on green bean casserole . Get ‘em while they’re fresh, then try them 5 delicious ways.

Giada’s Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
Trade in the canned soup and green beans for Giada’s market-fresh take on green bean casserole:  Sauteed green beans, mushrooms and kale with red pepper-spiced white wine sauce and a Parmesan topper.
RECIPE: Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale (pictured)

Kale Chips
These kale chips are a crunchy, light alternative to traditional chips.  Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, then bake at 250 degrees to draw out the moisture.  Give these bright green chips extra flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika, chili powder or your favorite spice blend.
RECIPE: Kale Chips

Wilted Greens With Ricotta Salata
Wilted greens with salt, pepper and a little olive oil are a simple, hearty weeknight side.  With a little more effort, jazz them up with garlic, onion and soy sauce, then top with salty ricotta salata cheese.
RECIPE: Wilted Greens With Ricotta Salata

Potato-Kale Soup
Kale leaves are just thick enough that they keep their integrity when thrown into a pot of soup.  Add a bunch of kale to your favorite potato soup recipe, or try Katie’s comforting wintery recipe, with only 132 calories per serving.
RECIPE: Potato-Kale Soup

Kale Pesto
If you didn’t get it together to freeze pesto during the summer months (hand raised), don’t spend a small fortune on those tiny herb packs at the grocery store — switch out summer herbs for wintery greens like kale.  Katie’s version uses chives, parsley, kale, pine nuts and Parmesan, but kale would also be delicious paired with walnuts and romano cheese.
RECIPE: Kale Pesto

TELL US: What’s your favorite way to eat kale?

More Favorite Veggies with Friends and Family:

• Michelle at Cooking Channel: Cauliflower with Sweet Potatoes
• Food Network UK: Why I Love Cabbage Soup
• Alison at Food2: All About Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Kirsten at Food Network: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
• Paige at The Sister Project: Brussels Sprouts to Convert Determined Haters
• Nicole at Pinch My Salt: Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Walnuts
• Todd and Diane: Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Mint
• Caroline at The Wright Recipes: Fresh Brussels Sprout Salad with Pears and Blue Cheese
• Caron at San Diego Foodstuff: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
• Gilded Fork: Bodacious Brassicas
• Alana at Eating from the Ground Up: Brussels Sprouts Gratin