There are people in the world who like having their photograph taken. Then there are the rest of us.
Right now I’m staring at a calendar and occasionally taking side long looks into a mirror, trying not to make ‘that’ awkward face (head cocked to the side, school marmish pursed lips). In two weeks, I’m having shots taken for the book. Possibly me with a spatula. Me trying not to look like a numpty while stirring the contents of a bowl. Those sorts of things.
If you think I’m calmly taking this in my stride, you think much more of me than you possibly should.
If you think there hasn’t been some extra time logged at the gym doing tricep dips and some other routines The Hungry One has devised; you’re a little off base too.
And if you think that this isn’t precisely the time when skin on my chin has started a reunion with its 14 year old self, then that’s sheer fantasy.
So for the next 10 days things that are good for skin are in. Bring on the blueberries. Bring on the green leafy vegetables. Bring on the salmon.
More than anything- bring on the kale chips.
Kale chips were an edible meme that spread across the internet like Patterson’s Curse a few years ago now. The trickling realisation that roasting this brassica would bring out the inherent nuttiness, allowing its tendrils to crisp into a crunch worthy snack without the oil or carbohydrates was exciting to many.
And it’s also pretty appealing to me. I’ve tried kale chips dusted with smoked paprika and a little bit of salt. I’ve tried them with chilli and a little bit of salt. But my favourite way is drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest.
They’re a delight eaten on their own. But they also pair beautifully with a grilled salmon fillet, shaved fennel, tarragon and a lick of bernaise sauce. Though just a tiny bit of that butter laden bernaise mind. Let’s be honest. The skin is just one thing. Beyond that there’s the whole other question of what on earth I’m going to wear.
Suggestions gratefully, gratefully received.
Roasted kale chips with lemon
Shopping/foraging
One small bunch of kale, about 200 grams, washed and dried
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Half a lemon, zested
sea salt to taste
Here’s how we roll
1). Preheat oven to 150 C/ 300F.
2) Pull of the tendrils of the kale away from the hard stems and then tear gently into pieces around the size of a Pringle. Make sure the kale leaves are clean and very dry.
3) Line a baking tray with greaseproor paper. Drizzle the dry kale leaves with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and lemon zest.
4) Roast until mostly crisp, around 30 -35 minutes. If they’re browning too much, turn some over. Nb, if you take them to the browner edge (as above) they will taste more roasted and a little more bitter. I like bitter things, so I’m happy with that. If you don’t, then you can always turn the temperature down and roast them for a little longer.
5) Eat on their own, store in a air tight container for later, or consume with a piece of salmon, grilled until still blushing in the centre and a salad of shaved fennel, olive oil, fresh tarragon and lemon juice, and a small lick of bernaise sauce.
ooh, kale chips were everywhere in New York and I’ve been meaning to have a go at making them since I came back so this is really useful. Chocolate kale chips (which were also everywhere in NYC) might be that step too far however…
I don’t think I’ve ever tried these but they have every single flavour at Whole Foods for a bajillion dollars. Best of luck with your photo shoot! I know it’ll go great
I bet you look gorgeous Tori! Although I know what you mean, I have stressed about skin and hair and weight too! 🙂
I look awful in posed pictures and I do the picture taking in the family, so the few pictures of me are taken by my husband when I beg him for a memento with my kids. Needless to say, they are all pretty bad. I love the picture on your blog in the top right hand corner. I am sure they will be able to capture a spontaneous moment during the photo shoot. They are professionals after all! But I understand the need to cleansen and be in perfect shape, even if you probably look lovely just the way you are.
What a pretty plate! I feel like you need to use an awful lot of kale for just a little bit of chips, but it does seem worth it!
I adore kale chips, so so good, although I do understand why so many people do dismiss them because of the name.
I am sure you will look lovely. Worry not about skin, photoshop can do wonders – not that it will be needed?
I’m sure you will look fab as always Tori – how exciting. As for the kale chips I am not entirely convinced. It does seem very American!
I hate having my photo taken too – but I’m sure yours will look lovely 🙂 But no harm in eating some skin-boosting foods anyway, especially kale chips as they are so deliciously addictive!