Good morning! Can you believe it’s already Thursday? I’ve been busy settling into the new place and lost track of time. The boxes are mostly unpacked, pictures are hung, and our separate home offices are set up just the way we like them. I even carved out a little corner for food photography. I’ll share a tour tomorrow.
Today is the final post in a three-week guest series, and I couldn’t have picked a better person to close it out than Sonnet. Her blog, For The Love of Food, is full of creative, plant-based recipes that are simple, clean, and delicious. Sonnet pairs smart, approachable cooking with humor and practical tips, making her site a great resource for anyone who wants to eat well without fuss.
In true For The Love of Food spirit, Sonnet is sharing a clever way to enjoy more greens: Chocolate Kale Chips. I was so intrigued I tried the recipe the day she sent it, and it’s a delightful surprise — sweet, crunchy, and wildly moreish. If you think kale chips are only savory, prepare to be converted.
Hi! I’m Sonnet, and I’m excited to be guest posting for Leanne while she gets settled in Montreal. I write at For The Love of Food, a seasonal, plant-based cooking blog where I share simple recipes, practical food tips, and a bit of quirky humor. As a holistic health coach and food educator, I focus on making vegetables, legumes, and whole grains approachable and tasty so you can recreate them easily at home.
I’m inspired by Leanne’s creativity, especially with desserts, so this week I turned one of my favorite vegetables into a coconutty, chocolate-covered treat: chocolate kale chips. They’re fast to make, require just a few pantry staples, and deliver a satisfying sweet-and-salty crunch.
Are you ready to try something unexpected? Before we dive in, a quick anecdote: like many people, I have a few big regrets. One of them is not watching more of Oprah when she was on the air. I missed the cultural moment, and I felt like I’d missed out. The lesson I learned is simple — jump on the bandwagon sometimes. Try new things while you can. That’s how I feel about these kale chips: try them now, and you won’t regret it.
If you haven’t joined the kale chip trend yet, this is a great entry point. These are not meant to be a health claim — they’re meant to be delicious. The contrast of slightly bitter kale with sweet cocoa and a hint of coconut oil makes the chips addictive. When a friend caught me mid-snack, she laughed and asked, “Why cover kale with chocolate? Isn’t kale supposed to be healthy?” My answer: the point is that it tastes amazing.
These chocolate kale chips make a creative dessert or snack for parties, after-dinner cravings, or a special treat for kids. They’re quick to prepare, and the toasty finish from baking brings out complex flavor in the cocoa and coconut oil. Ready for the recipe? Print or save it for later.
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| Chocolate Kale Chips |
- 1 cup kale leaves, torn into bite-size pieces, tough stems removed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Coarse sea salt, for finishing
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Place the torn kale leaves in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate-coconut mixture over the kale and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated kale in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not overlapping. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for about 12–15 minutes, turning the pieces once partway through, until the kale is crisp but not burned. Watch carefully at the end of baking to prevent scorching.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chips to cool and crisp further on the pan. Enjoy right away or store once fully cooled.
Tips and variations: For a nuttier flavor, add a drop more coconut oil or finish with a light dusting of shredded unsweetened coconut. If you prefer a slightly sweeter chip, increase the maple syrup by a teaspoon. To keep the chips crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within a day or two—moisture will soften them over time.
These chocolate kale chips are a playful way to enjoy greens and a fun option for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen. They’re a reminder that simple ingredients can become something delightful with just a little creativity.