Sweet potato fries

I thought these might be a little spicy with the chili powder, but they weren't at all. They were delicious! From: http://www.parenting.com/article/baked-sweet-potato-fries

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 6 Servings
Serving size: 4 or 5 wedges

You'll Need:

2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 small)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, and place it flat side down on a cutting board. Cut the potato halves into 1-inch-wide wedges. In a small bowl, combine the oil, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Place the potatoes on a roasting pan and brush with the oil mixture. Lay the potatoes flesh side down on the pan and put the pan in the oven. Cook until potatoes, turning once, until soft, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and season with remaining1/2 teaspoon salt. Let the wedges cool for a bit, and serve warm.

Barley and Sweet Potato Balls

C really liked this recipe but they didn't really turn our a balls for me. More like mashed potato consistency. It is good practice for him to use a spoon because it scoops easily. It's from http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/news/2009/07/sweet-barley-potato-balls-finger-food-fun-for-babies/

Barley and Sweet Potato Balls

1 cup soft cooked pearled barley (not pureed.)
1 cup cooked sweet potatoes
1/2 cup applesauce or peach puree
pinch of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg as desired (8 months +)

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
2. Shape into small bite sized “balls” or plops for a nice baby finger food.

Kale Chips

These may not sound too appealling at first, but give them a shot. I started making them when we got kale in our produce co-op and we didn't really care for it steamed. They are strangely addictive. I snuck some into the movies the other night to munch on instead of popcorn. And my son loves them- keeps asking for more! Two things to note: I've found they don't really store well (they got soggy) so make small batches and eat it up, and it kinda gives you some funky breath, so beware!

There are 2 different versions listed below
Baked Kale Chips (from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Kale-Chips/Detail.aspx)

Ingredients
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes. (Watch them closely, I usually only bake them about 8-10 min)

I'm going to try this version this weekend.

Salt & Vinegar Kale Chips

1 bunch kale, about 12 ounces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350° F.Wash the kale, dry thoroughly in a salad spinner, and tear into bite-size pieces. Toss in a large bowl with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if desired. Rub the leaves to make sure each gets a coating of oil so they crisp up well. Oil a baking sheet.Place the kale in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Bake for about 6 minutes, then stir and turn the kale and bake for 6 to 9 minutes longer. Remove crisp pieces as they get done to prevent burning and to allow the remaining kale chips to get even heat.