Trying Something New
Hello friends! This week is moving right along; I’ve been so busy that I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday?! This week has also been filled with some new eats for me. I was one of the few left in the blogosphere that has not tried kale chips. I decided to take action and make some “chips” of my own. After reading Corinne’s scallop post, I was inspired to cook scallops to go with the kale chips. I’ve eaten scallops many times at restaurants but never at home.
I followed Corinne’s simple directions by making sure the scallops were very dry. I used a paper towel to absorb some moisture.
Next, I heated one tablespoon of olive oil and cooked each side of the scallops for about 2 minutes. Seasoned with salt and pepper.
For the kale chips, I cleaned a bunch of kale and tore off the leaves from the thick stems into bite sizes pieces. Next, I drizzled with olive oil and a little bit of salt. Finally, I baked at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
I served the scallops over couscous with a side of kale chips.
The scallops were delicious. I liked the kale chips more and more with each bite. The texture took a little getting used to. Cory, on the other hand, felt as if he was (and I quote) “a cattle grazing in the open range”. He liked the flavor but had to adjust to the dry, whispy leave-like texture. Overall, Cory gave the scallops a 9 out of 10 and the kale chips a 5 out of 10. I must say, we both had kale particles stuck in our teeth after this dinner 
My next new food was not really a “new” food. I usually eat breakfast cereal every morning but because I ran out of milk I had to try a “new” breakfast. I decided on toasted whole wheat waffles with almond butter, blackberry fruit spread, and bananas.
With healthy fat, protein, and fiber, this breakfast kept me full for hours. It was pretty tasty but I did miss my cereal a little bit. Not to mention, I used the last of my beloved almond butter at breakfast…
A trip to the grocery was very necessary! While perusing the produce section at Whole Foods, I spotted gooseberries. I decided to give them a try. Even the lady checking me out had never tasted them. I’m supposed to let her know how I like them.
Gooseberries are tart with a touch of sour and bitterness. Not what I expected at all! Apparently, gooseberries are popular in desserts and some beverages. I’m glad I tried them but probably won’t buy them again. I prefer my fruit more sweet than sour.
Have you tried any “new” foods recently? Ever eaten gooseberries before?
Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!
Kasey
9 comments 
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January 20th, 2010 at 8:26 am
I love me some scallops! They are my favorite “Fish”, I think. I order them whenever they are on the menu. Yours looks great, and kale chips, perfect. I just made my first batch of kale chips last weekend! They turned out better than I had expected.
I have never tried a goodberry, but now I’m intrigued. I like to ry new things but it’s been a while since I have, unless you count the kale chips!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Sorry, I meant “gooseberry!” Although I’m sure they are also “goodberries”…well, maybe if they were a bit sweeter (I agree with you, sweet over tart).
January 20th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Yes, I have had gooseberries before. They are not my favorite when eaten alone, but I have eaten home-made jam (not made by me) made with them and other fruit, and it tasted great.
I really want to make scallops but somehow I’m always afraid I’ll mess them up. I’ll have to pick some up!
January 20th, 2010 at 9:11 am
ahh i LOVE scallops! where did you find them? ive been lookin for em everywhere!
January 20th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Katie- I found them fresh (not frozen) at the seafood counter at my local grocery store (Rouse’s).
January 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I am so curious to try kale chips. I have seen them so many times on blogs. I might have to try them out.
I am pretty boring and haven’t tried anything new lately… I need to venture out some more. haha.
January 20th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Kale chips?? I have never heard of that. I never tried gooseberries I have never tried, but they look good, are they like grapes they look similar to them? That breakfast looks good, is almond butter better than peanut butter? What brand is the blackberry spread?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:08 am
those gooseberries are so cute!! they look like they have little veins in them…ill be sure to look out for them in whole foods! the waffle sandwich looks fantastic!
scallops AHH I LOVE!!! I cant wait for teh summer to grill scallopps outside! they are teh best, so juicy and delish!
January 21st, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Kiley- they look like grapes but are way more sour and tart. All natural peanut butter and all natural almond butter are very similiar in regards to nutritional content; I personally prefer the taste of almond butter over peanut butter. As for the spread, it is Whole Food’s 365 brand and it is amazing!