I recently bought a package of Paper Chef Parchment Bags to try. These are bags made out of parchment designed for cooking. I loved the concept – just put the food in the bag and fold one end.
I decided to try a new recipe for kale (serves 4)
3 cups packed kale leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese
2 ounces cooked chopped pancetta or bacon
I preheated the oven to 400, placed my ingredients in the bag and shook them up a bit. I placed it on a baking sheet and baked for 15 minutes. I lifted the bag, about to give it another little shake, and it ripped. It had soaked through (something that has never happened to me with parchment paper).
The kale, however, was delicious. I would make this again in a parchment paper packet (kale on the bottom, other ingredients on the top). The cheese gave it a nice bit of creaminess and the pancetta gave it a little smokiness. In the past I’ve been puzzled by kale – it wasn’t a veggie I ate as a kid and so I have been looking for ways to make it. This one is a winner.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the bags. It ripped immediately. I also felt it did not create as nice of a presentation. The bag was not flat on the bottom, so you would need to lay it on its side, put your food in from the side, fold it and then cut it open to have a dish you could take from bag to plate easily. With parchment you just unfold and there your dish is sitting.
Maybe if you double bagged the food it would work. I use Wilton parchment and I have never had it rip.
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Oh, how disappointing with the bags. I haven’t seen them here yet. Will stick with the regular parchment.
Like you, I’m late coming to kale and welcome new ideas. This one sounds great. Next time I’m in the store, it’s kale in the produce aisle and ricotta in the dairy case!
I love kale, now that I have learned to make green smoothies, plan to plant it in the spring, rows and rows. I look forward to trying this recipe, but will not wait until spring for that! Thanks.
I took 12 litres of raw milk and made mozzarella and then ricotta from the leftover whey yesterday, so I was looking for ricotta recipes. I like kale, so this sounds great!
I want to make cheese! I’ve got to try it.
I have been thinking about buying a juicer. Do you have one?
I am surprised at how much I like it. It looks so prickly and intimidating!
I LOVE kale and am so happy to read this recipe, Brette! It sounds great!
That’s too bad the parchment bags didn’t work. I thought those might be an even quicker way to use all the great recipes you have here. Good to know. I usually get my parchment in bulk at Costco.
Yes, I was thinking it might be easier too. I just ordered a roll of Martha Wrap, made by Martha Stewart, which is parchment on one side and foil on the other. I’m going to be testing that out next. I’ll report in once I get it and give it a try. It was a lot more expensive than parchment though.
Sounds like a great way to use kale! I’m not surprised to hear that the bags didn’t work. It’s a good idea in theory but parchment paper is a lot more versatile.
kale and ricotta: am liking that combo.