Twice in her life, little Belle has looked at me as if I am completely, certifiably, mad. Occasion number one came during the pea incident. You may remember that she got one of Birdseye’s finest stuck up her nose. In a desperate attempt to avoid the general anaesthetic, I tried to suck it out. All I achieved was a mouth full of snot and a look from Belle that could roughly be interpreted as “Lady! What the hell are you doing?!” It was not one of my parenting highlights.After a few weeks of domestic harmony, along came occasion number two, this time, after I tried to feed her kale. Making her way around her plate, Belle had happily gobbled up pasta, chicken, green beans and watermelon. She then eyed the kale suspiciously but following a suitably encouraging noise from me, gave it a try. She would not have been less impressed with a rotten frog. After looking at me as if I was trying to poison her, she catapulted the kale across the kitchen. Belle 1: Leafy Greens 0.As a nutrition-obsessed mummy, there are several items on my wish list for my kids. I can’t quite sleep at night unless I know they are regularly eating and enjoying quality protein, wholegrains, good fats and of course their fruit and veg. As a nutrient-rich superstar, I had high hopes for kale. Calorie for calorie, green leafy vegetables are more nutrient-dense than any other food, and none more so than kale. It’s a fantastic plant-based source of calcium and rich in folic acid, potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C too. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s packed with cancer-fighting phytochemicals. It’s an impressive profile.So, determined and admittedly stubborn, I have been trying some other angles for kale. Although I think it’s delicious freshly steamed, I think that’s partly because I know just how good it is for me. I have come a long way, believe me. I did not grow up loving vegetables. The polar opposite in fact.For some people (the vegetable-shy particularly) steamed kale might taste like a bowl of wet autumn leaves. This means that if you want to work it into your diet, you need to use your imagination especially if this will involve your kids.Last week, I gave you quinoa as an example of a way to enrich your child’s diet with a superfood. This week I have some ideas for how to do the same with kale. It has been trial and error on my part (and the long-suffering LH has been subjected to a few experiments) but I have settled on some tasty and sneaky options! Give one of these a try over the weekend kale is everywhere right now and it’s extremely affordable too. One final tip don’t promise your kids that something will be delicious. You lose all credibility if they hate it. Instead, encourage them to try new things, set the tone by being enthusiastic yourself but allow them to make their own minds up. That way you’re more likely to keep them open-minded and some of the good stuff will stick!1. Kale chipsYou can buy kale chips for $1 million in Miles, or you can make your own for under $2. All you need to do is: remove the main thick stalks, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, rinse the leaves well and blot completely dry, toss the leaves in a little olive oil and crushed sea salt, place them flat on a foil covered baking sheet and then bake them at 350-360F for eight to ten minutes. The leaves will be papery thin, fairly crispy and taste delicious! You have to eat them immediately as they don’t keep. These go down well with slightly older kids who like to help cook them and think the idea of a vegetable “chip” is fun.2. Secret sauceFor little or fussy kids, it’s sometimes easiest just to hide kale. Take out the tough stalks, steam the leaves and then puree with a little of the cooking water. Freeze the puree in ice-cube trays and whenever you make bolognaise or chili, throw in a cube or two. Fresh or defrosted puree can also be used as a layer underneath the tomato sauce of a home-made pizza. Sneaky!3. JuiceI am a huge fan of the juice bar at Down to Earth and they are the experts when it comes to green juice. Mix carrot and apple with a little bit of kale. Go easy on the kale the first time until they get used to the flavour. You can also request that your green juice be blended into a fruit smoothie.4. BrowniesThe ultimate in the art of deception hiding vegetables in chocolate brownies. It’s such a good feeling to see your kids enjoying a treat that you know has a nutritious backbone. You don’t have to be deceptive. If you think your kids will find it fun, get them to guess the hidden veggies, or have them make them with you to play the game with friends or family instead. See the recipe suggestion below. Making the purees is easy simply steam the veg and then puree with a little of the cooking water for a smooth consistency. Freeze any leftover puree in ice-cube trays and use in secret sauce.Chocolate brownies (with kale and carrots!)Makes 12Ingredients:3oz bittersweet chocolate chips¾ c carrot puree¼ c kale puree½ c packed dark brown sugar¼ c cocoa powder (unsweetened)2 tbs Earth Balance margarine2 tsp vanilla extract2 large egg whites¾ c oat, brown rice or regular flour½ tsp baking powder½ tsp saltDirections:1. Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease an 8 x 8 (or similar) baking tray.2. Melt the chocolate over a very low heat or in the microwave 30 seconds at a time.3. Combine the melted chocolate, carrot puree, kale puree, sugar, cocoa powder, margarine and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat until light and creamy.4. Whisk in the egg whites.5. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt gently.6. Pour into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.7. Cool completely before serving.8. Serve as they are or with a few berries for some extra antioxidants.The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details visit www.natural.bm or call 236-7511.