Now that all of the New Year’s celebrations have commenced, finished, and have been forgotten, our society moves on to resolutions.  Most resolutions involve elimination, restriction, abstinence from my observation.  There are definitely great beings out there that take on January with the intent to save the world.  Excellent.  The world needs some work.  The remainder of those who choose to take on the burden of a New Year’s Day mission, are often pigeon-holed into the diet or exercise resolution category.  No sugar.  No alcohol.  No red meat.  No dairy.  Exercise every day.  Exercise 3 days a week.  Run more.  Lift heavy.

I think we promise ourselves these things, falsely believing that “if I just lose 5 more pounds” or “if I just run this much faster,” then I’ll finally be happy.

Is that what happiness is about, the way we look or perform on any given day?

Nope.  That’s not the answer.

And, as we all know, most of us are unable to stick to our restrictive resolutions.  We fall off the bandwagon soon enough.  The resolutions are not realistic.  They are not a way of life. They are temporary fascinations with the idea of something.  Most often, that idea is happiness.

My resolve this year is to be happy.  New Year’s Day I shared that with you.

On the subject of resolutions and change, I also believe that adding in something positive to our lives, rather than taking away something negative is a much more practical approach to transformation and change.  Whenever someone tells me I can no longer have something, all I want is that one thing!  I may be crazy, but I really don’t think I’m alone in this one.  It reminds me of the Ghostbusters scene – the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.  Don’t think about it!  (Yeah, right).

In the spirit of positive additions, I suggest eating more kale.  Of course I do!  I love kale, remember.  Kale is My Candy!

I really just wanted to create something super delicious, kale-inspired, and party ready…

Kale ‘Buttah’ Stuffed Mushrooms

1 large bunch kale
1/2 c. raw walnuts
2 tsp. mild miso paste
sea salt

30 button mushrooms, cleaned with stems removed
balsamic reduction
extra virgin olive oil – THE BEST YOU CAN POSSIBLY FIND

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line baking pan with parchment paper.  Bake mushrooms, bottom side down, for roughly 12 minutes.  Remove from oven.  (It’s important to bake with the bottoms facing down, in order to allow all the juices to drain).  Transfer mushrooms to kitchen towel in order to continue to allow the mushrooms to drain.

Meanwhile, steam the kale for about 5 minutes.  While the kale is steaming, process walnuts in a food processor until smooth.  Add salt and kale.  Process into ‘buttah.”

Flip over your mushrooms, stuff them with the butter, and reheat in the oven until toasty warm.  Drizzle with balsamic reduction (I used fig and fire flavor – oh so good) and the absolute best extra virgin olive oil you can possibly get your hands on – you won’t be sorry.

These are amazing.  Let’s Party!

Oh, one more thing.  I have a new reason to party.  Look at what showed up for me today…

Ask and you shall receive.  I’m tickled green. 🙂  It’s Party Time!