These smoky kale potato cakes (that are basically oversized tater tots) and this raw kale salad tossed with quick-pickled apples are my new favorite ways to eat kale!
smoky kale and potato cakes and red kale salad with quick-pickled apples from Eats Well With Others

I just can’t get enough of all the baby-making going on in this blogosphere.

We are almost as prolific as rabbits (or so it seems sometimes).

I mean, it kind of makes sense since food is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Case in point: The.Boy gave me Jacques Torres truffles for Valentine’s Day last year and we are lucky we didn’t end up with twins. (TMI?) (Also a total exaggeration. For twins, he would have had to given me truffles and a 12 course meal at Per Se.)

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Every time one of my blog friends announces that she’s pregnant, I get crazy giddy.

Partly because she’s bringing new life into this world and I’m so happy for her and all that yada yada yada.

But mostly because it means I might get to take part in a virtual baby shower.

And there is nothing cuter/more fun/more delicious than virtual baby showers. Well, other than actual baby showers. But we do what we can.

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Anyways, today a few other ladies and I are coming together to celebrate Ruthy of Omeletta, who is having her first baby in just a few short weeks!! Ruthy and I first met when we were paired together for The Leftovers Club. Since we both live in NYC, we decided to meet up and exchange goodies rather than just mail them to each other. To say we hit it off instantly is an understatement. It was one of those things where, though we were meeting for the first time, the conversation flowed without awkward pauses and it felt like we’d known each other for much longer. I think it was then that she told me that she and her husband were going to start trying to have a baby and then, when I saw her a few months later at Eat.Write.Retreat – she was pregnant! And I could not be happier for her.

To celebrate, I made some smoky kale and potato cakes, which are similar to colcannon (in patty form) and are kind of a throwback to the time Ruthy spent living in Ireland! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside; these are almost like HUGE tater tots. With kale in them. And what could be better than that?

I paired them with my new favorite kale salad, which is filled with quick-pickled apples to add a little bit of pizzazz into the mix. Ideal baby shower food, virtual or otherwise.

Congratulations, Ruthy!!

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All the Other Delicious Baby Shower Food:
Irish Lemon Pudding Tart – Sugar Dish Me

No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars – Food Babbles

Beef and Pepperoni Puffs – Food Ramblings

Mini Quiche Bites – Poet in the Pantry

Grapefruit Thyme Scones – Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes with Red Kale Salad and Quick Pickled Apples – Eats Well With Others

Blood Orange Egg Tarts – Kelly Bakes

Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn – Chocolate Moosey

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Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes
 
These smoky potato kale patties are basically large, cheesy (good-for-you) tater tots!
Yield: 12 cakes
Ingredients
  • 2 large russet potatoes (about a pound), peeled
  • 8 oz yellow-fleshed potatoes, scrubbed
  • sea salt
  • 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large clove garlic, grated
  • 1 cup grated pepperjack cheese
  • ½ onion, diced
  • a few pinches of red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • dried breadcrumbs, for coating (about a cup)
Instructions
  1. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Put them in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Add in 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer, cooking until the potatoes are just about tender (about 10 minutes). Add in the kale and cook until the potatoes are soft enough to mash.
  2. Drain the potatoes, reserving ⅓ cup of cooking water. Put the potatoes in a large bowl along with the reserved water and olive oil. Mash until chunky. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir the garlic, cheddar, onions, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika into the warm potato-kale mash.
  4. Form the potato mixture into cakes by pressing it into an ½ cup measuring cup and then plopping it out onto your hand. Coat on both sides with bread crumbs. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
  5. To cook the cakes, pour olive oil into a large skillet (enough to coat). Warm over medium heat. Add the cakes and cook, turning once, until browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 3 cakes
Red Kale Salad with Quick-Pickled Apples
 
Kale salad gets more excited with quick-pickled apples and parmesan cheese tossed into it.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the apples
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 Pink Lady apple
For the dressing
  • 2 tbsp Meyer lemon juice
  • ½ tsp honey
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
For the salad
  • 1 large bunch red kale, leaves torn from the stems and cut into thin strips
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 oz grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. To make the quick-pickled apple, in a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill. Have the apple and scoop out the core. Thinly slice into half moon-shaped rounds. Toss the apple slices with the vinegar mixture. Let sit while you make the rest of the salad.
  2. To make the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, salt and olive oil until well combined.
  3. For the salad, toss the kale with a splash of pickling liquid, and the dressing. Drain the apples and add them. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the salad with about half of the parmesan cheese. Let the salad sit for a few minutes and then serve, topped with more parmesan cheese and pepper.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: ¼ of recipe

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69 Responses to Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes and Red Kale Salad with Quick-Pickled Apples

  1. I am so intrigued by the quick pickled apples!

  2. Why am I not eating this right now?! This is one amazing meal, J!!! xo

  3. The kale potato cakes and kale salad goes perfectly together.

  4. Aw so exciting! SO many blogger babies:-) Oh, and I want that meyer lemon dressing on everything.

  5. What a fabulous looking meal! I could see these kale and potato cakes working for breakfast, lunch, or dinner…love recipes like that!

  6. Kristi says:

    I love when bloggers get pregnant and have babies and I get to watch how cute they are pregnant. I miss being preggo sometimes and this reading about bloggers pregnancies lets me live through them, because Justine is definitely enough for me.

  7. these potato cakes look amazing! I love the beautiful crust!

  8. Everything about this is delicious! Huge fan of the salad and potato cakes. Wish I could grab this through the screen and eat it for lunch today.

  9. Lynn says:

    Congrats to Ruthy! I have made instant friends like that – so need that you got to meet in person.

    Those cakes look good – I have made cakes with leftover colcannon before. I’ll save this recipe and try it.

  10. I’ve never had pickled apples before! I’d like to try that in my salads some time. Winter detox!!

  11. […] Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes with Red Kale Salad and Quick Pickled Apples – Joanne Eats Well […]

  12. Margarita says:

    You had me at smoky kale! Congratulations to your friend! I will take the smoky kale potato cakes and the quick pickled apples, but I am yet to understand the goodness of raw kale. As much as I love kale, I cannot eat it raw.

  13. I’d do a lot of things for Jacques Torres chocolates…maybe not twins but still A LOT of things!

  14. Congrats to Ruthy! A new baby sounds so exciting. I love virtual babyshowers as well :’)
    And this salad? Wow. Need. To. Try.
    Those potato cakes sound utterly yummy, and pickled apples are something that needs to happen soon yeah.

  15. Bahahahaha I died reading the truffle twins part of this post…you kill me. Also, yay baby!! And those giant tater tot like things look killer!

  16. Congratulations to Ruthy! I love the idea of a virtual baby shower! Such a lot of fun and what great dishes to celebrate new life. Those kale potato cakes look wonderful and crispy and I love that you paired them with a kale salad, Joanne. This is the complete meal deal!

  17. OMG they look so crispy and that salad looks amazing! Picked apples, why the hell not?! YUM! Sweet and sour!

  18. Susan says:

    Giant tater tots you say? All over this. Need it right now!

  19. This looks great, especially because we are still swimming in kale from the garden!

  20. Oooh these potato and kale cakes look fabulous – such a wonderful dish for a virtual baby shower – congrats to your friend Ruthy!

  21. Big fat tots!? Colcannon-y flavor!? Pickled Apples!? I’m not only dying over this incredibly sweet, totally unexpected baby shower, but then this is the dish you bring to the table. I love it, and I love you- thank you so much!!!

  22. this is the season of engagement and pregnancy announcements..I already have 3 weddings lined up this year..its exciting but lot of pre planning to do. Congrats to your friend. These cake are totally a snacker after work while making dinner 😛

  23. Pam says:

    Yum! These kale potato cakes have me drooling! I am sure they would also be perfect for anyone with pregnancy cravings.

  24. iscribbler says:

    Potatoes and cheese are my weaknesses, but this recipe with the kale sounds so good that I’ll have to give it a go. 🙂 I’ve never noticed the baby/food blog connection, but now that you’ve mentioned it, you’re right. Perhaps food just makes everyone so happy!

  25. What a great way to healthily potatoes! Sounds yummy!

  26. Kate says:

    So funny, I feel like no one is having a baby in 2014! I only know 2 people personally, which is much lower than my usual number of pregnant friends, and only 1 blogger I follow is pregnant!

  27. Velva says:

    As always, looks delicious.

    I think it will not too long in the distant future that your foodie friends will be holding you a virtual baby shower.

    Happy New Year!

  28. I’m not familiar with her blog, but it looks wonderful! Like I need to add MORE to my feedly list. Ha! This looks like a perfect, veggie-packed meal. I’m always down for pickles, pregnant or not!

  29. Eileen says:

    Yay babies & yay kale! I love how you’re packing all the kale into both dishes in this dinner–super greenstacular!

  30. A wholesome meal, Joanne. I am intrigued with your quick pickled apples.

  31. Kate says:

    I was just thinking that it seems like all the bloggers are having babies! Well, having babies and getting married (usually the other way around). Your explanation for it made me smile. I am totally obsessed with the idea of quick pickled apples, holy moly! Gotta try asap.

  32. This salad looks so bright and delicious! I really need to eat more kale. It’s so lovable.
    Pinning this!

  33. Veronica says:

    And just think, some day I might be invited to YOUR virtual baby shower. It’s so exciting to think about! 🙂

  34. Jessie says:

    Tater tots with kale inside is kind of like a throwback to the best part of college meals, but with a healthy twist 😉 I love the idea of a virtual baby shower! This is a lovely wholesome meal to welcome future baby. Hope your holidays were wonderful, Joanne!

  35. Oh, man, that looks like such a healthy and comforting dish. Perfect for weather like we are having now!

  36. Susan says:

    This looks delicious combined with the mashed potatoes, Joanne. Kale was on the menu here this week also!

  37. Now that is some serious kale action!!! I would have never thought to pair kale with kale, but you’re bloody brilliant! So going to take a lesson from you and pair one food with the same food. Creative, healthy & tasty to boot! Bring on the kale Joanne!

  38. I can’t wait till it’s your time Joanne 😉 This dish is amazing – I need to make it for lunch tomorrow!

  39. […] Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes with Red Kale Salad and Quick Pickled Apples – Joanne Eats Well […]

  40. Megan says:

    Definitely hold out for dinner at Per Se. 🙂 I’m in the midst of planning an actual baby shower for one of my close friends. Another friend just had a baby last month and another one is due this month. It’s a fun time. The whole salad sounds great but especially those potato cakes!

  41. Both recipes sound delicious. But the kale and potato cakes really caught my eye, I love potatoes and this sound like yummy way to serve them.

  42. I LOVE that you and Ruthy met up in person to share treats!!! I never knew that…awesome

  43. Victoria says:

    Congrats to Ruthy! These kale and potato cakes looks super tasty! I may need to have a baby so you can cook something up in my honor 😉 (toooootally, kidding. no babies for me any time soon, haha).

  44. love the cakes! Kale and potato are perfect together now that I think about it but never actually tried it. The pickled apples make me smile

  45. I am so going to try the pickled apples!

  46. I so need this now. The combo looks absolutely delicious.
    Hope you are doing good Joanne. A very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

  47. It seemed like two years ago everyone was getting married, then last year everyone was having babies. So this year, the spotlight is all going to be on you! Except for today. Today is for Ruthy and this salad. Congrats to her!

  48. Healthy and delicious Recipe, I’m in!! I love the over-sized tots and the smoky kale sounds amazing!

  49. Julia says:

    Not gonna lie, I’ve been experiencing some serious baby fever, too. I love when bloggers blog about their pregnancies and then the baby room and then the post baby photos. SO fun! Your kale potato cakes look amazing! Over-sized tater tots? Sign me up!

  50. Deena kakaya says:

    I love the smokey potato with kale, fab idea, great recipe! X

  51. I have a real baby shower this weekend…I would be rather delighted if they served up this dish 😛 That’s probably not too likely though, so I’ll just have to make it solo instead!

  52. this looks amazing, joanne! i can’t wait to try it 🙂

  53. Giiiiiirl. You are a wizard. But you already knew that. Like, I never would have thought to put kale and potatoes together and create these gorgeous little magic cakes that I want to shove in my mouth like a pre-hibernating squirrel hoarding acorns. But you did. And for that, I am so grateful. I cannot wait to make these!

  54. I absolutely love that crust on the potato cakes. It’s calling my name! I’m looking to eat healthier this year and your site is my inspiration. Thanks for sharing all sorts of goodies with us Joanne. 🙂

  55. sandra says:

    Congrats to Ruthy!! And what a great idea – not a sweet but a savory for this baby shower. Refreshing.

  56. Teffy says:

    That looks so delicious! I love those types of patties.
    I’ve recently made a sweet potato & quinoa, but this kale looks so so good! will definitely add it in next time.

    {Teffy’s Perks} X

  57. Carla says:

    Mmm you really do know how to make good food! Love how it’s inspired by colcannon. Also, huge tater tots with kale? Sign me up!

  58. […] Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes with Red Kale Salad and Quick Pickled Apples – Joanne Eats Well […]

  59. Love that you did a throwback to colcannon. This sounds fantastic! I am new to loving kale so I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy it. This is one way I’ll definitely be trying. Yum!

  60. Reeni says:

    These golden brown crispy potato cakes look absolutely delicious! Perfect with the pickled apples! I am loving all the salads you have been making! And you’re on a new blog schedule? Or am I just late noticing. . .the more the better! 🙂

  61. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    Mmm! I cannot wait to try these cakes, I bet they taste amazing!

  62. Rika says:

    Kale salads are scrumptious! The smoky kale & potato cakes sound delicious, I would love to try a vegan version of them!

  63. Yvonne says:

    I just put the quick-pickled apples on my salad – so delicious! I had leftover “pickle juice,” so I threw some sweet onions in there for my next salad…

  64. […] Eats Well with Others – Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes and Red Kale Salad with Quick-Pickled Apples […]

  65. […] I was eating. It’s also home to the only recipe containing kale in existence that Josh gave a 10/10. Joanne seems entirely unafraid of every vegetable and spice in the world, and I love that. If you […]

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