Just Blanche

My sister in law and I went out for dinner one night. She told me I had to try the soup! I thought it was odd. Normally I do not go out dinner for soup! I took one bite and was hooked! It was fabulous! I loved it so much, that I decided to try and duplicate the recipe! I was successful! Start by chopping 1 medium sized onion. If you do not want to attempt chopping an onion, purchase pre-chopped onions. You will need about 1 cup of pre-chopped onion. Also, chop 1 clove of garlic. Again, if you are like me, I keep a jar of mined garlic in my refrigerator. Use 1 heaping teaspoon of minced garlic.  Next, in a large pot, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Saute the onions and garlic until translucent. About 2-3 minutes.  Add 3 bay leaves.  Cut the artichokes into smaller pieces.  Add to the pot. Next add the tomatoes, 1 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried bas...

This is comfort food. I first made this not long after I was married.  One night my brother-in-law stopped over while I was preparing dinner. He had never had corn flake chicken. He was intrigued. He watched me make this recipe. He kept saying "Is that you are doing with the chicken?" I kept telling him, "Just trust me!" I made mashed potatoes and green beans that night to go along with the chicken. He was blown away. Every now and then he will ask for that meal! That is a compliment!  My son loves this recipe! When I made this I did make mashed potatoes. I had frozen mixed vegetables that I also made as a side dish.  I love cranberry sauce with chicken. I did not have any cranberry sauce. But I did have apple sauce! That was a fantastic combination! It may sound odd, but it worked! You have to experiment when cooking!  This is how you find out likes/dislikes! Line a pan with heavy duty aluminum foil (Ag...

I have been cooking since I was old enough to stand! When I was about 2, I would help my grandmother with dinner. Especially Sunday dinner!  She would make macaroni (she never called it pasta). My job was to lay out the macaroni after she rolled it and cut it! As I got older, my duties and skills advanced. I learned, from her, how to make the perfect roast. Her technique can be used on any roast. I use the same “coating” on beef, pork, lamb, chicken or any meat of choice! In a bowl or plate, mix all purpose flour, kosher/coarse salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix well. How much do you use? It depends on the size of meat. I made a 3.5 pound roast. I started with approximately 1/4 cup all purpose flour, approximately 2 teaspoons of Kosher/coarse salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Wash and dry meat. Roll or “dip” meat into flour mixture. Line a pan with heavy duty aluminum foil (I purchase min...

What more could you ask? A brownie made with champagne! These are a “blonde” brownie.  For those that have never had a “blonde” brownie, you have missed out!  My high school made “blondies” on special occasions for dessert at lunchtime.  To this day, when I have any version of a “blonde” brownie, it takes me back to high school!  Make this recipe your own! If you prefer dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, caramel chips or a mixture, have fun with this recipe!  This is an easy recipe! One of my family’s favorite desserts! Start by creaming unsalted butter and brown sugar.  The butter should be soft.  If you are like most people, you don't think about leaving butter out to soften! I am one of those people! I put the unsalted butter in the microwave for 18 seconds and it comes out perfect! Cut the butter into several pieces and add to the brown sugar. The easiest way to cream...