Just Blanche

With all that is going on in the world,  I am trying to find at least 1 bright spot each day! In each day I am trying to find:  Gratitude Thankfulness  Appreciation  And Love I am grateful that we are all together and healthy. I am trying not to dwell on the fact that I cannot visit  in person, my family and friends. I am still visiting with them, but in a different way. I am Face Timing with them all! No one cares how you look- I may be in my comfy pants and shirt, no make up, etc but we are still sharing time, comforting each other, laughing, sharing meals,  drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), holidays and events! Both my children's birthdays were shared via FaceTime this year. My daughter received a surprise for her birthday. A friend came over- social distance of course-  stood outside and played Happy Birthday on her viola for her!  That was one of the nicest things that anyone could...

You would think cooking steak is easy! It can be if you know what you are doing! LOL! I did not feel like firing up the grill and going outside to cook. Tonight, my oven and I will have togetherness! I purchased 2 family steaks and a bag of russet potatoes. I was going to make traditional baked potatoes (see my past recipes on how to make)  but decided to change it up a bit. I am still making a "baked potato" but with a twist. I am making baked steak fries to go with the steak. Start by washing the potatoes. Run them under water and scrub.  If you do not have a "Potato Brush" then just use your fingers and make sure you remove all debris. Next cut the potatoes in half. Then cut those wedges in half. Arrange on a foil lined pan that has been sprayed with vegetable oil.   Spray the tops with vegetable oil. Add seasoning! Sprinkle Kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Put into a 375 degr...

We all know that line... pork chops & applesauce! We love pork chops & applesauce! This is a really quick, easy and tasty meal. I purchased a package of thin cut, boneless pork chops. Preheated the oven to 375 degrees. Foil lined a baking pan and sprayed with vegetable oil. I used a large dish and put on it: 1 cup of all purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder Next I rolled the pork chops into the mixture and laid the pork chops on the pan. I sprinkled grated cheese on the chops. Spray the chops with vegetable spray. Finally put the chops in the oven! Baked for approximately 7 minutes and than flipped them over. Baked for another 5 minutes. Plated on a serving dish. And served with applesauce! I made a side dish of brussel sprouts. I purchased a microwaveable bag of brussel sprouts.  We liked them just plain out of the bag! ...

Growing up I looked forward to Sunday dinner. I knew we were having macaroni, meatballs, other meats in the sauce and a vegetable. The sauce simmering was wonderful! We would go to the bakery and get a loaf of Italian bread (and extra to nibble  on the way home). Ripping off a piece of that fresh Italian bread and dipping it into the sauce was the best! I have tried to duplicate those meatballs. I have tried so many recipes including my sister-in-law's recipe and my mother-in-law's recipe! I tried baking the meatballs. Putting raw meatballs in sauce and simmering all day. Using Turkey meat. Using meatloaf meat mixture. Each time was ok, but never that taste I remember as a kid.  As of a month ago, I finally perfected the recipe! My husband and kids have commented on saying these are the best! Now I am sharing with you! Ingredients: 2.5 Pounds Ground Beef 3 Cups Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs 2 Large Heaping Teaspoons of Chopped/Minced Garlic...

I have been receiving some inquires about a menu for the week! Here is our menu! I will post post pictures and recipes each day this week! Sunday : Macaroni & Meatballs (homemade meatballs,store bought macaroni and will dress up the sauce!) Will will be eating a salad with the meal. Monday: Steak, Baked Potatoes  and salad Tuesday: Pork Chops & Applesauce (Brussel Sprouts too) Wednesday: Roasted Chicken (I have posted this recipe), Green Beans, Rice and Chicken Gravy Thursday: Leftovers Friday: Grilled Cheese and Soup (Artichoke Bisque)  Saturday: Stir Fry- shrimp, cabbage & veggies