Just Blanche

Just what is success? Is success defined by how much money you have in the bank? A big house? The possessions you have acquired? Fame? Accolades? Is this truly success?  I have had all of these. I have had some of these. When I had these, I was not very happy.  When I was just doing my own thing, is when I was the happiest.  But when I did my thing, some commented that I was not very successful. I heard many things- “ I did not dress the right way”, “ I did not have the right job”, “I did not date the right person”, etc.  This (and more) ate away at me. Day after day, night after night.  These people made me believe I was not successful in anything.  The more I tried to do things their way, the more frustrated I became and the more I hated myself.  I felt as though I would never be successful. As I became more distant from these people, I found something in myself.  I found me. Don’t misunderstand. I still c...

This is a healthier version of fried chicken. It will taste like fried chicken, but you bake it. I have seen many chefs make something similar. I like mine better.  Many chefs have to cook in such a way to just show off.  I cook for the everyday real person. When using chicken, I use mostly chicken thighs. They just taste better! This is not an expensive meal, but it rivals any restaurant, any chef! Remember, you can take almost anything and make it your own! I purchased a package of chicken thighs. They had the bone and skin on them. There were 12 thighs. I paid $5.66 for the package. I purchased them at Aldi's. I also used Italian Style breadcrumbs. Again purchased from Aldi's. $.83 for the can. I used skim milk (that's what we drink) and spray oil.  These were also purchased from Aldi's. For the sides, I cooked a bag a frozen peas, white rice and chicken gravy. For giggles, I made homemade biscuits. Before starting o...

Is it just me? Or are you tired too?  I'm tired of everyone around me. Tired of them telling me how to act, what to think, what to say, how to dress, how to wear my hair, what I should do for a living, etc. I try to just live my life. Be mindful of those around me. If I see someone is grumpy, I try and share a smile.  I'm tired. People suck the life out of me!! I need to be rejuvenated.  I need to do things to make me happy, for once.  I need to take control. There is a saying " Never Put The Key To Your Happiness In Somebody Else’s Pocket." That is my new manta.  My whole life, I have too worried about others. Now it is Blanche's turn! I want the kids to see me take charge. I want them to see me happy. I want them to see that I am trying. That I am following my dreams, not someone else's dreams. I love to cook and bake. I love sharing my creativity. My out of the box thinking. Hence the blog. My son keeps ...

I saw this today and had to share.  This sums up Just Blanche....

This recipe is easy and tasty.  There is nothing wrong with breakfast for dinner for a change! Most already have all the ingredients in their pantry.  Many of my friends now use this recipe as their "go to" waffle/pancake recipe. It is fun to have the kids make this with you.  My children can make this on their own. These waffles (or pancakes ) will be very fluffy! Who would think you can make buttermilk waffles (or pancakes) without buttermilk?! All you need is milk and white vinegar. First combine milk and vinegar in a bowl. Set aside to "sour" for 5 minutes. While milk is "souring," in a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Mix well.  In a small bowl, crack eggs. Always crack eggs in a separate bowl in case you get egg shells in the bowl.  It is easier to get the shell out if in a separate bowl.   Mix eggs and vanilla into "soured" milk. ...

I LOVE Chicken Pot Pie. You do not need to be a seasoned cook to make this recipe.  I try to share recipes in a way so that all skill levels are able to cook/bake my recipes. I have discovered many tips for successful cooking/baking throughout the years. My grandmother was a phenomenal cook/baker. She passed away when I was young. I learned much from her.  These are a few things that pertain to this recipe that I learned from her: Always use Kosher or course salt. It has more of a robust flavor and you do not have to use as much. Despite what chefs say, you do not have to purchase the most expensive flour. In this recipe, any all purpose flour will work. Same thing for the vegetable shortening. Make sure when cooking/baking you only use unsalted butter. Use butter not butter substitute.  If there are other vegetables you would prefer, than use those! A bag of frozen, thawed mixed vegetables are fabulous in this recipe! The crust needs/must be fl...

Here it is the end of the year. Another year gone. Another year older.  As I age, things bother me more. I have tried to let lots go. I have forgiven others and myself for many things. That does not mean I forget. I have only forgiven to try to move on. Try to learn. Try not to make the same mistakes. I keep trusting in the same people. Not so much as before, but still try and give them the benefit. As soon as I let my guard down, I get hurt. I am then angry at myself and feel as though, yet again, I have let both me and my family down. This year, there have been changes. New job. Start of middle school. Both kids are starting to mature (in may ways). The kids have had to take on more responsibility since a few days a week I am not there when they get off the bus. New sitter to get them off the bus. And now a blog. There is still lots of strain - professional and personally. I want too much the be the perfect wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter. In the end, I can...