Day 354 - Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken

Can I just start this by saying how bummed I am?
I watched the Oscars.  Did you?
Meryl Streep is my all-time most favoritest (don't worry, I know that isn't grammatically correct) actress and yes, I guess I have to admit that I was one person in the "half of America that went, Oh, no, really?  Why?".
She is a GREAT actress, a master at her craft, and I have yet to see 'The Iron Lady', so I honestly cannot say that she didn't deserve her award because I'm sure she did and she is one of the top people on my Pinterest board of people I'd LOVE to have dinner with, actually she is my first choice.
Phew, there's a run-on sentence if I ever did see one.
And Meryl if you're reading this, I REALLY, REALLY do still LOVE you and definitely want to have that dinner date whenever you can wriggle me into your busy schedule.  Just don't take this to heart and I'm sure you understand.
BUT...
I SSSOOOOO wanted Viola to win!!!!!!!!
Wow, do I feel like a BIG whiner!
Viola's performance was stellar, so moving, so profound and had me gripping the edge of my seat as I was watching 'The Help'.
I adored her performance and thought her portrayal of Aibileen was definitely Oscar worthy.
Heck, even Oprah agreed with me!
Yeah, she and I had a heart to heart about it.  Oprah and I are like this *crosses fingers*.
Ok, not really.  I don't even know her.  Although I did get to go to a taping of one of her shows about 21 years ago.  It was about parents going to jail for their children's misbehavior.  Not too exciting, but I did get to shake her hand.  Once again, I digress...
And I have to admit that even though I thought that Viola did a great job, I am partial to her anyway.
Way back in 19aught...kidding, ok, it wasn't that long ago, but it was the mid-80's, Viola and I were in the theater department together at Rhode Island College.
I vividly remember her in her purple or magenta-y costume as the nurse in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Granted, she wouldn't know me from a hole in the wall and I don't think we ever had a conversation, but we did work on a few of the same productions, she in performance and I backstage.
Anyway, Viola, you won in my book and you will forever be remembered for your portrayal of Aibileen and the life you brought to her.  Well done, my dear!

Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken - serves 4

2 large chicken breasts, divided in half
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it generously with cooking oil.
Place chicken breasts on a sheet of wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper and pound until they are about 1/2-inc thick.
In a large zip-lock bag, combine flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, thyme and pepper.  Shake to mix well.
Place the milk in a bowl and take one chicken breast and dip it into the milk, coating both sides.  Allow the excess to drain off.
Place the chicken breast into the bag of flour and spices and seal.  Shake to coat both sides.
Place on prepared baking sheet.
Repeat process with remaining chicken breasts.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, flipping over halfway in between baking time.

No pictures today because I couldn't find my SD card and wouldn't you know, it was right where I left it.
I rate everything I bake on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the best and this Homemade Shake and Bake chicken earned 2 rolling pins.
It was kind of blah and I really think it needed some kind of a mustardy sauce with it.  Of course, I think of that as we're sitting down to dinner.  No time to make one, so I'll live vicariously through you.  Let me know how it turns out.

Alright, I'm off to bed...will be dreaming of Viola in future performances and winning awards.
Have a great tomorrow or even today, y'all!

I give you BIG baking hugs and muffins!!