The Cheap Gourmet

Flirty Aprons: Look Great and Stay Clean!

I recently discovered Flirty Aprons, a company that sells the coolest cooking aprons. If you're like me, chances are you end up with some of your favorite meal attached to the front of your shirt or splattered on your shorts or jeans.

Flirty Aprons aren't your normal, run-of-the-mill blah and boring aprons. Instead, they are sexy, trendy and practical. Flirty aprons offers aprons for women, men and children.

Styles for women include 14 different designs including the original Scarlet Blossom which is black and red with wild flowers, red and white polka dot trim, a black and white striped ruffle and ribbon tie. There is a really hot looking Scalloped Chic Teal apron and a sizzling Scalloped Sassy Red that are officially on my 'must-have' list of cooking aprons.

Flirty Aprons for men are available in black or red and emblazoned with sayings such as, "My Grill is Hotter Than Yours", "I Like Cougars Medium Rare" and "I Like Big Buns." Talk about a great gift idea for the griller man in your life!

The Flirty Aprons for children are adorable. Not only are they great for cooking, but can also be worn when making craft projects, hand painting, gardening, and messy school science projects. My personal favorites include the Frosted Cupcake design, Luscious Lemons, and Sweet Sunshine.

Flirty Apron prices range from $24.95 to $39.95 and easily make up for the cost of dry cleaning or replacing clothing ruined by cooking spills. Not to mention, they make a fabulous gift for anyone who loves to cook or grill. Orders placed before 2pm EST are shipped the same day. Otherwise, orders are processed within 24 hours. Products are backed by a 100-percent money back guarantee.

Protect your clothes and look swanky while cooking with Flirty Aprons. Order one for yourself, husband, significant other, children or friends today!

Order Flirty Aprons Today at FlirtyAprons.com

10% off purchase of $30 or more at Flirty Aprons, code CJ10

Homestyle Beef Manhattan Sandwich

Homestyle Beef Manhattan sandwiches are one of my all time favorites. Stuffed with juicy meat, creamy mashed potatoes, a soft Kaiser roll and tons of gravy, beef manhattan's make a complete meal. Well, almost. It's always a good idea to serve with a side of veggies, a yummy salad or tasty slices of fruit.

I've enjoyed homestyle beef manhattan sandwiches for as long as I can remember. I recently discovered a decadent recipe for Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich at The Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. After making it according to the recipe, I realized this sandwich was perfect for making Beef Manhattan sandwiches. It was a huge hit and today, I'd like to share the recipe with you.

I'm a huge advocate for copyright laws and refuse to publish another food blogger's recipe. So, you will need to obtain the Marlboro Man's Favorite Recipe and then follow the remaining cooking instructions.

HOMESTYLE BEEF MANHATTAN SANDWICH
Serves 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich Recipe

Mashed Potatoes Recipe:

2 large Idaho Potatoes, washed and chopped into 1-inch cubes
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter
4 Kaiser Rolls
1 jar Homestyle Beef Gravy

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich recipe according to directions.
2. In 3-quart saucepan, add potatoes and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain potatoes in colander. Transfer to mixing bowl. Add butter and milk or half-and-half.
4. Using hand mixer, mash potatoes until creamy. Add additional milk if desired.
5. Slice Kaiser buns in half. Top with meat mixture. Add 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. Top with gravy and top of Kaiser roll. Serve with veggie side dish, tossed salad or fruit slices. Enjoy!

4th of July Independence Day Recipes

The following 4th of July Independence Day recipes have been served in my family for years. The exception is the grilled pork rib roast which I created last week. It's so tasty that we'll be serving it at our 4th of July cook-out. Personally, I think sharing family recipes is one of the greatest gifts we can offer one another. I hope you enjoy tasting a bit of my family's heritage.

What's great about these 4th of July Independence Day recipes is they can be served any time of the year. The chip and veggie dip recipe was created by my sister and originally served at Christmas dinner. We loved it so much it became a staple at every family gathering.

The mind altering pink margaritas were developed by a family friend during a hurricane party, but quickly became my favorite summertime drink.  I hope some of these recipes become part of your holiday fare and bring you as many good memories as they have for me!

4th of July Independence Day Recipes
Click on the recipe title to be directed to the full recipe.

Super Easy Chip and Veggie Dip Recipe: This recipe has been a holiday family favorite for as long as I can remember. Made from cream cheese, onions, and Beau Monde seasoning, this has become the one and only chip and veggie dip served at special occasions and parties.

Best Homemade Potato Salad: This mustard and mayonnaise based potato salad incorporates bacon and sweet pickle relish for the best damn potato salad you've ever eaten! It can be traced back to my great grandmother and has been served in our family since the beginning of time.
 
Baked Spicy Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef and Hamburger Casserole: This one-dish meal is perfect for pitch-in dinners and is a version of America's all-time favorite comfort food. Serve with a fresh garden salad and hot dinner rolls for a satisfying and tasty meal!

Grilled Pork Rib Roast: This roast is perfect for 4th of July parties, birthday celebrations, special occasions, or Sunday dinner. A 3-pound roast requires about two hours of grilling time. The char rub crust is a combination of seven spices which create an explosion of flavor while retaining meat moisture.

Spicy Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings: This is my highly regarded grilled chicken wing recipe that took years to perfect. Everyone who has eaten them swears they are the best chicken wings on the planet. Serve with celery and carrot sticks and chunky bleu cheese dressing, along with lots of napkins!

Mind Altering Pink Margaritas: When I say these margaritas are mind-altering, I am serious. Actually, I think the mind alteration comes from the fact these things are so incredibly smooth you tend to suck them down rather than sip them. It's a little too easy to over-indulge, so be careful.