Review: Sonic - Lil' Doggies

Sonic's Lil' Doggies are 4" mini hot dogs that come in three varieties: Original, Chili Cheese, and Baja Jalapeno & Chili.

The Original was $1.29, while the other two were $1.49 a piece at my local Sonic, but I received these courtesy of Sonic.

Burger King Offering Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Burger King adds the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie to their menu for a limited time only.

The pie features a filling made with Reese's peanut butter on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with crumbled Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Pizza Hut Launches Double Sensation II Pizzas in Hong Kong

Perhaps following up on the double-crusted pizzas of the same name that launched a few years ago in Singapore, Pizza Hut Hong Kong launches new Double Sensation II Pizzas to welcome the New Year. Like the Singaporean version, the pizza features two sets of stuffed crust edge; one at the actual pizza's edge and one as a ring in the middle of the pizza.

Review: Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Greek Salad Chicken Flatbread

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Greek Salad Chicken Flatbread features grilled chicken, cucumber, red onion, tomato, carrots, hummus, romaine, and a special Greek feta vinaigrette, all served on a toasted flatbread.

I purchased one for $3.99.

Pizza Hut Launches New Gluten-Free Pizza

Pizza Hut is set to launch new Gluten-Free Pizzas through a partnership with Udi's brand (best known for gluten-free bread and baked goods) and the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).

Whataburger Unveils New Chicken Strip Monterey Melt Sandwich

Whataburger offers a chicken-y twist to their classic Monterey Melt with the new Chicken Strip Monterey Melt Sandwich.

Review: Pizza Hut - Quepapas

Pizza Hut's Quepapas are only available at some locations and feature mini potato bites filled with cheese and jalapenos.

It was $4.25 for an order of 15 Quepapas.

Ben and Jerry's Introduces New Cookie Core Ice Creams

Last year Ben & Jerry's introduced new Core Ice Creams with a topping/sauce that formed the "core" of each pint. This year, they take it to the next level with new Cookie Cores, which, like the name suggests, features a core of crunchy cookie butter that runs through the middle of each pint from top to bottom.

Panera Debuts New Asian-Inspired Broth Bowls

Panera Bread's latest menu addition, Broth Bowls, looks to fend off the cold with an Asian-inspired warm "umami soy-miso broth" paired with either soba noodles or lentils and quinoa.

There are four varieties of Panera Bread's Broth Bowls. They are:

Del Taco's Turkey Now Made with Jennie-O Turkey

Del Taco's seasoned ground turkey is now made with Jennie-O brand turkey and has been slightly tweaked.

I reached out to Del Taco for comment and was told the new turkey is made with a "new proprietary turkey recipe developed with category expert Jennie-O [that] features chunkier ground turkey, along with a slightly-adjusted seasoning for the ultimate flavor combination." Basically, they looked to improve the texture and flavor.

Review: Sonic - Lil' Chickies

Sonic's Lil' Chickies feature mini white-meat crispy chicken patties in a mini 4" hot dog bun. They come in three varieties: Classic, BBQ, and Buffalo.

I got one of each courtesy of Sonic. They're normally $1.49 a piece.

Burger King Brings Back $1.49 10-Piece Chicken Nuggets Deal

Looking to kickstart the New Year, Burger King brings back their popular 10-piece Chicken Nuggets for $1.49 deal for a limited time only.

Free Burrito with Any Sofritas Purchase at Chipotle on 1/26/15

Chipotle really wants you to try their organic tofu Sofritas. So much so that if you order Sofritas on Monday, January 26th, you can bring your receipt back and get your choice of a free burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos.

Denny's Introduces New "Skillets Across America" Menu

Denny's starts the New Year with the limited time "Skillets Across America" menu featuring four new skillets, each showcasing a number of regional American flavors.

The four new skillet dishes are:

Review: Del Taco - Hash Brown Sticks

Del Taco's Hash Brown Sticks are your typical fast food deep-fried diced potatoes, except in rectangular stick form.

An order of five goes for $1.09.

El Pollo Loco Offers Four New Under 500 Calories Menu Items for 2015

El Pollo Loco introduces four new "Under 500 Calories" menu items to kick off 2015. They are the Grilled Chicken & Kale Salad, Chicken & Shrimp Grilled Tostada, Double Chicken Wet Burrito, and Skinny Chicken Enchilada.

Skinny Cow Unveils New Iced Coffee Drinks and More

Nestle's calorie-conscious Skinny Cow brand is probably best known for candy and ice cream, but looks to branch into drinks with three new Creamy Iced Coffee Drinks this year. Additionally, the brand will also be introducing two new Blissful Truffle Candy Bars, three new Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bars, and one new Ice Cream Candy Bar flavor.

Review: Starbucks - Flat White

Starbucks' Flat White features a double ristretto (short) shot of espresso with finely foamed milk.

It cost me $3.75 for a Tall.

Belvita Biscuits Now in New Bite Size

Kraft's Belvita Breakfast Biscuits are now available in new mini Belvita Bites for a portable, poppable breakfast option.

The new bites are available in two flavors: Chocolate and Mixed Berry.

Trumoo Marshmallow Chocolate Milk Back for Winter

Just in case, you like hot chocolate with marshmallows but don't actually like it hot... or with actual marshmallows, TruMoo has brought back their Limited Edition Chocolate Marshmallow milk as a wintry drink.

The idea for the drink is to provide the hot chocolate with marshmallow experience without the hassle. And, if you want it to be actually hot, you can always just heat a cup of it in the microwave.

Frozen Friday - Trader Joe's - Bibimbap Bowl

Trader Joe's Bibimbap Bowl features marinated beef, vegetables, and a spicy chili sauce on a bed of white rice.

A 10.7-oz bowl was $3.49.

Sonic Debuts French Toaster Breakfast Sandwich

In a sweet maple-y twist on their Breakfast Toaster sandwich, Sonic debuts the new French Toaster Breakfast Sandwich.

The French Toaster features the same egg, cheese, and choice of sausage, ham, or bacon of the Breakfast Toaster, but instead of Texas toast, there's two slices of thick French toast with a bit of maple flavor baked in.

Starbucks Adds New Flat White to Coffee with Milk Line Up

Starbucks adds the new Flat White to complement their selection of espresso with steamed milk beverages.

While it's not very common here in the States (at least not under the Flat White name), the flat white is a drink thought to originate over in Australia (or New Zealand, depending on who you ask) back in the 1980s. A flat white is made with finely foamed steamed milk and espresso, which probably sounds a lot like a latte to most of you.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich

Carl's Jr.'s Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich features folded eggs, a round thick slice of ham, a slice of American, and a slice Swiss cheese between two slices of toasted sourdough bread.

I bought one for $2.99.

Sonic Goes Mini with New Lil' Doggies and Lil' Chickies

Sonic goes with snackable mini hot dogs and chicken sandwiches in new Lil' Doggies and Lil' Chickies.

Lil' Doggies each feature a mini hot dog with several topping combos, including:

Krispy Kreme Serves Up New Nutella Twist Donuts in Puerto Rico

The latest for Krispy Kreme in Puerto Rico is the new Nutella Twist donut.

There's not too much information available regarding the new donuts but they appear to be yeast twist donuts either covered in chocolate icing and drizzled with Nutella hazelnut spread or covered in Nutella and drizzled with chocolate icing.

Wendy's $1 Key Tag Good for Free Frosties for All of 2015

Wendy's is once again offering their Frosty Key Tags for $1. The key tags are good for a free Jr. Frosty with any Wendy's purchase throughout 2015.

Additionally, 90 cents from every key tag purchase goes to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a non-profit charity that helps find families for children in foster care.

Review: Sonic - Breakfast Toaster

Sonic's Breakfast Toaster features American cheese, eggs, and a choice of sausage, bacon or ham on thick Texas toast.

I bought one with bacon for $2.99.

TGI Friday's Offers $10 Dine & Drink Deal

TGI Friday's kicks off the New Year with a $10 Dine & Drink deal where you can choose from a selection of entrees paired with a drink for $10.

Whether you're looking to eat better as a resolution or to indulge, TGI Friday's has included both health-conscious and decadent entree and drink options to the Dine & Drink menu.

Krystal Offers New Hushpups

Krystal introduces new Hushpups as a new limited-time side item. A variation on hush puppies, Hushpups feature Krystal's signature onions in the batter and are made from scratch.

Review: Firehouse Subs - Hook & Ladder Light Sandwich

Firehouse Subs’ Hook & Ladder Light features hot smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, deli mustard, and light mayo on a light wheat roll.

I purchased one for $5.49.

Church's Chicken Offers $2.49 2-Piece Meal Deal

Church's Chicken's latest promotion is the 2-Piece Meal Deal starting at $2.49 for a limited time at participating locations.

Review: Carl's Jr. - All-Natural Burger

Carl's Jr.'s All-Natural Burger features a grass-fed beef patty, a slice of cheddar cheese (the non-processed kind), vine-ripened tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, bread-and-butter pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on one of their Fresh Baked Buns.

It's normally $5.39 at my local Carl's Jr., but I received this one courtesy of Carl's Jr.

Starbucks Japan Offers New Orange Chocolate Mocha with Orange Whipped Cream

Starbucks Japan hits the winter trail this month with the new Orange Chocolate Mocha and Orange Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino.

The Orange Chocolate Mocha features steamed milk and espresso mixed with mocha syrup and Valencia orange syrup topped with orange whipped cream, orange peel, and orange sugar (that's a lot of orange there).

Red Lobster Introduces Big Shrimp Festival Deal Starting at $15.99

Red Lobster's latest promotion is the new Big Shrimp Festival, which offers what the chain is calling "some of the largest shrimp ever offered on the menu." 

Review: McDonald's - Triple Cheeseburger

McDonald's Triple Cheeseburger consists of three beef patties, two slices of American cheese, ketchup, mustard, dehydrated diced onions, and pickles on a plain toasted bun. It's only available at select locations.

I bought one for $2.49.

Three New Girls Scout Cookies for 2015

The Girl Scouts will be debuting three new cookies this cookie season and two of them are gluten-free. The new trio of cookies include Toffee-tastic, Trios, and Rah-Rah Raisins.

Dunkin' Donuts Breaks Out New Turkey Sausage Flatbread for the New Year

Aiming at those with New Year's resolutions, Dunkin' Donuts introduces the new Turkey Sausage Flatbread as well as a Turkey Sausage Wake-Up Wrap.

Each features turkey sausage, egg, and reduced fat cheddar cheese in varying amounts with the flatbread being the larger of the two.

Review: Skippy - Creamy Natural Peanut Butter Spread with Dark Chocolate

Skippy's Creamy Natural Peanut Butter Spread with Dark Chocolate is basically creamy peanut butter mixed with dark chocolate and cocoa.

It was $3 on sale for a 15-oz jar.

The Coffee Bean's New Mexican Chocolate Drinks Are Only $2 on 1/13/15

The Coffee Bean offers a trio of new Mexican Chocolate drinks and will be discounting them to $2 on January 13th.

The new drinks include a Mexican Chocolate Latte, Mexican Chocolate Ice Blended, and Mexican Hot Chocolate. They each feature the flavor of chocolate with notes of cinnamon with a slight graininess that's common to Mexican hot chocolate.

Carvel Brings Back Oreo Mint Ice Cream

Oreo Mint is once again being featured at Carvel for a limited time as they kick off the New Year. In addition to hand-scooped and soft-serve ice cream, they've also added the new Oreo Mint Deluxe 8" Cake and Oreo Hidden Treasure Cone.

The new cake features layers of fresh-made chocolate and mint ice cream separated by Oreo cookie pieces and topped with fudge and Oreo cookies. It's available for $19.99.

Review: Pieology - Cheese Pizza

Pieology is a chain of custom, fast-fired, artisan-style pizza joints that have been all the rage lately (at least here in L.A.). I tried their Classic Cheese Pie, which comes simply topped with olive oil, red sauce, and mozzarella.

It was $6.45 for the roughly 11.5-inch pizza.

Baskin-Robbins' January 2015 Flavor of the Month

Baskin-Robbins kicks off 2015 by celebrating their 70th birthday with Icing on the Cake ice cream, January's flavor of the month.

Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake Back at Arby's

The Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake is back at Arby's for a limited time at select locations.

The shake features mint chocolate syrup mixed with Arby's vanilla shake base, decorated with a chocolate swirl, whipped cream, and broken pieces of Andes Mints.

Frozen Friday: Marie Callender's - Meat Loaf & Gravy

Marie Callender's Meat Loaf & Gravy frozen meal features two slices of meatloaf in a "home-style" gravy with sour cream & chives mashed potatoes and corn.

It cost me $2 on sale for a 14-oz box.

Dairy Queen's 2015 January Blizzard of the Month

Dairy Queen combines Oreos with their Confetti Cake Blizzard for the new Birthday Cake Oreo Blizzard in celebration of Dairy Queen's 75th anniversary.

This month's Blizzard of the Month features Oreo cookie pieces and confetti frosting mixed into Dairy Queen's signature vanilla soft serve. In case you're feeling extraordinarily festive, you can also get the flavor as part of a Blizzard Cake.

New Veggie Sliders at White Castle

White Castle's famed Sliders go vegetarian with new Veggie Sliders. The new item features a mini Dr. Praeger's veggie burger with a choice of either Honey Mustard, Ranch, or Sweet Thai sauce, on a slider bun.

Review: Popeyes - Blackened Tenders

Popeyes' Blackened Tenders are a non-battered, non-breaded version of their chicken tenders covered in blackened seasoning. They used to call them "Naked Tenders."

I got an order of three tenders for $3.99 (but they actually gave me four and threw in a biscuit as well. Bonus!)

Subway 2015 January Specials

Those of you hoping for the return of the $5 Footlong in 2015 are going to be disappointed this month. Instead, Subway has introduced a new and (supposedly) improved version of their grilled chicken strips.

Papa John's Offers "Buy Any Large Pizza, Get a Free Large 1-Topping Pizza" Deal

Coinciding with the NFL playoffs, Papa John's is offering a deal where you can get a free large, 1-topping pizza, when you buy any large pizza at regular price.