Frugal Fork

I am happy to announce that I have merged my blog and my podcast into one new site. For all my latest posts please visit my new website FrugalFork.com

See you there. :-)

Sprouts Jubilee

Sprouts is a new chain here in Northern California, and they can generally be found in the central and western United States. They have more of an open feel, with more bulk bins and wine, and less fresh grab and go items than I would say of Whole Foods.  They have both a gluten free aisle as well as items throughout the store.  Right now they are having what they've entitled "gluten-free jubilee" and all of their gluten free items are at least 25% off. There are locations in both Elk Grove and Roseville, with one opening soon in Citrus Heights.

Since I love food, as well as getting deals, I had to go check things out. I stocked up on Luna and Larabars at $1.00/each, Hansen sodas for $0.50 a can, and coconut water for $1.50 instead of $2.99. The big savings came in when looking at the pastas and bake mixes. $1.80 for quinoa pasta, any shape, is a good deal. Pamela's, Authentic Foods, King Arthur, and Bob's Red Mill, and a few others were all about $2-3 off per mix. King Arthur can be more of an expensive line, so that's what I generally stocked up on.  If you have not ever been to Sprouts, or if you want to take advantage of some deals, make sure you plan a visit before February 1.

Telestrations

Pictionary and telephone: what an awesome combination!

I seriously recommend this game. It's easy to learn, easy to play, and your face will be sore the next day from laughter.  

Dave & Busters Does Gluten Free

I went to Dave & Busters for a corporate event, so of course I had to research the gluten free options ahead of time. For the evening we were presented with a buffet so I was kind of at their mercy, but at least with some research I knew what I was walking into.

I, out of habit, ate a little something ahead of time, and while I could have ordered on the side, it would have been slightly awkward. For this particular event I ended up eating veggies and cocktail shrimp but I was ok with that.

My research did however reveal some interesting tidbits you should know before heading out to Dave & Busters. I love potato skins, and they typically are something I am able to order if on the menu, but not at D & B.  None of the appetizers are on their gluten free menu because of cross contamination issues, or per their language "It is because of contamination- where the food is prepared. For gluten free we prepare the items separately," and yet on their gluten free menu it does not sound like the items are prepped in a separate area.  In any case they have a gluten free menu. You need to call corporate for a copy, but here's what is available currently as of January 2012.

Suggested Menu Options for Wheat/Gluten Allergies
We have prepared this list of suggested menu items based on the advice of our QA & Food Safety Manager/Nutritionist along with the most current information from our food suppliers and their stated absence of wheat/gluten protein within these items. Please be aware that during normal kitchen operations involving shared cooking equipment and preparation areas, which may or may not include common fryer oil, the possibility exists for cross contact, therefore, food items (including garnishes may come in contact with wheat/gluten proteins. Additionally, fried food items could absorb wheat/ gluten proteins during the cooking process. Therefore, we recommend that individuals with these allergies and intolerances avoid ALL fried foods & garnishes. Due to these circumstances, we are unable to guarantee that any menu entrée below can be COMPLETELY free of wheat/gluten protein.

*As an added precaution, please ask to be seated away from the kitchen to avoid potentially irritating aromas

Soups:

Chicken Tortilla (Order without Garnish or Toppings)

Chicken & Seafood:

BBQ Chicken,

Lacy’s Chicken

Island Grilled Tri-Fecta

Salads without Dressing or Tortilla Strips:

Sweet Apple Pecan Salad (Shrimp or Chicken)

Greek Salad (Shrimp or Chicken)

Honey Mustard Spinach Salad, House Salad

Grilled Steak Salad (no Frazzled Onions)

Salads Dressings:

Raspberry Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard, Caesar, Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

Sides:

Sautéed Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes (without toppings)

Mixed Vegetable Medley Citrus Rice

Burgers & Sandwiches without a bun: 

Roasted Turkey Avocado BLT

The Boss Chicken Club

Char-Grilled Atlantic Salmon

Buster’s Cheeseburger

Monterey Burger

Bar Burger 

Dave’s Double Cheeseburger

Steaks:

NY Strip or Sirloin Steak

Chargrilled NY Strip or Sirloin Steak Jack Daniels BBQ Ribs

Black Jack NY Strip or Sirloin Steak

Sauces & Extras:

Black Jack BBQ Sauce, Chipotle-Honey Sauce, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Sour Cream

Birthday Cupcakes

I love blue and polka dots so for my birthday it only made sense to combine the two. I picked up both mini and regular size cupcake liners for what I planned to be blue velvet cupcakes.

I had teal but not blue dye already, so teal it was. Teal, cream cheese frosting that is.  I had considered making the frosting dairy free, but I have not found a dairy free cream cheese that I like.

The blue velvet cupcakes did not end up the way I hoped but they were certainly delicious chocolate cupcakes made using the Kind Arthur chocolate cake mix.

Everyone who ate one of these mini gems asked for a second one. Frosting or not. YUM!

Veggie Quesadillas

A friend and I got together for dinner but we didn't feel like doing anything too involved, so we made veggie quesadillas. We gathered all our supplies and started the process.