Sunday: Family

This simple LEMON ROAST CHICKEN is just right for family day. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over a 4 1/2- to 5-pound chicken; put rind in cavity. Place chicken on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Brush chicken with canola oil; sprinkle with coarse salt and dried thyme. Roast 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Serve the juicy bird with your own MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY. Add fresh steamed BRUSSELS SPROUTS and a ROMAINE SALAD on the side. Don't forget the DINNER ROLLS. For dessert, fat-free STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is simple, too.

Plan

Save enough chicken for Monday. Make 2 extra cups mashed potatoes and save enough ice cream for Tuesday.

Shopping List

chicken to roast, lemon, canola oil, coarse salt, dried thyme, potatoes to mash, gravy, fresh brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, dinner rolls, fat-free strawberry ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use the leftover chicken in CHICKEN AND CHIVE FETTUCCINE. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE with crumbled blue cheese along with BREAD STICKS. For dessert, PEACHES are just fine.

Shopping List

spinach-flavored or other fettuccine, olive oil, grape tomatoes, chive and onion cream cheese, Italian seasoning, lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, bread sticks, peaches.

Tuesday: Budget

Many of us like salmon any way it's prepared, so this SALMON CHOWDER fills the bill. Cook 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn and butter sauce according to directions. In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn mixture, 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can drained salmon, 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 1 cup 1 percent milk and 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper. Microwave on high (100 percent power) 3 or 4 minutes or until hot. Mix well; stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve with a deli CARROT SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. For dessert, leftover ICE CREAM is waiting.

Shopping List

frozen corn and butter sauce, canned salmon, 1 percent milk, red bell pepper, lemon, fresh parsley, deli carrot salad, whole-grain bread.

Wednesday: Express

Give yourself a break and pick up a package of Lloyd's BARBECUE PORK (or another brand) for dinner tonight. Heat it and serve on toasted whole-grain hamburger buns. Top with sliced DILL or JALEPENO PICKLES. Stop by the deli for COLESLAW. For dessert, make instant VANILLA PUDDING with 1 percent milk and swirl in a little honey.

Plan

Save enough barbecue pork for Thursday.

Shopping List

Lloyd's barbecue pork (or another brand), whole-grain hamburger buns, sliced dill or jalapeno pickles, deli coleslaw, instant vanilla pudding, 1 percent milk, honey.

Thursday: Kids

Reinvent yesterday's barbecue pork into BARBECUE TACOS. Heat and spoon the leftover meat into warmed taco shells. Add mild salsa, chopped lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Top with any shredded cheese and reduced-fat sour cream. The tacos go well with canned, heated REFRIED BEANS. For dessert, halve KIWIFRUIT and eat it with a spoon.

Shopping List

taco shells, mild salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, any shredded cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, canned refried beans, kiwifruit.

Friday: Meatless

Keep it simple tonight with BROILED PEPPER JACK CHEESE AND ROASTED RED PEPPER SANDWICHES. Heat broiler. Drain the red peppers (from a jar) on paper towels before placing on rye bread. Top with cheese slices. Broil until cheese melts. Serve with O'BRIEN POTATOES (frozen) and BROCCOLI. PEARS are dessert.

Shopping List

pepper jack cheese, jar of roasted red peppers, rye bread, frozen O'Brien potatoes, broccoli, pears.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

This SHRIMP SCAMPI couldn't be easier to prepare for guests. Serve it over ORZO. On the side, GREEN BEANS WITH GINGERED WALNUTS would impress any guest. Add a MIXED GREENS SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.

Shopping List

butter, uncooked shrimp with tails, green onion, garlic powder, parsley, pepper, white wine or lemon, orzo, canola oil, soy sauce, ground ginger, walnuts, fresh green beans, olive oil, salad greens, sourdough bread, fruit tarts.

Sunday: Family

Make the family meal a simple one by serving a HAM STEAK. BAKED SWEET POTATOES are a perfect accompaniment. Slash the tops of the potatoes and sprinkle with light brown sugar; squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the tops as well. Add GREEN BEANS WITH MUSHROOMS to the menu. Microwave 2 (9- or 10-ounce) packages frozen French (or thin) green beans according to directions; drain. Add 1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms; microwave on high (100 percent power) 2 minutes; drain. Combine 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; pour over beans and mushrooms and toss to coat.

Serve with BISCUITS. For dessert, make everyone happy with APPLE DUMPLINGS.

Shopping List

ham steak, sweet potatoes to bake, light brown sugar, lemon, packaged frozen French or thin green beans, packaged sliced mushrooms, butter, dried rosemary, dried basil, biscuits, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, package refrigerated piecrusts, apples (such as Gala or Braeburn), cooking spray, pure vanilla extract, light whipped cream.

Monday: Kids

When the kids see CHILI DOGS on the dinner menu, you'll see your little angels smile. Top fat-free hot dogs (on toasted whole-grain buns) with (heated) canned vegetarian chili and any shredded cheese.

On the side, they'll love TATER TOTS (frozen) and deli CARROT SALAD. For dessert, make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1 percent milk and add sliced bananas to the pudding.

Tip

Choose hot dogs with the lowest fat and sodium content you can find. I like Applegate's hot dogs.

Plan

Save enough carrot salad for Tuesday.

Shopping List

fat-free hot dogs, whole-grain hot dog buns, canned vegetarian chili, shredded cheese, frozen tater tots, deli carrot salad, instant chocolate pudding, 1 percent milk, bananas.

Tuesday: Budget

You'll save money with this TORTILLA CASSEROLE on the menu. On the side, STEAMED FRESH ZUCCHINI adds some color, as does the leftover CARROT SALAD. PEARS are an easy dessert.

Plan

Save enough pudding for Wednesday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, baked or reduced-fat tortilla chips, canned no-salt-added (or regular) chicken breast, mild to hot salsa, frozen corn, reduced-fat sour cream, flour, 50 percent reduced-fat jalapeno or plain cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeno peppers for garnish, fresh zucchini, pears.

Wednesday: Meatless

Skip meat tonight for PENNE PASTA WITH CHICKPEAS AND SPINACH. Cook 8 ounces penne pasta according to directions; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to pot; set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. Add 1 small chopped onion; cook, covered, 4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in 1 clove crushed garlic and 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; cook 30 seconds. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium chickpeas, 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Add 1 (6-ounce) package baby spinach, the chickpea mixture and reserved cooking water to pasta; toss to combine.

Serve with LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD with crumbled feta cheese and FLATBREAD. For dessert, fat-free STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is good.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Friday.

Shopping List

penne pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, dried oregano, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, balsamic vinegar, coarse salt, pepper, packaged baby spinach, lettuce, tomato, crumbled feta cheese, fat-free strawberry ice cream.

Thursday: Express

Up the protein in a packaged CAESAR SALAD by topping it with cooked chicken breast strips (refrigerated). Serve with any deli SOUP and BREAD STICKS. Fresh PINEAPPLE is a quick dessert.

Plan

Save enough chicken strips for Friday.

Shopping List

packaged Caesar salad, refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips, any deli soup, bread sticks, fresh pineapple.

Friday: Heat and Eat

Make CHICKEN ROLL-UPS with the leftover chicken strips. Spread fat-free flour tortillas with heated canned refried beans. Top with chicken strips, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and any shredded cheese. Roll and serve them with packaged YELLOW RICE. Scoop the leftover ICE CREAM for dessert.

Shopping List

fat-free flour tortillas, canned refried beans, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, any shredded cheese, packaged yellow rice.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

This ANGEL-HAIR PASTA WITH GORGONZOLA SAUCE is easy to prepare and will be devoured by your guests. Serve it with a SPINACH SALAD with sliced red onion and sliced eggs. Add ITALIAN BREAD. For dessert, buy a COCONUT CAKE.

Shopping List

angel-hair pasta, 1 percent milk, flour, coarse salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, green onions, fresh spinach, red onion, eggs, Italian bread, coconut cake.

Sunday: Family

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day early with CORNED BEEF BRISKET WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES. Serve it with LEMON MUSTARD SAUCE. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in small saucepan on medium. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat; cool 1 minute. Stir in 2/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream, 1/3 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill and 1 teaspoon honey. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper.

Serve with PARSLEY-BUTTERED POTATOES and RYE BREAD. For dessert, keep it light with FRESH PINEAPPLE topped with TOASTED COCONUT.

Plan

Save enough corned beef and bread for Monday.

Shopping List

boneless corned beef brisket with seasoning packet, garlic, black peppercorns, baby carrots, parsnips, savoy cabbage, olive oil, coarse salt, ground black pepper, shallot, reduced-fat sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon, fresh dill, honey, fresh parsley, butter, potatoes, rye bread, fresh pineapple, shredded coconut.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Really celebrate St. Patrick's Day with CORNED BEEF SANDWICHES ON RYE BREAD using Sunday's leftovers. Slather the bread with spicy hot mustard. Don't forget the DILL PICKLES. Add deli GERMAN POTATO SALAD on the side, along with deli COLESLAW. Continue the green theme with LIME SHERBET for dessert.

Tip

Substitute roast beef for corned beef if desired.

Plan

Save enough sherbet for Tuesday. Roast tomatoes for Tuesday.

Shopping List

spicy hot mustard, dill pickles, deli German potato salad, deli coleslaw, lime sherbet.

Tuesday: Meatless

Enjoy a delicious no-meat dinner with RIGATONI AND SLOW-ROASTED TOMATOES AND GOAT CHEESE. Heat oven to 250 degrees and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Place 1 pound (halved) cherry tomatoes, cut-side up, on baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. Roast 2 hours or until tomatoes are dried around edges but somewhat moist.

Meanwhile, crumble 3 ounces goat cheese into large chunks and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cook 8 ounces rigatoni pasta according to directions. Remove 1/2 cup cooking liquid; set aside. Drain pasta well and return pasta to pot. Add roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, 1 bunch torn basil leaves, reserved cooking liquid and 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil. Toss to coat; season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Serve immediately. (Try not to lick your plate.)

Add a MIXED GREENS SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Scoop the leftover SHERBET for dessert.

Shopping List

cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, coarse salt, goat cheese, rigatoni pasta, fresh basil, pepper, salad greens, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Express

Check the deli for the SOUP OF THE DAY. While you're there, pick up TURKEY AND SWISS SANDWICHES. Add a packaged GREEN SALAD. A stop at the bakery for BROWNIES will win many hearts at home.

Plan

Buy enough brownies for Saturday.

Shopping List

deli soup of the day, deli turkey and Swiss sandwiches, packaged green salad, deli brownies.

Thursday: Kids

No kid can resist TACO CORNBREAD PIZZA. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix as directed. Spread batter on a 12-inch pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook 1 pound lean ground beef for 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Add 1 (1.25-ounce) package less-sodium taco seasoning mix and prepare according to directions. Sprinkle cornbread crust with 1/2 cup 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, the meat mixture and then another 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with SALSA and light SOUR CREAM.

Add a CARROT SALAD. For dessert, smear APPLE SLICES with PEANUT BUTTER.

Tip

Prepare Friday's stew tonight if time permits.

Shopping List

cornbread mix, cooking spray, lean ground beef, packaged less-sodium taco seasoning mix, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, salsa, light sour cream, carrot salad, apples, peanut butter.

Friday: Budget

When you prepare BLACK-EYED PEA AND VEGETABLE STEW, you can save money and have a bowl of flavor at the same time. Serve the economical stew over BROWN RICE. Add a LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD with HARD-COOKED EGG WEDGES and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, fat-free VANILLA ICE CREAM will taste good.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

onion, celery, carrots, garlic, green bell pepper, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, canned chopped green chiles, red wine vinegar or dry red wine, canned no-salt-added or regular canned black-eyed peas (such as Eden), reduced-fat sour cream, brown rice, lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, whole-grain rolls, fat-free vanilla ice cream.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Put CHICKEN STROGANOFF on your favorites list. Serve it over no-yolk NOODLES. Add a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, warm leftover BROWNIES and crumble over leftover ICE CREAM. Garnish with light whipped cream.

Shopping List

frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, canned condensed less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, packaged sliced crimini mushrooms, packaged onion soup mix, no-yolk noodles, Boston lettuce, whole-grain rolls, light whipped cream.