health

7 Day Menu Planner for February 15, 2015

7 Day Menu Planner by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner |

Sunday: Family

This meal-in-a-dish HERB-ROASTED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES is perfect for family day. Serve the easy combo with a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. PEACH COBBLER will be a welcome dessert.

Plan

Save enough chicken and vegetables and peach cobbler for Monday.

Shopping List

less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup, 1 percent milk, dried oregano, fresh baby carrots, potatoes, boneless skinless chicken breasts, paprika, romaine lettuce, whole-grain bread, peach cobbler.

HERB-ROASTED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES

Servings: Makes 8 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

  • 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/3 cup 1 percent milk
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
  • 2 cups fresh baby carrots
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine soup, milk and 1 teaspoon oregano; mix well. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, add carrots and potatoes. Pour soup mixture over vegetables and stir well. Top with chicken. Sprinkle chicken with remaining oregano and the paprika. Bake, uncovered, for 50 minutes or until chicken is 165 degrees and vegetables are fork-tender. Cut breasts into 8 portions.

Per serving: 214 calories, 27 grams protein, 4 grams fat (17 percent calories from fat), 0.9 gram saturated fat, 17 grams carbohydrate, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 278 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Tonight all you have to do is reheat the extra CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES you prepared on Sunday. Add a LETTUCE WEDGE SALAD and CRUSTY ROLLS. Warm the leftover PEACH COBBLER for dessert and top with frozen VANILLA YOGURT.

Plan

Save enough frozen yogurt for Wednesday.

Shopping List

lettuce wedge, crusty rolls, frozen vanilla yogurt.

Tuesday: Express

Make it an easy night with SOUP (lentil) and SANDWICHES (grilled deli turkey and Swiss cheese on rye with honey-mustard dressing). Serve with PICKLED BEETS. Peel TANGERINES for dessert.

Shopping List

lentil soup, deli turkey, Swiss cheese, rye bread, honey-mustard dressing, pickled beets, tangerines.

Wednesday: Kids

The kids can help prepare this easy RAVIOLI CASSEROLE. Crumble 1 pound lean ground beef in a 2-quart microwavable dish. Add 1/4 cup minced onion. Cover and microwave on high (100 percent power) 5 or 6 minutes or until beef is no longer pink; drain well. Stir in 2 (15-ounce) cans beef ravioli. Cover and microwave 5 to 7 minutes or until hot; stir several times. Sprinkle with 4 ounces 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand until cheese melts.

Alongside, serve BABY CARROTS with DIP and BREAD STICKS.

For dessert, WAFFLE SUNDAES are fun. Prepare frozen waffles according to package directions; top each with a scoop of leftover frozen vanilla yogurt and drizzle with frozen raspberries in syrup (thawed).

Shopping List

lean ground beef, onion, canned beef ravioli, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, baby carrots, any dip, bread sticks, frozen waffles, frozen raspberries in syrup.

Thursday: Meatless

HOMESTYLE SCRAMBLED EGGS sound like breakfast, but they're dinner tonight. Serve with deli COLESLAW. Boost the flavor of the coleslaw with a little chili powder and chopped fresh parsley. Add toasted WHOLE-GRAIN ENGLISH MUFFINS. PEARS and OATMEAL COOKIES are dessert.

Plan

Buy enough coleslaw for Saturday.

Shopping List

eggs, coarse salt, butter, refrigerated or frozen hash-browned potatoes, fresh zucchini, tomato, deli coleslaw, chili powder, fresh parsley, whole-grain English muffins, pears, oatmeal cookies.

HOMESTYLE SCRAMBLED EGGS

Servings: Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 10 minutes

  • 4 whole eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup refrigerated or frozen hash-browned potatoes (thawed)
  • 1 small fresh zucchini, chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

Beat eggs, egg whites, salt and water. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook potatoes, zucchini and tomato 4 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Pour egg mixture over potato mixture. As mixture begins to set at bottom and sides, gently lift cooked portions with spatula so the thin, uncooked portion can flow to bottom. Do not stir. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until eggs are thickened throughout, but still moist.

Per serving: 165 calories, 12 grams protein, 8 grams fat (43 percent calories from fat), 3.4 grams saturated fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, 194 milligrams cholesterol, 407 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.

Friday: Budget

Rely on your slow cooker for money-saving recipes such as this TORTILLA SOUP. In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine 1 (10- to 12-ounce) can drained chicken breast (shredded), 1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn (thawed), 2 (14-ounce) cans unsalted chicken stock, 2 (14-1/2 ounce) cans undrained stewed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 cup salsa and 1 tablespoon cumin. Cover and cook on high 3 hours or on low 6 hours.

Meanwhile, bake 3 corn tortillas (cut into 1/2-inch strips) on a rimmed baking pan in 350-degree oven for 10 minutes or until crisp.

To serve: Ladle soup over tortilla strips and garnish with 50 percent reduced-fat shredded jalapeno cheese and chopped cilantro.

Serve with CHOPPED LETTUCE and extra CORN TORTILLAS. For dessert, CHUNKY APPLESAUCE is easy.

Shopping List

canned chicken breast, frozen whole-kernel corn, canned unsalted chicken stock, canned stewed tomatoes, garlic, salsa, cumin, corn tortillas, 50 percent reduced-fat jalapeno cheese, cilantro, lettuce, chunky applesauce.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Turn a tough cut of beef into company fare with this FAJITA-STYLE FLANK STEAK. Accompany the tender steak with Dutch yellow POTATOES O'BRIEN. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add 1 pound diced Dutch yellow potatoes, 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper and 1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper, 1 medium diced sweet onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Serve with STEAMED FRESH BROCCOLI, leftover COLESLAW and CRUSTY ROLLS. FRUIT TARTS are for dessert.

Tip

Dutch yellow potatoes are waxy and smaller than other yellow potatoes. Substitute a different kind of yellow potato if Dutch yellow potatoes are not available.

Shopping List

beef flank steak, Italian dressing, salsa, lime, fresh cilantro or parsley, hot sauce, butter, Dutch yellow potatoes, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, sweet onion, garlic, coarse salt, black pepper, fresh broccoli, crusty rolls, fruit tarts.

FAJITA-STYLE FLANK STEAK

Servings: Makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes; marinating time: 8 to 24 hours

Cook time: 13 to 18 minutes

  • 1 1/2-pound beef flank steak
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime zest (green part only)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
  • 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce

Trim fat from steak. Place steak in a large resealable plastic bag in a large shallow dish.

For the marinade, in a small bowl, stir together Italian dressing, salsa, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro or parsley and hot sauce; mix well. Pour over steak; seal bag. Marinate in refrigerator 8 to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally.

When ready to cook, drain steak; reserve marinade. Place steak on unheated rack of broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat 13 to 18 minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning once and brushing with marinade up to the last 5 minutes of broiling. Pour any remaining marinade into small pan; boil 1 minute. Thinly slice beef across grain. Serve steak with marinade.

Per serving: 214 calories, 25 grams protein, 11 grams fat (48 percent calories from fat), 4.1 grams saturated fat, 2 grams carbohydrate, 53 milligrams cholesterol, 209 milligrams sodium, no fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for February 08, 2015

7 Day Menu Planner by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner |

Sunday: Family

Impress the family with your own BROILED LAMB CHOPS. On the side, you'll further make a good impression with creamy MASHED POTATO BAKE. Add GREEN PEAS WITH CUCUMBERS. Cook frozen petite green peas as usual; drain, then stir in 1 cup diced seedless cucumber, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt.

Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Colorful CHERRY PIE CUPS are an easy dessert.

Plan

Save enough Mashed Potato Bake and Cherry Pie Cups for Monday.

Shopping List

lamb chops, baking potatoes, skim milk, reduced-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, parsley flakes, garlic powder, coarse salt, nutmeg, cooking spray, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, bacon, frozen petite green peas, cucumber, butter, dried dill, whole-grain rolls, refrigerated piecrusts, canned light cherry pie filling.

MASHED POTATO BAKE

Servings: Makes 14 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 45 minutes, plus bacon

  • 4 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup hot skim milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 6 ounces 50 percent reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Cook potatoes in boiling water about 15 minutes or until tender; drain. Combine cooked potatoes, milk, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt and nutmeg. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high until potatoes are fairly smooth and creamy. Spoon mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot.

Per serving: 213 calories, 10 grams protein, 9 grams fat (36 percent calories from fat), 5.3 grams saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 272 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.

CHERRY PIE CUPS

Servings: Makes 12 cups

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 14 to 18 minutes

  • 2 refrigerated piecrusts (from 2-crust box), softened as directed
  • 1 (21-ounce) can light cherry pie filling

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Unroll crusts on work surface. With 3 1/2- or 4-inch round cutter, cut 6 rounds from each crust; discard scraps. Fit rounds into 12 ungreased regular-size muffin cups, pressing in gently. Spoon about 2 tablespoons pie filling into each crust-lined cup. Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until edges are golden-brown and filling is bubbly.

Per cup: 136 calories, 1 gram protein, 7 grams fat (47 percent calories from fat), 3.1 grams saturated fat, 17 grams carbohydrate, 3 milligrams cholesterol, 153 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.

Monday: Express

For a quick meal, buy a HAM STEAK and prepare it according to package directions. Accompany the ham with leftover MASHED POTATO BAKE, GREEN BEANS and CRUSTY BREAD. Enjoy the leftover CHERRY PIE CUPS for dessert.

Shopping List

ham steak, green beans, crusty bread.

Tuesday: Budget

Make low-cost CREAMY CHICKEN DIJON for dinner. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium and cook 4 (5- to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3 minutes per side or until browned. Mix together 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can less-sodium, less-fat condensed cream of celery soup, 2/3 cup water, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; spoon over chicken. Heat to boil. Cover and cook over low 5 minutes or until chicken registers 165 degrees.

Serve with RICE, FRESH BROCCOLI and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, PEACHES are light.

Shopping List

canola oil, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, canned less-sodium, less-fat condensed cream of celery soup, Dijon mustard, pepper, rice, fresh broccoli, whole-grain rolls, peaches.

Wednesday: Meatless

For a no-meat night, use your slow cooker for VEGETABLE SOUP WITH CHEESE. In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn, 4 quartered red potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 2 (14-ounce) cans unsalted vegetable broth; mix well. Cook on high 4 hours or on low 6 to 8 hours. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Serve with EGG SALAD SANDWICHES with lettuce and sliced tomatoes on whole-grain toast. FRESH PINEAPPLE is good for dessert.

Shopping List

canned cream-style corn, red potatoes, shredded carrots, onion, dried minced onion, pepper, unsalted vegetable broth, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, egg salad, lettuce, tomatoes, whole-grain bread, fresh pineapple.

Thursday: Kids

See how fast you can make SLOPPY JOES for the kids in your pressure cooker. In the cooker, heat 1 teaspoon canola oil on medium. Cook 1 large chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper for 3 minutes. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 pound lean ground beef. Cook 3 minutes and drain grease. Add 3/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce; mix well. Lock lid in place; on high heat, bring to high pressure. Reduce heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook 6 minutes. Turn off heat. Allow pressure to come down naturally, about 10 minutes. Tip lid away from your face and remove. Spoon mixture on toasted whole-grain hamburger buns and serve with OVEN FRIES (frozen). Halve CHERRY TOMATOES and serve with RANCH DIP. ORANGE SECTIONS are a good dessert.

Plan

Save enough sloppy Joe mix for Friday.

Shopping List

canola oil, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, lean ground beef, barbecue sauce, whole-grain hamburger buns, frozen oven fries, cherry tomatoes, ranch dip, oranges.

Friday: Heat and Eat

Serve the leftover SLOPPY JOES over split, toasted CORNBREAD (from a mix), along with deli BEAN SOUP. Add deli COLESLAW. For dessert, keep it light with PLUMS.

Shopping List

cornbread mix, deli bean soup, deli coleslaw, plums.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Your guests will welcome MUSTARD-CRUSTED SALMON for dinner tonight. Serve with SUGAR SNAP PEAS and COUSCOUS. Add a SPINACH SALAD and BAGUETTES.

For a showstopper dessert, serve MAPLE-SAUCED PEARS. In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, place 6 peeled and cored pears upright.

Meanwhile, mix together 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup, 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon orange zest and 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger. Pour over pears. Cover and cook on high 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until tender. Remove pears; place upright in serving dish. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; stir into sauce in cooker. Cover and cook on high 10 minutes or until thickened. Spoon over pears.

Tip

Core pears from bottom, leaving stems attached.

Shopping List

cooking spray, center-cut salmon fillets, coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, reduced-fat sour cream, coarse-grained mustard, lemons, sugar snap peas, couscous, fresh spinach, baguettes, fresh pears, brown sugar, maple-flavored syrup, butter or margarine, oranges, ground ginger, cornstarch.

MUSTARD-CRUSTED SALMON

Servings: Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes

  • 1 1/4 pounds center-cut salmon fillets, cut into 4 portions
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons coarse-grained mustard
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Lemon wedges

Heat broiler. Line broiler pan with foil, then coat with cooking spray. Place salmon, skin-side down, on pan. Season with salt and pepper. Combine sour cream, mustard and lemon juice. Spread evenly over salmon. Broil 5 inches from heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until salmon is opaque in center. Serve with lemon wedges.

Per serving: 216 calories, 30 grams protein, 8 grams fat (37 percent calories from fat), 2.3 grams saturated fat, 1 gram carbohydrate, 74 milligrams cholesterol, 298 milligrams sodium, no fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for February 01, 2015

7 Day Menu Planner by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner |

Sunday: Family

Enjoy a simple family meal with this CHUNKY TURKEY AND VEGETABLE CHILI. Buy a deli VEGETABLE PLATTER WITH DIPS to munch on. Make CORNBREAD (from a mix). A platter of BROWNIES makes for a sweet finish.

Plan

Save enough chili and cornbread for Monday; save enough brownies for Wednesday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, ground turkey, less-sodium chili seasoning mix, carrots, zucchini squash, onion, canned pinto beans, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, red onion, deli vegetable platter with dips, cornbread mix, brownies.

CHUNKY TURKEY AND VEGETABLE CHILI

Servings: Makes 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 40 minutes

  • 2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 (1.48-ounce) packet less-sodium chili seasoning mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 2 medium zucchini squash, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, in sauce
  • 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • Shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese for garnish
  • Chopped red onion for garnish

In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook ground turkey 8 minutes or until no longer pink; drain. Stir in chili seasoning packet and water until seasoning is well-blended. Add carrots, squash, onion, beans and tomatoes. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until vegetables are softened; stir often. Ladle into bowls. Garnish each serving with cheese and red onion.

Per serving: 302 calories, 30 grams protein, 8 grams fat (25 percent calories from fat), 2 grams saturated fat, 27 grams carbohydrate, 65 milligrams cholesterol, 435 milligrams sodium, 8 grams fiber.

Monday: Heat & Eat

Heat the leftover CHILI and serve it over BROWN RICE. Garnish it with reduced-fat sour cream. Warm the leftover CORNBREAD. For dessert, PEACHES are good.

Shopping List

brown rice, reduced-fat sour cream, peaches.

Tuesday: Kids

The kids can improve their reading ability with this ALPHABET SOUP. In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine 1/2 pound well-trimmed beef stew meat cut in 3/4-inch cubes, 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can undrained stewed tomatoes, 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 1 (1-ounce) envelope (from 2-ounce package) dry onion soup mix. Mix well; cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. A half-hour before serving, stir in 1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables (partially thawed) and 1/2 cup alphabet pasta. Cover and cook on high 30 minutes. Add water to thin if desired. Stir and serve with PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES on whole-grain bread and a CHOPPED LETTUCE SALAD. Cut a KIWIFRUIT in half for dessert.

Shopping List

well-trimmed beef stew meat, canned stewed tomatoes, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, dry onion soup mix, packaged frozen mixed vegetables, alphabet pasta, peanut butter, whole-grain bread, lettuce, kiwifruit.

Wednesday: Budget

You won't feel deprived with low-cost FUSILLI WITH WALNUTS, because it's delicious. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and CRUSTY BREAD. For dessert, warm the leftover BROWNIES and top with fat-free VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Thursday.

Shopping List

whole-wheat fusilli pasta, walnuts, unsalted chicken stock, reduced-fat sour cream, dried sage, pepper, sliced prosciutto or bacon, packaged fresh baby spinach, butter, lettuce, crusty bread, fat-free vanilla ice cream.

FUSILLI WITH WALNUTS

Servings: Makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: less than 10 minutes, plus pasta

  • 12 ounces whole-wheat fusilli pasta
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 ounces sliced prosciutto or bacon, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Cook pasta according to directions.

Meanwhile, crush walnuts with a rolling pin. Toast them 3 minutes in a large dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add chicken stock, sour cream, sage, pepper, prosciutto or bacon, spinach and butter. Bring to a simmer on medium, stirring. Cook just until spinach wilts and butter melts. Drain pasta. Add to pan with sauce and toss to coat. Serve.

Per serving: 351 calories, 12 grams protein, 14 grams fat (34 percent calories from fat), 3.9 grams saturated fat, 47 grams carbohydrate, 24 milligrams cholesterol, 251 milligrams sodium, 8 grams fiber.

Thursday: Meatless

Skip meat tonight for filling ROTINI BEANY. Cook 8 ounces rotini pasta according to directions; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1 chopped green bell pepper on high (100 percent power) 4 minutes or until softened; drain. Add 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium kidney beans. Microwave 6 to 8 minutes on high or until hot. Add 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach leaves; microwave 3 minutes. Add cooked pasta; mix well and serve. Garnish with shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Add a GREENS SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Top leftover ICE CREAM with caramel sauce for dessert.

Plan

Save enough caramel sauce for Friday.

Shopping List

rotini pasta, green bell pepper, jar marinara sauce, canned reduced-sodium kidney beans, packaged baby spinach, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, salad greens, garlic bread, caramel sauce.

Friday: Express

Look for Ready Pac's (or another brand's) BISTRO BOWL salads in the produce department. The full-meal salads are of excellent quality. Serve the salads with deli SOUP and CHEESE TOAST. Low-fat VANILLA PUDDING swirled with leftover caramel sauce is your dessert.

Shopping List

Ready Pac's (or another brand's) Bistro Bowl full-meal salads, deli soup, cheese, bread, low-fat vanilla pudding.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

A romantic dinner for two? Easy! Make simple BAKED RASPBERRY-MUSTARD CHICKEN BREASTS for your valentine. Place 2 (6- to 8-ounce) bone-in skinless chicken breasts on a rack coated with cooking spray. Broil 7 to 9 inches from heat for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken registers 165 degrees.

Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and brush on chicken the last few minutes of broiling. Serve with STUFFED BAKED POTATOES (frozen) and PEAS AND ONIONS (frozen). Add a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and DINNER ROLLS. For dessert, swoon over these CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD BARS.

Shopping List

bone-in skinless chicken breasts, cooking spray, raspberry preserves, Dijon mustard, frozen stuffed baked potatoes, frozen peas and onions, Boston lettuce, dinner rolls, butter, light brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, orange, almond extract, flour, almonds, semisweet chocolate chips.

CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD BARS

Servings: Makes 24 bars

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: about 25 minutes

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup chopped toasted almonds, divided
  • 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Beat in egg yolk thoroughly. Add vanilla extract, orange zest and almond extract and beat 2 to 3 minutes, scraping sides of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing. Add flour and 1/2 cup almonds and mix on low until just combined. Spread dough into a 9-by-13-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven; sprinkle top with chocolate chips. Return to oven for 30 seconds. Remove from oven; spread melted chocolate evenly over surface. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup almonds. Cool before serving.

Per bar: 241 calories, 3 grams protein, 14 grams fat (51 percent calories from fat), 7.6 grams saturated fat, 27 grams carbohydrate, 28 milligrams cholesterol, 71 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

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