health

7 Day Menu Planner for November 08, 2015

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

Sunday: Family

November is just the right time for SIMPLE SAVORY BEEF POT ROAST WITH VEGETABLES. Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat on medium until hot. Add 1 (2 1/2-pound) boneless beef blade chuck roast; brown evenly. Pour off drippings; season roast with 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 cup Burgundy or any dry red wine and 2 tablespoons minced garlic; bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover tightly; simmer 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours or until roast is fork-tender. Remove beef; keep warm.

Skim fat from liquid and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes. Add 3 cups frozen vegetable blend (any variety); bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and liquid is slightly reduced. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme.

Carve pot roast into thin slices; garnish with additional thyme, if desired. Add vegetable mixture before serving.

Serve with MASHED POTATOES, SPINACH SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Top ANGEL FOOD CAKE with STRAWBERRIES and light WHIPPED CREAM for dessert.

Plan

Save enough beef, vegetables and strawberries for Monday. Save enough cake for Tuesday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, boneless beef blade chuck roast, coarse salt, black pepper, Burgundy or any dry red wine, garlic, any frozen vegetable blend, fresh thyme, mashed potatoes, fresh spinach, whole-grain rolls, angel food cake, strawberries, light whipped cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make BEEF AND BROCCOLI SLAW WRAPS with leftover beef. Shred 2 cups of the beef and combine with 3 cups packaged broccoli slaw mix and 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; mix well. Spoon onto warmed whole-grain tortillas; roll, halve and eat.

Heat the leftover VEGETABLES and serve alongside. Add MIXED GREENS. For dessert, top leftover STRAWBERRIES with fat-free VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

packaged broccoli slaw mix, hoisin sauce, whole-grain tortillas, mixed salad greens, fat-free vanilla ice cream.

Tuesday: Express

Stop by the market on the way home, and in no time you'll have SMOKED TURKEY, BRIE AND GRANNY SMITH APPLE SANDWICHES ON BAGUETTES for a quick dinner. Serve with VEGGIE CHIPS. For dessert, cut the leftover CAKE into cubes and mix with instant BANANA PUDDING made with 1 percent milk.

Shopping List

deli smoked turkey, brie cheese, Granny Smith apples, baguettes, veggie chips, instant banana pudding, 1 percent milk.

Wednesday: Meatless

Make it meatless and easy with LINGUINE WITH ZUCCHINI AND FRESH MINT. Serve with an ITALIAN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. PLUMS are your dessert.

Shopping List

linguine, olive oil, butter, zucchini, garlic, fresh mint, coarse salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, Italian salad, garlic bread, plums.

LINGUINE WITH ZUCCHINI AND MINT

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 5 minutes, plus pasta

  • 12 ounces linguine
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 pounds (8 cups) fresh zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook linguine according to directions; drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and garlic; cook 4 minutes or until softened. Stir in mint, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Combine zucchini mixture with cooked pasta and remaining olive oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining pepper.

Per serving: 311 calories, 11 grams protein, 9 grams fat (25 percent calories from fat), 2 grams saturated fat, 48 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, 235 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.

Thursday: Budget

We're always in the mood for a good LENTIL SOUP, and this one is a keeper. Serve the soup with ORANGE AND GRAPEFRUIT SECTIONS ON LETTUCE and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy OATMEAL COOKIES for dessert.

Shopping List

extra-virgin olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, dried lentils, fresh dill, bay leaves, crushed red pepper, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, coarse salt, black pepper, reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese, oranges, grapefruit, lettuce, whole-grain rolls, oatmeal cookies.

LENTIL SOUP

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 45 minutes

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups dried lentils, picked over
  • 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, divided
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese (3 ounces)

In a Dutch oven, heat oil on medium until hot. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic; cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Add water, lentils, 1 tablespoon dill, bay leaves, red pepper and tomato sauce. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in remaining dill, vinegar, salt and black pepper; discard bay leaves. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Per serving: 268 calories, 18 grams protein, 6 grams fat (20 percent calories from fat), 1.7 grams saturated fat, 39 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, 454 milligrams sodium, 8 grams fiber.

Friday: Kids

What kid could resist CREAMY-GREENY WAGON WHEEL PASTA for dinner? Stir 1 (10 1/4-ounce) can condensed less-fat, less-sodium cream of mushroom soup and 3/4 cup 1 percent milk over low heat until hot. Stir in 2 cups frozen tiny green peas. Cook 5 minutes; toss with cooked wagon wheel (or rotini) pasta.

Serve with CHERRY TOMATO halves and SOFT BREAD STICKS. Make STRAWBERRY GRANOLA PARFAITS for dessert. Layer strawberry yogurt, granola and sliced fresh strawberries in a tall glass.

Shopping List

canned condensed less-fat, less-sodium cream of mushroom soup, 1 percent milk, frozen tiny green peas, wagon wheel (or rotini) pasta, cherry tomatoes, soft bread sticks, strawberry yogurt, granola, strawberries.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Our guests were inspired to add edamame (green soybeans) to their favorites list after they tried SHRIMP WITH EDAMAME SUCCOTASH. Serve the lima bean stand-in (edamame) with a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and BAGUETTES. For dessert, pour warm CARAMEL SAUCE over leftover ICE CREAM for dessert.

Tip

Edamame is high in protein and fiber and one of the most nutritious soy products.

Shopping List

frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), bacon, celery, red onion, garlic, jalapeno peppers, frozen or fresh corn, dry white wine, medium peeled and deveined shrimp, coarse salt, black pepper, fresh flatleaf parsley, Boston lettuce, baguettes, caramel sauce.

SHRIMP WITH EDAMAME SUCCOTASH

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 20 minutes

  • 1 1/2 cups edamame (frozen, blanched and shelled) (see NOTE)
  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, split lengthwise, seeded and cut crosswise into thin strips
  • 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
  • 3 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flatleaf parsley

Cook edamame according to package directions; drain. In a large nonstick skillet on medium-high, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, crumble and set aside; reserve 1 tablespoon drippings. Reduce heat to medium; add celery, onion, garlic and jalapeno to pan. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in edamame, corn and wine; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add shrimp; cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are opaque throughout, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper; sprinkle with bacon and parsley.

NOTE: If you can't find edamame (green soybeans) with other frozen vegetables, look in the frozen health food section of your market.

Per serving: 329 calories, 27 grams protein, 13 grams fat (34 percent calories from fat), 3 grams saturated fat, 28 grams carbohydrate, 139 milligrams cholesterol, 622 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for November 01, 2015

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

Sunday: Family

Serve the family HONEY-ORANGE GLAZED HAM today. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place a 2- to 3-pound fully cooked boneless ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast uncovered 30 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees.

Meanwhile, mix together 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1/4 cup honey, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Baste ham with mixture the last 10 minutes of roasting. Let stand 5 minutes; slice and serve.

To accompany the family favorite, make your own SCALLOPED POTATOES and steamed FRESH BROCCOLI. Buy APPLE COBBLER for dessert and top it with light WHIPPED CREAM.

Plan

Save enough ham and cobbler for Monday.

Shopping List

fully cooked boneless ham, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, ground cloves, scalloped potatoes, fresh broccoli, apple cobbler, light whipped cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make FANCY-SCHMANCY HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICHES. In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard with 1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise. Spread half of mayonnaise mixture on 4 slices Italian bread. Layer each slice with 1 1/2 ounces leftover ham slices and 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle with black pepper. Spread remaining mayonnaise mixture over each remaining bread slice. Place bread, mustard sides down, on top of sandwiches.

In shallow dish, whisk together 2 whole eggs and 1/4 cup skim milk. Dip both sides of each sandwich in egg mixture. Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray on medium. Add sandwiches; cook 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. (Adapted from "Cooking Light: Dinnertime Survival Guide," Sally Kuzemchak; Oxmoor House, 2014.)

Add a ROMAINE SALAD. Warm the leftover APPLE COBBLER for dessert.

Shopping List

whole-grain mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, Italian bread, Gruyere cheese, black pepper, eggs, skim milk, cooking spray, romaine.

Tuesday: Express

You can make TOMATO SOUP WITH SPINACH AND CORN in no time. Prepare 2 (10-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup according to directions, using skim milk. Add 1 (10-ounce) package frozen (thawed and squeezed dry) chopped spinach and 1 cup frozen (thawed) corn. Heat through. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and CHEESE TOAST. Enjoy fat-free STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM, topped with chocolate syrup, for dessert.

Plan

Save enough chocolate syrup for Thursday. Save enough ice cream for Friday.

Shopping List

canned condensed tomato soup, skim milk, frozen chopped spinach, frozen corn, lettuce, any bread and any cheese for cheese toast, fat-free strawberry ice cream, chocolate syrup.

Wednesday: Meatless

This BAKED EGGPLANT AND POLENTA was a hit and is going into our permanent collection of recipes. Serve with steamed GREEN BEANS and an ARUGULA SALAD WITH RED ONION RINGS. Add WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. For dessert, PLUMS are perfect.

Shopping List

eggplant, cooking spray, jar no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce, part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, ready-to-eat polenta, green beans, arugula, red onion, whole-grain bread, plums.

BAKED EGGPLANT AND POLENTA

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) eggplant, peeled and cut lengthwise into 8 slices
  • 8 ounces part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups), divided
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 (26-ounce) jar no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce, divided
  • 1 (17- or 18-ounce) tube ready-to-heat polenta, cut into 20 slices

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Coat both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray. Place on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes or until tender.

Reduce heat to 375 degrees. Place 4 slices eggplant in bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread with 1 cup marinara sauce; sprinkle with 2/3 cup mozzarella and 1 tablespoon parmesan. Repeat once. Top with polenta slices, remaining sauce and both cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melts.

Per serving: 235 calories, 14 grams protein, 8 grams fat (31 percent calories from fat), 4.4 grams saturated fat, 26 grams carbohydrate, 27 milligrams cholesterol, 599 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.

Thursday: Budget

There's nothing like a good meatloaf to perk up your wallet, and BARBECUE MEATLOAF fills the bill. Serve with OVEN FRIES (frozen) and ZUCCHINI. Make CORNBREAD (from a mix).

For dessert, enjoy CHOCOLATE SWIRL PUDDING. Prepare instant vanilla pudding using skim milk and swirl leftover chocolate syrup over the pudding. Top with fat-free whipped cream.

Plan

Save enough meatloaf for Friday.

Shopping List

onion, ground turkey breast, lean ground beef, dry bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, less-sodium Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, dried thyme, frozen oven fries, zucchini, cornbread mix, instant vanilla pudding, skim milk, fat-free whipped cream.

BARBECUE MEATLOAF

Servings: makes 10 slices

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 1 hour; standing time: 5 minutes

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons less-sodium Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Microwave onion 1 minute on high (100 percent power). Combine cooked onion, turkey, beef, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic and thyme; mix. Spoon into a 9-by-4- or 5-inch loaf pan. Brush with remaining barbecue sauce. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees. Drain fat. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Per slice: 157 calories, 14 grams protein, 5 grams fat (31 percent calories from fat), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, 46 milligrams cholesterol, 216 milligrams sodium, 0 fiber.

Friday: Kids

Show the kids how you can use magic to redesign the leftover meatloaf into BARBECUE TACOS. Crumble the leftover meatloaf, heat and spoon into warmed taco shells; top with shredded lettuce and any shredded cheese. Serve with vegetarian BAKED BEANS. Leftover STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is a favorite dessert, especially with FRESH STRAWBERRIES on top.

Shopping List

taco shells, lettuce, any shredded cheese, vegetarian baked beans, fresh strawberries.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Any guest would welcome SEASONED CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKES. Serve with LINGUINE tossed with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley and a packaged ITALIAN-MIX SALAD and BAGUETTES. For dessert, COCONUT LAYER CAKE is perfect for your guests.

Shopping List

olive oil, packaged boneless skinless chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, dry white wine if desired, unsalted chicken broth, canned water-packed artichoke hearts, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, black pepper, fresh parsley, linguine, parmesan cheese, Italian-mix packaged salad, baguettes, coconut layer cake.

SEASONED CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKES

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: about 15 minutes

Cook time: 17 to 23 minutes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1- to 1 1/4-pound package boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or unsalted chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can water-packed artichoke hearts, quartered and drained
  • 1 (19-ounce) can reduced-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Flatten chicken to an even thickness. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Add chicken to skillet and cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove chicken to plate and cover with foil. Pour wine (if desired) and broth into pan and bring to boil, stirring to loosen any brown particles that may have accumulated on bottom of pan. Boil 4 to 6 minutes to reduce liquid by half. Add artichokes and beans; cover and cook 3 minutes or until heated through. Return chicken with accumulated juices to pan; add pepper. Cover and cook 2 to 4 more minutes or until chicken is 165 degrees. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Per serving: 299 calories, 31 grams protein, 7 grams fat (21 percent calories from fat), 1.1 grams saturated fat, 24 grams carbohydrate, 73 milligrams cholesterol, 583 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for October 25, 2015

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

Sunday: Family

BEEF STEW is always good for family day. Add some MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy or make a CHERRY PIE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough stew for Monday.

Shopping List

beef cubes for stew, flour, coarse salt, pepper, dried thyme, lower-sodium beef broth, no-salt-added tomato paste, dry red wine, garlic, red potatoes, assorted mushrooms (such as shiitake, crimini, oyster and button), baby carrots, salad greens, whole-grain rolls, cherry pie.

BEEF STEW

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 4 hours on high; 7 to 8 hours on low

  • 1 1/2 pounds well-trimmed beef for stew, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup lower-sodium beef broth
  • 1/4 cup no-salt-added tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup dry red wine
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 ounces assorted mushrooms (such as shiitake, crimini, oyster and button), cut into quarters
  • 1 1/2 cups baby carrots

Place beef in 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Combine flour, salt, pepper and thyme; mix well. Sprinkle over beef; toss to coat. Combine broth, tomato paste, wine and garlic; mix well. Pour over beef. Add potatoes, mushrooms and carrots; mix well. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or on low 7 to 8 hours, or until beef and vegetables are tender. Stir well before serving.

Per serving: 345 calories, 28 grams protein, 8 grams fat (22 percent calories from fat), 3.1 grams saturated fat, 38 grams carbohydrate, 71 milligrams cholesterol, 453 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Brighten the leftover STEW by adding some frozen green peas when you reheat it. Serve with SALAD GREENS and CRUSTY BREAD. For dessert, PEARS are perfect.

Plan

Make Tuesday's casserole today if time permits.

Shopping List

frozen green peas, salad greens, crusty bread, pears.

Tuesday: Budget

You won't mind saving a few greenbacks with delicious NEW MEXICO-STYLE CHILI-CHICKEN CASSEROLE. Serve with a SLICED AVOCADO SALAD. KIWIFRUIT is a simple dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, unsalted chicken broth, canned chopped green chilies, onion, reduced-fat sour cream, coarse salt, cumin, pepper, canned reduced-sodium, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, garlic, corn tortillas, shredded cooked chicken breast, 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese, avocado, salad greens, kiwifruit.

NEW MEXICO-STYLE CHILI-CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Servings: makes 8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: less than 40 minutes

  • 1 (14-ounce) can unsalted chicken broth
  • 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (10 1/2-ounce) cans condensed reduced-sodium, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 18 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 cups finely shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large pan, combine broth, chilies, onion, sour cream, salt, cumin, pepper, soup and garlic; mix well. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Spread 1 cup soup mixture in dish. Arrange 6 tortillas over soup mixture (tearing to fit dish) and top with 1 cup chicken and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese. Spread remaining soup mixture over cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly.

TIP: If you prepare the day ahead, cover with nonstick foil. When ready to serve, bake 1 hour. Uncover, and bake 30 minutes more or until bubbly.

Per serving: 358 calories, 34 grams protein, 14 grams fat (33 percent calories from fat), 7 grams saturated fat, 28 grams carbohydrate, 93 milligrams cholesterol, 851 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.

Wednesday: Express

You can make TURKEY PHILLY SANDWICHES for a quick dinner. Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 teaspoons butter on medium and cook 1 cup chopped onion and green bell pepper (frozen or refrigerated) for 5 minutes or until softened; drain. Divide vegetable mixture and 12 ounces deli sliced turkey breast evenly among bottom halves of 4 split sandwich rolls; top each with 1 slice mozzarella cheese and the other halves of rolls. Place on baking sheet and bake 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Serve with VEGGIE CHIPS and DILL PICKLES. CHUNKY APPLESAUCE is a good dessert.

Shopping List

butter, chopped onion and green bell pepper (frozen or refrigerated), deli sliced turkey breast, sandwich rolls, sliced mozzarella cheese, veggie chips, dill pickles, chunky applesauce.

Thursday: Meatless

Enjoy easy RED PEPPER-SPINACH LASAGNA for a no-meat dinner. Coat a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup (from 26- to 28-ounce jar) tomato pasta sauce in cooker.

In a large bowl, mix 2 medium chopped red bell peppers, 1 small chopped onion and 2 (9-ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry); stir in remaining pasta sauce and 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce.

Layer 3 (9 total) (broken to fit) uncooked lasagna noodles in slow cooker. Top with 1/3 (of 16-ounce jar) Alfredo sauce over noodles, spreading to cover. Top with 5 (15 total) provolone cheese slices, overlapping if necessary. Top with 1/3 of vegetable mixture (about 2 cups), spreading evenly. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top. Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. (Adapted from "Betty Crocker: The Big Book of One-Pot Dinners"; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.)

Add a LETTUCE WEDGE and some GARLIC BREAD. Enjoy fat-free VANILLA ICE CREAM for dessert.

Plan

Buy enough Alfredo sauce for Friday. Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, tomato pasta sauce, red bell peppers, onion, frozen chopped spinach, no-salt-added tomato sauce, lasagna noodles, Alfredo sauce, sliced provolone slices, parmesan cheese, lettuce, garlic bread, fat-free vanilla ice cream.

Friday: Kids

Treat the kids to RAVIOLI WITH ALFREDO SAUCE tonight. Cook refrigerated ravioli according to package directions and top with leftover Alfredo sauce. Serve with RED AND ORANGE BELL PEPPER RINGS and SOFT BREAD STICKS. Let the kids make OREO (instant) COOKIES 'N' CREAM PUDDING (such as Jell-O) with skim milk for dessert.

Shopping List

refrigerated ravioli, red and orange bell peppers, soft bread sticks, instant Oreo Cookies 'N' Cream Pudding (such as Jell-O), skim milk.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Serve your lucky guests GRILLED SALMON WITH DILL SAUCE (mix 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon capers). Serve with FETTUCCINE tossed with pesto, STEAMED FRESH BROCCOLI and BAGUETTES. Finish with our favorite, HONEY-RUM PEACH GALETTE topped with leftover ICE CREAM.

Shopping List

salmon fillets, reduced-fat sour cream, lemon, fresh dill, capers, fettuccine, pesto, fresh broccoli, baguettes, refrigerated piecrust, sugar, nutmeg, peaches, cooking spray, honey, rum extract.

HONEY-RUM PEACH GALETTE

Servings: makes 10 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 30 minutes

  • 1 refrigerated piecrust (from 15-ounce package)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar (according to sweetness of peaches)
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups sliced peaches
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon rum extract

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place room-temperature piecrust on a lightly floured surface; roll into a 12-inch circle and place on a 12-inch pizza pan. Combine sugar and nutmeg. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar mixture over dough. Arrange peaches spokelike on top of dough 1 inch from edge, working from outside edge to center. Sprinkle peaches with remaining sugar mixture. Fold dough over peaches and crimp edges to fit; coat dough with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes. Combine honey and rum extract and microwave on high 20 to 40 seconds. Brush mixture over warm tart and serve with ice cream.

Per serving: 119 calories, 1 gram protein, 6 grams fat (40 percent calories from fat), 2.4 grams saturated fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, 2 milligrams cholesterol, 110 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.

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