Sunday: Family

For family day, GINGER-GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN is a dish the whole family will enjoy. Serve it over SPAGHETTI, along with ASPARAGUS garnished with sesame seeds. Add peeled, seeded and sliced CUCUMBERS in cider vinegar on the side, along with BREAD STICKS.

Make this easy DOUBLE BLUEBERRY PIE for dessert. Microwave 1 (10-ounce) jar blueberry all-fruit spread and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon on high (100 percent power) for 1 minute or until the spread melts. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups fresh blueberries and fruit-spread mixture; spoon into a 9-inch baked pie shell. Cover loosely with wax paper and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until set.

Plan

Save enough pork and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

pork tenderloins, regular chicken broth, fresh gingerroot, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, spaghetti, asparagus, sesame seeds, cucumbers, cider vinegar, bread sticks, blueberry all-fruit spread, cinnamon, fresh blueberries, pie crust to bake.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use some of the leftover pork for PORK HEROES. Layer thin slices of pork on KAISER ROLLS coated with spicy mustard. Top with SLICED TOMATOES, SLICED CUCUMBER, LETTUCE LEAVES and GREEN BELL PEPPER RINGS. Serve with CORN-ON-THE-COB. Slice the leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

kaiser rolls, spicy mustard, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, green bell pepper, corn-on-the-cob.

Tuesday: Express

To keep dinner prep quick, make THAI TURKEY WRAPS. Spread 4 (8-inch) fat-free whole-wheat tortillas with peanut sauce (such as San-J or another brand). On each tortilla, layer sliced deli turkey breast, thinly sliced red onion, shredded lettuce and chopped fresh cilantro. Roll, cut diagonally and chill until serving time.

Serve with deli BROCCOLI SALAD and BAKED CHIPS. For dessert, drizzle CARAMEL SAUCE over a small serving of VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough caramel sauce for Thursday and enough ice cream for Saturday. Cook brown rice for Wednesday.

Shopping List

fat-free whole-wheat tortillas, peanut sauce (such as San-J or another brand), deli turkey breast, red onion, lettuce, fresh cilantro, deli broccoli salad, baked chips, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday: Budget

Be frugal and serve BLACK AND BROWN BURRITOS tonight. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 1 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin; cook 7 minutes or until onion is softened. Add 3 cups cooked brown rice, 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and 1 cup frozen corn; cook and stir 6 minutes or until mixture is hot. Remove from heat.

Spoon about 1/2 cup rice mixture down center of 6 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas. Top each with 2 tablespoons 50 percent light shredded jalapeno cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon plain yogurt; roll and top with 1 tablespoon salsa. Serve with GUACAMOLE. Buy MINI WATERMELONS or WATERMELON SLICES for dessert.

Plan

Make Thursday's sandwiches today.

Shopping List

canola oil, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, brown rice, canned reduced-sodium black beans, frozen corn, fat-free flour tortillas, 50 percent light jalapeno cheddar cheese, green onions, plain yogurt, salsa, guacamole, mini watermelons or watermelon slices.

Thursday: Meatless

Keeping with the cool-food-for-hot-weather theme, serve GAZPACHO SANDWICHES tonight. If you want more food, try deli BEAN SOUP. For dessert, top instant BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING with leftover CARAMEL SAUCE.

Shopping List

baguette, grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, fresh mint, red wine vinegar, olive oil, coarse salt, white pepper, fresh basil, deli bean soup, instant butterscotch pudding.

Friday: Kids

Let the kids have some laughs with FUN SHAPES CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS (such as Perdue or another brand). The wild-animal shapes go well with OVEN FRIES (frozen) and deli CARROT SALAD. Serve FRESH APRICOTS for dessert.

Shopping List

fun shapes chicken breast nuggets (such as Perdue or another brand), frozen oven fries, deli carrot salad, fresh apricots.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Call some friends to join you for GRILLED FRESH TUNA SALAD. Serve with TOMATO WEDGES drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and chopped fresh basil and BAGUETTES.

For dessert, spoon BANANA SAUCE over leftover ICE CREAM. For the sauce, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add 4 medium sliced bananas, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup maple syrup; cook 5 minutes or until sugar melts.

Shopping List

sherry vinegar, coarse salt, Dijon mustard, pepper, fresh or dried oregano, fresh or dried thyme, extra-virgin olive oil, tuna steaks, bagged Mediterranean salad blend, tomatoes, fresh basil, baguettes, butter, bananas, brown sugar, maple syrup.

Sunday: Family

Celebrate family day with your own recipe for LEG OF LAMB. Serve it with a Southern favorite, CHEESE AND GARLIC GRITS. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring 4 cups water to boil in a large saucepan. Stir in 1 cup quick grits and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed less-fat cheddar cheese soup, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; mix well. Spread mixture in dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup 50 percent light cheddar cheese and garnish with paprika. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melts.

Serve with steamed GREEN BEANS and BAGUETTES. For dessert, enjoy PEACH PIE.

Plan

Save enough lamb, grits and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

leg of lamb, cooking spray, quick grits, garlic salt, canned condensed less-fat cheddar cheese soup, butter, hot pepper sauce, 50 percent light cheddar cheese, paprika, green beans, baguettes, peach pie.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make LAMB SANDWICHES for an easy meal. Brush slices of rosemary bread (or focaccia) with olive oil. Top with sliced leftover lamb, roasted red pepper strips (from a jar), sliced tomatoes, red-tip lettuce and goat cheese. Warm the leftover GRITS to accompany the knock-your-socks-off flavor of the sandwich. Finish with leftover PIE.

Shopping List

rosemary bread (or focaccia), olive oil, jar roasted red pepper strips, tomatoes, red-tip lettuce, goat cheese.

Tuesday: Meatless

It takes a little extra time, but RISOTTO WITH BLACK OLIVES AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS is worth it. Serve the creamy rice concoction with an ITALIAN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. For dessert, try fresh TROPICAL FRUITS.

Shopping List

olive oil, arborio rice, dry white wine, unsalted vegetable broth, canned no-salt-added corn, jar roasted red peppers, canned sliced black olives, dried tarragon, Italian salad, garlic bread, fresh tropical fruits.

Wednesday: Budget

We never mind low-cost menus, especially when they have as much flavor as LENTILS WITH BACON AND TOMATOES. Serve the high-fiber dish with a SPINACH SALAD and FLATBREAD. Buy or make CUPCAKES for dessert.

Plan

Save enough cupcakes for Thursday.

Shopping List

bacon, canola oil, onion, dry lentils, quick-cooking barley, canned lower-sodium beef broth, cumin, allspice, canned stewed tomatoes, fresh parsley, fresh spinach, flatbread, cupcakes.

Thursday: Kids

Tell the kids they are having PIGS IN A SERAPE for dinner and watch them laugh. Spread vegetarian refried beans on fat-free flour tortillas. Place lowest-fat, lowest-sodium hot dogs on the beans. Top with any shredded cheese; roll and heat in the microwave until the cheese melts. Toss shredded lettuce with chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives and ranch-style dressing to enjoy alongside. For dessert, accompany the leftover CUPCAKES with FRESH ORANGE SLICES.

Shopping List

vegetarian refried beans, fat-free flour tortillas, lowest-fat, lowest-sodium hot dogs, any shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced black olives, ranch-style dressing, oranges.

Friday: Express

Try BREAKFAST-FOR-DINNER BURRITOS. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook 1/2 cup chopped onion for 4 minutes on medium or until softened. Add 1 cup Southwestern-style egg substitute (with red and green bell peppers, onions, chilies and seasonings); sprinkle with pepper to taste. Cook and stir mixture until eggs are set. Divide mixture evenly among 4 (8-inch) warmed fat-free flour tortillas; top with 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Fold tortillas over egg mixture; top with drained salsa.

Serve with HASH-BROWNED POTATOES (frozen). For dessert, make instant BANANA PUDDING with 1 percent milk. Stir in sliced bananas and garnish with vanilla wafers.

Shopping List

cooking spray, onion, Southwestern-style egg substitute, pepper, fat-free flour tortillas, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, frozen hash-browned potatoes, instant banana pudding, 1 percent milk, bananas, vanilla wafers.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Invite friends for delicious HONEY-GINGER SALMON. Serve with JASMINE RICE (or another aromatic rice such as basmati), fresh steamed SUGAR SNAP PEAS and a BIBB LETTUCE SALAD; add SOURDOUGH ROLLS. Buy a CHEESECAKE for dessert and top with FRESH RASPBERRIES.

Shopping List

orange juice, reduced-sodium soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, garlic powder, green onion, salmon fillets, jasmine or basmati rice, fresh sugar snap peas, Bibb lettuce, sourdough rolls, cheesecake, raspberries.

Sunday: Family

Roast your own TURKEY BREAST for the family today and add GRAVY. Accompany it with LONG-GRAIN AND WILD RICE (packaged).

Add GREEN BEANS AND ONIONS. Cook 2 (12-ounce) packages trimmed fresh green beans in boiling salted water about 4 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse in cold water. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-low. Add 2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. To skillet, add beans, coarse salt and pepper to taste and stir; cook 3 minutes until heated. Stir in 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled) and serve.

Add WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD alongside. Make LEMON POPPY SEED CAKE WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough turkey and cake for Monday.

Shopping List

turkey breast to roast, gravy, packaged long-grain and wild rice, packaged fresh green beans, olive oil, onions, coarse salt, pepper, bacon, whole-grain bread, cooking spray, packaged lemon poppy seed muffin mix, frozen strawberries in syrup, fat-free, sugar-free instant lemon pudding, 1 percent milk, fresh strawberries.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make TURKEY CAESAR ROLL-UPS for an easy meal. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups shredded romaine, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 4 finely chopped green onions and 2 tablespoons light Caesar dressing. Arrange 1 cup romaine mixture in center of 4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas. Top each with 2 slices leftover turkey, 2 sun-dried tomatoes (marinated and drained) and pepper to taste. Fold in bottom and top portions of each tortilla. Roll from the long side to completely enclose the filling.

Serve with BAKED CHIPS. Steam some FRESH OKRA on the side. Slice the leftover CAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

romaine, parmesan cheese, green onions, light Caesar dressing, fat-free flour tortillas, marinated sun-dried tomatoes, pepper, baked chips, fresh okra.

Tuesday: Kids

Make the kids happy with DOUBLE-BEAN SLOPPY JOES for dinner. In a large nonstick skillet, combine 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed black-eyed peas, 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium pinto beans, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can drained diced no-salt-added tomatoes, 1 cup finely chopped shredded carrots, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar and 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; bring to boil. Reduce heat, partially cover skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes, or until carrots are tender. Spoon onto bottom of 4 split toasted Kaiser rolls; replace tops.

Serve with CHOPPED LETTUCE. Slurp on PEANUT BANANA SMOOTHIES for dessert. Combine 1 medium-ripe banana (frozen), 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup 1 percent milk, 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3 ice cubes in a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Plan

Cook Wednesday's brown rice today.

Shopping List

canned black-eyed peas, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, marinara sauce, canned diced no-salt-added tomatoes, shredded carrots, Worcestershire sauce, red-wine vinegar, chili powder, Kaiser rolls, lettuce, banana, plain Greek yogurt, 1 percent milk, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract.

Wednesday: Meatless

Make delicious BAKED BROWN RICE WITH BROCCOLI AND MUSHROOMS for an easy no-meat dinner. Serve with SLICED TOMATOES and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. NECTARINES are dessert.

Shopping List

onions, celery, fresh broccoli florets, sliced fresh crimini mushrooms, brown rice, condensed less-sodium, less-fat cheese or mushroom soup, 50 percent light cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, coarse salt, pepper, cooking spray, tomatoes, whole-grain rolls, nectarines.

Thursday: Budget

Low-cost MEXICAN SALAD is just right for summer. In a large nonstick skillet, cook 1/2 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 pound ground turkey and 1 small chopped onion 8 to 10 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and the onion softens; drain well. Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 3/4 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook 2 or 3 more minutes.

Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch dressing, 3/4 teaspoon cumin and 1/8 teaspoon pepper sauce; mix well. To serve, place 5 cups sliced romaine on a serving platter. Top the romaine with 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup canned rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and the beef/turkey mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup 50 percent light jalapeno cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.

Serve with warmed fat-free FLOUR TORTILLAS and ranch dressing mix. Dessert is just a bowl of CHERRIES.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, ground turkey, onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, reduced-fat ranch dressing, pepper sauce, romaine, grape tomatoes, canned reduced-sodium black beans, 50 percent light jalapeno cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, fat-free flour tortillas, fresh cherries.

Friday: Express

A new twist on an old theme makes REUBEN QUESADILLAS an easy meal. Spread 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing on one side of 4 (10-inch) fat-free flour tortillas. Layer 2 ounces thinly sliced deli corned beef, 1/2 cup rinsed and drained refrigerated sauerkraut and 2 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese onto half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas in half over filling, pressing gently to seal. Heat a large nonstick skillet to medium, add quesadillas in batches, and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden and cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve.

Add CORN-ON-THE-COB and a LETTUCE WEDGE on the side. Try FRESH PLUMS for dessert.

Shopping List

Thousand Island dressing, fat-free flour tortillas, sliced deli corned beef, refrigerated sauerkraut, reduced-fat Swiss cheese, corn-on-the-cob, lettuce, fresh plums.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Your lucky friends will enjoy CAPRESE CHICKEN tonight. Serve it over FETTUCCINE. Add an ITALIAN SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD on the side. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.

Tip: This chicken recipe is going into my favorites file.

Shopping List

boneless skinless chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, coarse salt, lemon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, plum tomatoes, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, fettuccine, Italian salad, crusty bread, fruit tarts.