health

7 Day Menu Planner for April 16, 2017

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | April 16th, 2017

Sunday: Family

Spice up family day with ROASTED PEPPERED PORK LOIN. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Rub 1 (2- to 3-pound) well-trimmed boneless pork loin with a mixture of 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic pepper and 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary. Place pork in a shallow pan. Roast 40 minutes to 1 hour (20 minutes per pound) or until internal temperature of pork registers 145 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve with ROASTED POTATOES, GREEN BEANS, MIXED SALAD GREENS and BISCUITS. Make SPICE CAKE (from a mix) for dessert.

Plan

Save enough pork and cake for Monday.

Shopping List

boneless pork loin, garlic pepper, dried rosemary, potatoes to roast, green beans, mixed salad greens, biscuits, spice cake mix.


Monday: Heat and Eat

Use the leftover pork in this SOUTHWESTERN PORK AND PEPPER STIR-FRY. Serve it over RICE. Add a SPINACH SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Slice the leftover CAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

chili powder, cumin, canola oil, onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, rice, fresh spinach, whole-grain rolls.

SOUTHWESTERN PORK AND PEPPER STIR-FRY

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 10 minutes

  • 2 cups cooked (leftover) chopped pork loin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

Toss pork with chili powder and cumin; set aside. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add onion and peppers; cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is softened. Add pork and stir-fry 2 minutes or until hot; serve immediately.

Per serving: 155 calories, 20 grams protein, 5 grams fat (30 percent calories from fat), 1.1 grams saturated fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 52 milligrams cholesterol, 56 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.


Tuesday: Meatless

Skip meat for BEAN TACOS tonight. Spoon heated, canned vegetarian refried beans into warm taco shells. Serve with bowls of SHREDDED LETTUCE, DICED AVOCADO, CHOPPED ONION, SALSA and REDUCED-FAT SOUR CREAM. Add packaged YELLOW RICE on the side. Fresh PINEAPPLE is a refreshing dessert.

Shopping List

canned vegetarian refried beans, taco shells, lettuce, avocado, onion, salsa, reduced-fat sour cream, packaged yellow rice, fresh pineapple.


Wednesday: Kids

Be patriotic and serve the kids ALL-AMERICAN BAKED SPAGHETTI. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium; add 1 medium chopped onion, 1 clove minced garlic and 1 pound lean ground beef; cook 10 minutes or until onion is softened and beef is no longer pink; drain. Add 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can undrained no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, break 8 ounces spaghetti into thirds. Place in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add 1/2 cup water and mix. Add meat mixture and combine all ingredients. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Uncover, stir and bake 10 more minutes. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded 50 percent light cheddar cheese; bake uncovered 2 more minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with GREEN PEAS (frozen) and SOFT ROLLS. Sprinkle APPLE SLICES with CINNAMON SUGAR for dessert.

Shopping List

onion, garlic, lean ground beef, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, coarse salt, spaghetti, 50 percent light cheddar cheese, frozen green peas, soft rolls, apple slices, cinnamon sugar.


Thursday: Express

Make it a quick meal tonight with TURKEY KIELBASA with GRAINY MUSTARD and DILL PICKLES, along with deli POTATO SALAD and PICKLED BEETS (from a jar) on the menu. Add RYE BREAD. For dessert, keep it light with PEACHES.

Shopping List

turkey kielbasa, grainy mustard, dill pickles, deli potato salad, jarred pickled beets, rye bread, peaches.


Friday: Budget

What could be better than great flavor and low cost, two characteristics of MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE SKILLET? Serve the fiber-packed dish with warmed fat-free flour TORTILLAS. Make LEMON PUDDING (from a mix) with 1 percent milk for dessert.

Shopping List

ground chicken or turkey breast, onion, chili powder, cumin, coarse salt, brown rice, canned chili beans, tomato, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh cilantro, fat-free flour tortillas, lemon pudding mix, 1 percent milk.

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE SKILLET

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 15 minutes, plus rice

  • 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey breast)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (15- or 16-ounce) can chili beans, lightly drained
  • 1 tomato, seeded and chopped, for garnish
  • Reduced-fat sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-high; add chicken and onion. Cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is softened. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, rice and beans. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 to 8 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately with garnishes.

Per serving: 276 calories, 22 grams protein, 4 grams fat (12 percent calories from fat), 0.9 gram saturated fat, 37 grams carbohydrate, 48 milligrams cholesterol, 539 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.


Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Invite friends for CREAMY LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP. Serve with CHERRY TOMATOES SAUTEED IN OLIVE OIL AND GARLIC. Add a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and BAGUETTES to round out the meal. Buy CHEESECAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

linguine, butter, asparagus, garlic, heavy cream, Tuscan or Italian seasoning, lemon, coarse salt, jumbo shrimp, parmesan or Romano cheese if desired, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, Boston lettuce, baguettes, cheesecake.

CREAMY LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and sliced diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 teaspoons Tuscan or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Freshly grated parmesan or Romano cheese for garnish, if desired
  • Cook linguine according to directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Meanwhile, melt butter in large, deep skillet on medium heat. Add asparagus and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until asparagus is softened. Add cream, seasoning, lemon juice and salt. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally

Stir shrimp into skillet. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Add pasta and reserved pasta cooking water; toss to coat well. Serve immediately with grated parmesan or Romano cheese, if desired.

Per serving: 384 calories, 21 grams protein, 20 grams fat (45 percent calories from fat), 11.8 grams saturated fat, 32 grams carbohydrate, 171 milligrams cholesterol, 451 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for April 09, 2017

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | April 9th, 2017

Sunday: Family

Celebrate Easter in a delicious way with APRICOT-GLAZED HAM.

Add POTATO SALAD with kefir, a recipe shared by Nancy Waldeck, an Atlanta chef and "partyologist." Cook 2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved or quartered, 10 to 15 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or kefir, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. (Add more lemon if desired.) Add warm potatoes to bowl and gently stir in 1/2 cup minced red onion, 1 cup minced celery and 1/2 cup chopped stuffed green olives. Stir gently, coating potatoes. Let stand 1 hour before serving; garnish with more fresh dill.

Serve with GREEN PEAS (frozen), a ROMAINE SALAD and DINNER ROLLS. Buy a COCONUT CAKE for dessert and decorate the top with jelly beans.

Tip

Celebrate Easter in a delicious way with APRICOT-GLAZED HAM.

Add POTATO SALAD with kefir, a recipe shared by Nancy Waldeck, an Atlanta chef and "partyologist." Cook 2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved or quartered, 10 to 15 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or kefir, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. (Add more lemon if desired.) Add warm potatoes to bowl and gently stir in 1/2 cup minced red onion, 1 cup minced celery and 1/2 cup chopped stuffed green olives. Stir gently, coating potatoes. Let stand 1 hour before serving; garnish with more fresh dill.

Serve with GREEN PEAS (frozen), a ROMAINE SALAD and DINNER ROLLS. Buy a COCONUT CAKE for dessert and decorate the top with jelly beans.

Plan

Save enough ham, potato salad and cake for Monday.

Shopping List

fully cooked boneless ham, brown sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, ground cloves, apricot nectar, lemons, crab apples if desired, fingerling potatoes, plain Greek yogurt or kefir, fresh dill, coarse salt, pepper, red onion, celery, stuffed green olives, frozen green peas, romaine, dinner rolls, coconut cake, jelly beans.

APRICOT-GLAZED HAM

Servings: makes 12 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 1 hour

  • 2.5-pound fully cooked boneless ham
  • 3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/3 cup apricot nectar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Crab apples for garnish, if desired

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place ham on rack in shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 18 minutes per pound or until ham registers internal temperature of 140 degrees.

For the glaze, in a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg and cloves. Stir in nectar and juice. Cook on medium until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Brush ham with glaze. Continue baking 15-20 minutes more, brushing occasionally with glaze, and serve.

Per serving: 167 calories, 24 grams protein, 5 grams fat (29 percent calories from fat), 1.8 grams saturated fat, 5 grams carbohydrate, 52 milligrams cholesterol, 1,255 milligrams sodium, no fiber.


Monday: Heat and Eat

Turn the leftover ham into HOT HAM AND PEPPER CHEESE HOAGIES. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread inside surfaces of 4 hoagie buns (sliced lengthwise) with spicy brown mustard and low-fat mayonnaise. Layer leftover sliced ham and sliced pepper jack cheese on bottom half of buns; top with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato. Top with remaining bun half; wrap hoagies in foil and heat 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with leftover POTATO SALAD and SLICED CUCUMBERS. Slice the leftover CAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

hoagie buns, spicy brown mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers.


Tuesday: Budget

Economical and easy to prepare, SAUSAGE AND SPANISH RICE SKILLET is full of flavor. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil on medium-high. Add 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/3 cup chopped celery and 1/4 cup chopped onion; cook 5 minutes or until softened. Add 1 (14-ounce) package fully cooked smoked sausage (sliced), 2 cups water, 1 (10-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), 1 (8-ounce) package Spanish rice and vermicelli mix, 1/4 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; mix well. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.

Serve with MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, TROPICAL FRUIT is light.

Plan

Prepare Wednesday's lasagna tonight.

Shopping List

canola oil, green bell pepper, celery, onion, packaged fully cooked smoked sausage, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies, packaged Spanish rice and vermicelli mix, sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, black pepper, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, tropical fruit.


Wednesday: Meatless

Skip meat without missing it in this TEX-MEX LASAGNA. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and GARLIC BREAD. Make instant VANILLA PUDDING with 1 percent milk for dessert. Drizzle with butterscotch topping.

Shopping List

jar of any red spaghetti sauce, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, frozen shoepeg corn, packet less-sodium Tex-Mex or regular chili seasoning mix, cooking spray, lasagna noodles, part-skim ricotta cheese, reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, pickled jalapeno peppers (if desired), lettuce, garlic bread, instant vanilla pudding, 1 percent milk, butterscotch topping.

TEX-MEX LASAGNA

Servings: makes 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes; refrigeration time: 6 hours to overnight

Cook time: 1 hour; standing time: 15 minutes

  • 1 (24- to 26-ounce) jar any red spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen shoepeg corn, thawed
  • 1 (1.25-ounce) packet less-sodium Tex-Mex or regular chili seasoning mix
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped pickled jalapeno peppers for garnish

In a medium bowl, mix together the sauce, water, beans, corn and chili seasoning mix. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture in dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over sauce. Cover with 1 cup sauce. Spread half the ricotta on top. Arrange another 3 lasagna noodles over ricotta and top with another cup of sauce. Spread remaining ricotta on top. Arrange last 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread with remaining sauce. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours to overnight.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover dish tightly with nonstick foil; bake 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese and bake 15 more minutes, uncovered. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with jalapeno peppers, if desired.

Per serving: 357 calories, 21 grams protein, 10 grams fat (25 percent calories from fat), 5.5 grams saturated fat, 48 grams carbohydrate, 37 milligrams cholesterol, 501 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.


Thursday: Kids

Treat the kids to BEEF 'N' BISCUITS tonight. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium; add 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped celery and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Cook 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are softened; drain. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano until blended. Add 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce and 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green peas; simmer 5 minutes. Transfer into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (from 7 1/2-ounce tube). Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded 50 percent light cheddar cheese. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until biscuits are golden.

Serve with BABY CARROTS. For dessert, try fresh PINEAPPLE SPEARS.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, celery, onion, flour, coarse salt, dried oregano, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, frozen green peas, cooking spray, tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, 50 percent light cheddar cheese, baby carrots, fresh pineapple spears.


Friday: Express

Stop at the deli for TUNA SALAD. Arrange it on a platter over lettuce, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds and add some TOMATO WEDGES and PICKLES on the side. Serve with BEAN SOUP and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. Munch on CHOCOLATE WAFER COOKIES and RED AND GREEN GRAPES for dessert.

Plan

Save enough cookies for Saturday.

Shopping List

deli tuna salad, lettuce, slivered almonds, tomatoes, pickles, bean soup, whole-grain bread, chocolate wafer cookies, red and green grapes.


Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Everyone wanted seconds of CHICKEN SAUTE WITH CREAMY MUSTARD SAUCE. Serve it with POPPY SEED NOODLES (no-yolk), STEAMED FRESH ZUCCHINI and SOURDOUGH ROLLS. For dessert, PEACH SORBET with leftover CHOCOLATE WAFER COOKIES is simple.

Tip

Everyone wanted seconds of CHICKEN SAUTE WITH CREAMY MUSTARD SAUCE. Serve it with POPPY SEED NOODLES (no-yolk), STEAMED FRESH ZUCCHINI and SOURDOUGH ROLLS. For dessert, PEACH SORBET with leftover CHOCOLATE WAFER COOKIES is simple.

Shopping List

canola oil, flour, coarse salt, pepper, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduced-fat sour cream, unsalted chicken broth, Dijon mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, fresh dill, poppy seeds, olive oil, no-yolk noodles, fresh zucchini, sourdough rolls, peach sorbet.

CHICKEN SAUTE WITH CREAMY MUSTARD SAUCE

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: less than 15 minutes

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 4 (4- to 5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
  • Chopped fresh dill

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium. Mix flour, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a pie plate. Lightly coat chicken in flour mixture. Add chicken to skillet and cook 6 to 7 minutes, turning once, or until golden on the outside and juices run clear. Remove to a plate; cover to keep warm. Reduce heat to low.

Meanwhile, mix together sour cream, broth, mustard and mayonnaise. Add to skillet. Simmer 1 minute. Serve chicken with sauce. Sprinkle dill over all.

Per serving: 229 calories, 26 grams protein, 9 grams fat (36 percent calories from fat), 2.4 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 83 milligrams cholesterol, 453 milligrams sodium, no fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for April 02, 2017

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | April 2nd, 2017

Sunday: Family

Make family day special with STEAK WITH SPICY BALSAMIC GLAZE for dinner. Serve the tender beef and glaze with BROWN RICE and a SPINACH SALAD, garnished with SLICED PEACHES, and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS on the side. Buy a LEMON MERINGUE PIE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough pie for Tuesday.

Shopping List

boneless beef top sirloin steak, apple cider, less-sodium Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper, cooking spray, coarse salt, black pepper, honey, brown rice, fresh spinach, peaches, whole-grain rolls, lemon meringue pie.

STEAK WITH SPICY BALSAMIC GLAZE

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes; standing time: 20 minutes

Cook time: about 25 minutes

  • :
  • 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick, trimmed of fat
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup less-sodium Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup honey

Place steak in a resealable plastic bag. Add water, cider, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and red pepper. Seal bag, turning to coat meat. Let stand 20 minutes; turn to coat again. Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray on medium. Remove beef from marinade, reserving marinade. Season steak with coarse salt and pepper. Cook 8 to 15 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning once. Remove steak from skillet; keep warm. Add marinade and honey to skillet; whisk to combine. Bring to boiling; boil gently, uncovered, 7 minutes or until reduced to 1/3 cup. Serve glaze with steak. (Adapted from "Better Homes and Gardens Skillet Meals," Jan Miller, editor; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016.)

Per serving: 234 calories, 21 grams protein, 4 grams fat (16 percent calories from fat), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 28 grams carbohydrate, 56 milligrams cholesterol, 239 milligrams sodium, no fiber.


Monday: Kids

Calcium-rich PIZZA SQUARES are the star attraction for the kids tonight. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Press 1 (13.5-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough into a 10-by-15-inch jellyroll pan. Bake 12 minutes; remove from oven and spread with 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese. Top with 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni, 2 sliced plum tomatoes, 1 small sliced yellow bell pepper and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Return to oven and bake 6 more minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into 10 squares and serve.

Add a CARROT SALAD on the side and serve PEARS for dessert.

Shopping List

canned refrigerated pizza dough, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, turkey pepperoni, plum tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, dried oregano, carrot salad, pears.


Tuesday: Meatless

We didn't miss the meat with all the flavor in these HUEVOS RANCHEROS. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, mix 2 (15- to 19-ounce) cans rinsed reduced-sodium black beans, 1 1/2 cups mild or medium salsa and 1/3 cup water. Heat to boiling on medium-high, stirring frequently. Break 1 egg into a custard cup and slip into skillet on top of bean mixture; repeat immediately with 3 more eggs. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until eggs are cooked to desired firmness. To serve: Sprinkle bean mixture and eggs with shredded 50 percent light pepper jack cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.

Serve with warm corn TORTILLAS and SLICED AVOCADO on shredded lettuce. Enjoy leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

canned reduced-sodium black beans, mild or medium salsa, eggs, 50 percent light pepper jack cheese, fresh cilantro, corn tortillas, avocado, lettuce.


Wednesday: Express

Make a quick meal tonight of EMPANADAS (frozen) and SPANISH RICE (packaged), along with packaged SALAD GREENS. Keep dessert simple with PLUMS.

Shopping List

frozen empanadas, packaged Spanish rice, packaged salad greens, plums.


Thursday: Budget

Here's another really good TURKEY CHILI to add to your collection of favorites. Serve with a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. KIWIFRUIT is good for dessert.

Plan

Save enough chili for Friday.

Shopping List

canola oil, onion, roasted minced garlic, ground turkey breast, 30 percent less-sodium chili seasoning mix or Tex-Mex flavor, canned chili beans, no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild or original), no-salt-added tomato sauce, romaine, whole-grain rolls, kiwifruit.

TURKEY CHILI

Servings: makes 8 cups

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 30 minutes

  • :
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon roasted minced garlic (see Note)
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey breast
  • 1 (1.25-ounce) packet 30 percent less-sodium chili seasoning mix or Tex-Mex flavor
  • 2 (16-ounce) cans chili beans, undrained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild or original), undrained
  • 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce

In a Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook 6 minutes or until browned. Reduce heat to medium; add turkey and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until no longer pink. Mix in chili seasoning mix, beans, tomatoes and green chilies and tomato sauce. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.

Note: In my supermarket, the roasted minced garlic is in produce.

Per cup: 260 calories, 24 grams protein, 5 grams fat (19 percent calories from fat), 0.9 gram saturated fat, 27 grams carbohydrate, 48 milligrams cholesterol, 562 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.


Friday: Heat and Eat

Chili always tastes best to me the next night, so leftover CHILI goes well over split and toasted CORNBREAD MUFFINS (from a mix). Serve with a RED-TIPPED LETTUCE SALAD. Try PEACHES for dessert.

Shopping List

cornbread mix, red-tipped lettuce, peaches.


Saturday: Easy Entertaining

JAMBALAYA is a company-friendly dish. Serve it with MIXED GREENS and a BAGUETTE. For dessert, BREAD PUDDING (buy or make), topped with your own BOURBON SAUCE, will be divine.

Shopping List

olive oil, onion, celery, tomato paste, dried basil, cayenne pepper, garlic, bay leaf, canned no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, jarred diced pimientos, rice, uncooked medium shrimp, mixed salad greens, baguette, homemade or store-bought bread pudding, bourbon sauce.

JAMBALAYA

Servings: makes 5 servings

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: about 15 minutes, plus rice

  • :
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans no-salt-added stewed tomatoes (such as Del Monte or another brand), undrained
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 6 ounces andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained
  • 3 cups hot cooked rice
  • 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Heat oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, tomato paste, basil, cayenne pepper, garlic, bay leaf, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, sausage and pimentos; cook 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in rice and shrimp; cook 6 minutes or until shrimp are opaque.

Per serving: 334 calories, 18 grams protein, 11 grams fat (29 percent calories from fat), 3.3 grams saturated fat, 41 grams carbohydrate, 94 milligrams cholesterol, 487 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.

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