health

7 Day Menu Planner for August 12, 2018

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

Sunday: Family

The family will want seconds of the SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN you prepare today. Combine 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, 1 teaspoon five-spice powder and 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle rub over 2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins and gently press it into pork. Grill 15 to 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Turn once. Remove from grill; cover with foil and let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the juicy pork with BEANS AND PEAS WITH BUTTERMILK RANCH. Add COLESLAW and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy a LEMON MERINGUE PIE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough pork and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

dark brown sugar, coarse salt, five-spice powder, pepper, pork tenderloins, green beans, sugar snap peas, fresh or frozen green peas, Boston lettuce, buttermilk, low-fat mayonnaise, chives, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, coleslaw, sourdough bread, lemon meringue pie.

BEANS AND PEAS WITH BUTTERMILK RANCH

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 10 minutes

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 pound thin green beans
  • 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, strings removed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas, thawed
  • 1 small head Boston lettuce, cored and leaves torn
  • DRESSING
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup snipped fresh chives, plus 1 tablespoon minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground pepper and coarse salt to taste

Bring water to a boil in medium saucepan on high; add salt. Fill a bowl with additional ice water. Add green beans to boiling water and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender and bright green. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beans to ice water bath to cool. Add snap peas and green peas to boiling water and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Drain well; transfer to ice bath to cool. Drain beans and peas well and pat dry with paper towels.

For the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, minced chives, dill, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large serving bowl, toss the beans and peas with the lettuce, snipped chives and half the dressing. Serve immediately, passing additional dressing at the table. (Adapted from "Just Cook it!" by Justin Chapple, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.)

Per serving: 143 calories, 6 grams protein, 3 grams fat (16 percent calories from fat), 0.2 gram saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 1 milligram cholesterol, 841 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use Monday's leftovers for PORK SANDWICHES. Make an APRICOT SPREAD for the bread: Combine 1/3 cup apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar and a dash of soy sauce in a small pan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

Spread on whole-grain bread, top bread with sliced leftover pork and a lettuce leaf. Serve with a SPINACH SALAD. Slice the leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

apricot preserves, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, whole-grain bread, leaf lettuce, fresh spinach.

Tuesday: Express

Take it easy tonight and buy a BARBECUE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN for dinner. You'll want traditional sides from the deli, including POTATO SALAD and COLESLAW, plus WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, fresh BLUEBERRIES are welcome.

Plan

Save any leftover chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and blueberries for Wednesday.

Shopping List

barbecue rotisserie chicken, deli potato salad, deli coleslaw, whole-grain rolls, fresh blueberries.

Wednesday: Budget

Make a low-cost B.C.L.T. SANDWICH tonight (bacon, leftover chicken, lettuce and tomato) on whole-grain toast. Serve the summer favorite with BAKED CHIPS and leftover POTATO SALAD and SLAW. Top VANILLA ICE CREAM with leftover BLUEBERRIES for dessert.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Thursday.

Shopping List

bacon, lettuce, tomato, whole-grain bread, baked chips, vanilla ice cream.

Thursday: Kids

Call it messy and the kids will love it, so STICKY DRUMSTICKS are all about making your little angels happy. Brush chicken legs with orange marmalade and season with a little chili powder. Bake at 350 degrees on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees. As long as the fingers are sticky, CORN-ON-THE-COB will be perfect alongside. Add CARROT AND CELERY STICKS. For dessert, top leftover ICE CREAM with CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES.

Shopping List

chicken legs, orange marmalade, chili powder, corn-on-the-cob, carrots, celery, chocolate sprinkles.

Friday: Meatless

Try not to eat the whole batch of TOMATO STEW WITH CHICKPEAS yourself even though you might want to. Serve the stew with deli EGG SALAD on toasted WHOLE-WHEAT ENGLISH MUFFIN halves. Add a LETTUCE WEDGE. Dessert is CANTALOUPE SLICES.

Shopping List

olive oil, onion, garlic, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, unsalted vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried rosemary, dried oregano, Greek seasoning, coarse salt, pepper, fresh baby spinach, parsley, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, deli egg salad, whole-wheat English muffins, lettuce, cantaloupe.

TOMATO STEW WITH CHICKPEAS

Servings: makes about 7 1/2 cups

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 30 minutes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 (14-ounce) can unsalted vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese for garnish

Heat oil in a Dutch oven at medium-high. Add onion and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, rosemary, oregano, Greek seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach and parsley; cook 5 minutes. Garnish with cheese and serve immediately.

Per cup: 100 calories, 5 grams protein, 2 grams fat (16 percent calories from fat), 0.3 gram saturated fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 262 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

For a guest-worthy meal, try CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS, MUSHROOMS AND THYME. Serve with BROWN RICE, MIXED GREENS and BAGUETTES. PEACH SORBET is the perfect dessert.

Shopping List

reduced-sodium seasoned salt, boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, asparagus, sliced crimini mushrooms, onion, cornstarch, dried thyme, unsalted chicken broth, dry white wine, half-and-half, brown rice, mixed greens, baguettes, peach sorbet.

CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS, MUSHROOMS AND THYME

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 20 minutes

  • 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium seasoned salt
  • 4 (5- or 6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 8 ounces asparagus, cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half

Sprinkle seasoned salt on chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from skillet; cover and keep warm. Heat remaining oil. Add asparagus, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch and thyme in a small bowl. Stir in broth and wine. Add to skillet and cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in half-and-half. Cook until heated through. Serve over chicken.

Per serving: 289 calories, 34 grams protein, 11 grams fat (33 percent calories from fat), 1.8 grams saturated fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, 91 milligrams cholesterol, 221 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for August 05, 2018

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

Sunday: Family

Serve the family your own ROAST CHICKEN (5 to 7 pounds) today. Alongside, add WHITE BEANS WITH LEMON, FENNEL AND AVOCADO, MIXED GREENS and CRUSTY ROLLS. Buy a CARROT CAKE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough cake for Monday.

Shopping List

roasting chicken, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, fennel bulb, grape tomatoes, red onion, flatleaf parsley, Kalamata olives, olive oil, lemons, fresh basil, coarse salt, pepper, avocados, mixed greens, crusty rolls, carrot cake.

WHITE BEANS WITH LEMON, FENNEL AND AVOCADO

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium bulb fennel, trimmed and shredded
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped flatleaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup sliced and pitted Kalamata olives
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 avocados, diced

In a large bowl, combine the beans, fennel, tomatoes, onion, parsley and olives. In another small bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice and basil to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the bean mixture and toss to coat. Fold in the avocados and serve immediately.

Per serving: 193 calories, 5 grams protein, 12 grams fat (53 percent calories from fat), 1.6 grams saturated fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 210 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.

Monday: Budget

Economical SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN AND BARLEY SOUP is easy to prepare. In a 6-quart Dutch oven or other pot, combine 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (16-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 5 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth, 1 cup medium pearled barley (not quick cooking), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, dash cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; add 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 40 minutes or until barley is tender and chewy and chicken is no longer pink. Add 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and 1 cup frozen corn. Simmer 5 more minutes. Garnish as desired and serve.

Serve the flavorful soup with an AVOCADO SALAD and CHEESE TOAST. Leftover CAKE works for dessert.

Tip

Economical SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN AND BARLEY SOUP is easy to prepare. In a 6-quart Dutch oven or other pot, combine 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (16-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 5 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth, 1 cup medium pearled barley (not quick cooking), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, dash cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; add 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 40 minutes or until barley is tender and chewy and chicken is no longer pink. Add 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and 1 cup frozen corn. Simmer 5 more minutes. Garnish as desired and serve.

Serve the flavorful soup with an AVOCADO SALAD and CHEESE TOAST. Leftover CAKE works for dessert.

Plan

Save enough soup for Tuesday.

Shopping List

canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, canned unsalted chicken broth, medium pealed barley, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, chicken breast, reduced-sodium black beans, frozen corn, avocados and lettuce for salad, bread and cheese for toast.

Tuesday: Heat and Eat

You can relax since dinner is ready as soon as you reheat the leftover SOUP. Serve the soup with GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES and a LETTUCE WEDGE SALAD. Juicy PEACHES are dessert.

Shopping List

bread and cheese for sandwiches, lettuce, fresh peaches.

Wednesday: Express

Make it quick and colorful tonight with TUNA-STUFFED AVOCADOS. Buy deli tuna salad and heap on top of avocado halves. Garnish with a little paprika. Add TOMATO WEDGES, DEVILED EGGS and a WHOLE-GRAIN ROLL to the plate. For dessert, fresh RASPBERRIES are in season. Top them with a little LIGHT WHIPPED CREAM.

Tip

Make it quick and colorful tonight with TUNA-STUFFED AVOCADOS. Buy deli tuna salad and heap on top of avocado halves. Garnish with a little paprika. Add TOMATO WEDGES, DEVILED EGGS and a WHOLE-GRAIN ROLL to the plate. For dessert, fresh RASPBERRIES are in season. Top them with a little LIGHT WHIPPED CREAM.

Shopping List

deli tuna salad, avocados, paprika, tomatoes, deviled eggs, whole-grain rolls, fresh raspberries, light whipped cream.

Thursday: Meatless

For a unique no-meat dinner, serve ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH ALMONDS AND OLIVES over BROWN RICE. Add MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, top FRESH PINEAPPLE with TOASTED COCONUT.

Shopping List

zucchini, coarse salt, olive oil, garlic, pimento-stuffed green olives, whole almonds, brown rice, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, fresh pineapple, coconut.

ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH ALMONDS AND OLIVES

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes; standing time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

  • 5 medium zucchini
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped almonds

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini lengthwise into long, thin strips and put into medium bowl. Add salt and toss. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add oil, garlic, olives and almonds; toss lightly. Arrange in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet and bake 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Per serving: 161 calories, 5 grams protein, 13 grams fat (66 percent calories from fat), 1.6 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 371 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.

Friday:

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Your guests will feel extra-special when you serve them SHEET PAN PECAN-CRUSTED SALMON WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Serve with ORZO tossed with chopped FRESH PARSLEY, a SPINACH SALAD and BAGUETTES. For dessert, ICE CREAM SOUP is fun. Stir 1 pint slightly softened strawberry ice cream in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Pour 1/2 cup into each of 4 small bowls, top each with 1/4 cup any fresh fruit and serve.

Shopping List

finely chopped pecans, salmon fillets (skin removed), coarse salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh Brussels sprouts, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pecan halves, balsamic vinegar, honey, orzo, fresh parsley, fresh spinach, baguettes, strawberry ice cream, any fresh fruit.

SHEET PAN PECAN-CRUSTED SALMON WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 to 18 minutes

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 4 (4- to 6-ounce) salmon fillets, skins removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cover a large rimmed baking pan with nonstick foil. Place chopped pecans in a pie plate. Season fillets with half the salt and pepper and brush top with about 2 teaspoons oil. Press fillets, top side down, into the chopped pecans to coat. Arrange in center of baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, remaining oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pecan halves and remaining salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Transfer to baking sheet, not touching salmon. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are fork-tender and salmon is cooked through. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Continue to boil, stirring continuously, about 10 minutes or until liquid has been reduced by half. Remove from heat, stir in honey and allow to cool until ready to serve. Drizzle over salmon and sprouts just before serving.

Per serving: 542 calories, 30 grams protein, 31 grams fat (50 percent calories from fat), 3.7 grams saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, 53 milligrams cholesterol, 372 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for July 29, 2018

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

Sunday: Family

For the family today, prepare your own LEG OF LAMB. On the side, serve LEMONY COUSCOUS. Cook 1 1/2 cups couscous according to package directions; fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (yellow part only) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Add DINNER ROLLS and ASIAN APPLE SLAW. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; mix well. Stir in 1 (10- to 16-ounce) package coleslaw mix, 2 sliced green onions and 1 julienned Granny Smith apple (see Note); toss to coat and serve. STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM will be your dessert.

Note: To julienne is to cut something into matchstick-size pieces, about 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch by 3 inches.

Plan

Save enough lamb and slaw for Monday. Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

leg of lamb, couscous, lemon, fresh parsley, dinner rolls, low-fat mayonnaise, low-sodium soy sauce, sugar, cider vinegar, ground ginger, packaged coleslaw mix, green onion, Granny Smith apple, strawberry ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

No heat will be needed tonight for LAMB SANDWICHES. Coat rosemary or other dense bread with olive oil cooking spray. Top with sliced leftover lamb, roasted red peppers and leaf lettuce. Serve with leftover SLAW. FRESH APRICOTS are your dessert.

Shopping List

rosemary or other dense bread, olive oil cooking spray, roasted red peppers, leaf lettuce, fresh apricots.

Tuesday: Express

Tonight's CRUSTY PEPPERONI PIZZA will be a hit no matter your age. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice 1 loaf Italian bread lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 4 sections, each about 4 inches long. Spread each piece of bread with pizza sauce. Top with shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and slices of pepperoni. Bake about 12 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve the easy pizza with a PACKAGED CAESAR SALAD. Enjoy MANGOES for dessert.

Shopping List

loaf Italian bread, pizza sauce, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, packaged Caesar salad, mangoes.

Wednesday: Wild Card

The Global Pantry travels to Morocco for CHICKEN TAGINE OVER COUSCOUS for dinner. Serve it with TABBOULEH and FLATBREAD. For dessert, try FRESH APRICOTS and DATES.

Shopping List

boneless skinless chicken thighs, onions, carrots, raisins, dried apricots, unsalted chicken broth, tomato paste, lemons, flour, garlic powder, cumin, ground ginger, cinnamon, pepper, couscous, tabbouleh, flatbread, fresh apricots, dates.

CHICKEN TAGINE OVER COUSCOUS

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 7 hours on low or 5 hours on high

  • 1 1/4 pounds well-trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
  • 4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/3 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups hot cooked couscous

In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, layer chicken, onions, carrots, raisins and apricots. In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, tomato paste, lemon juice, flour, garlic powder, cumin, ginger, cinnamon and pepper; pour over chicken and vegetables. Cook 7 hours on low or 5 hours on high. Serve over couscous.

Per serving: 405 calories, 33 grams protein, 6 grams fat (14 percent calories from fat), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 54 grams carbohydrate, 135 milligrams cholesterol, 240 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.

Thursday: Kids

Don't let the kids knock you down getting to the table for TACO MAC AND CHEESE. Prepare a package of macaroni and cheese according to directions. Meanwhile, brown 1 pound lean ground beef in a nonstick skillet on medium-high until no longer pink; drain. Return beef to skillet; stir in 1 (1.25-ounce) packet reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook 7 minutes or until most of the liquid is evaporated. Add cooked mac and cheese to skillet; heat through.

Spoon onto plates; top each serving with chopped tomato, sliced avocado, low-fat sour cream and salsa. Serve with CELERY STICKS and SOFT ROLLS. Slice WATERMELON for dessert.

Shopping List

packaged macaroni and cheese, lean ground beef, reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix, tomato, avocado, low-fat sour cream, salsa, celery, soft rolls, watermelon.

Friday: Meatless

For a delicious no-meat dinner, enjoy CHERRY TOMATO TART. Serve with HASH-BROWNED POTATOES (from frozen), a SPINACH SALAD and BREAD STICKS. For dessert, try HONEYDEW MELON CUBES.

Shopping List

refrigerated pie crust, butter, onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme, coarse salt, frozen hash-browned potatoes, fresh spinach, bread sticks, honeydew melon.

CHERRY TOMATO TART

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 35 to 45 minutes, plus cooling time

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 cups (or more) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place crust in pie pan, according to directions; crimp edges. Bake 5 to 7 minutes, until it starts to harden. Remove from oven; cool. Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 10 to 15 minutes or until onions have browned. Add onion mixture to pie crust. Sprinkle 2/3 of parmesan cheese on top of onion mixture. Add tomatoes on top. Make sure the tomatoes really fill the pie; err on the side of overfilling rather than underfilling. Onions will settle as they bake. Sprinkle thyme, remaining cheese and salt on top. Bake 20 minutes or until tomatoes start to brown and pop a little bit. Remove from oven; cool before serving. Serve as quickly as possible because once you start cutting, the tart falls apart. (Adapted from "Bring It!" by Ali Rosen, Running Press.)

Per serving: 248 calories, 6 grams protein, 15 grams fat (53 percent calories from fat), 7.6 grams saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 20 milligrams cholesterol, 491 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Treat your guests to your GRILLED GROUPER. Serve with WALNUT GREEN BEAN SALAD. Add WHITE GAZPACHO on the side. In a blender, combine 2 medium peeled and seeded cucumbers, cut into chunks, 1 cup unsalted chicken broth, 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt, 1 (16-ounce) container low-fat sour cream and 1 crushed garlic clove. Pulse 3 or 4 times, or until cucumber is coarsely chopped. Chill 3 hours or more. Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions. Serve cold with WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, top leftover ICE CREAM with FRESH STRAWBERRIES and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Shopping List

grouper to grill, walnut or canola oil, unseasoned rice vinegar, honey, coarse salt, Dijon mustard, pepper, bulgur, packaged trimmed green beans, walnut pieces, grape tomatoes, fresh parsley, red onion, cucumbers, unsalted chicken broth, white wine vinegar, low-fat sour cream, garlic, green onions, whole-grain rolls, fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce.

WALNUT GREEN BEAN SALAD

Servings: makes 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes, plus bulgur

  • 2 tablespoons walnut or canola oil
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup bulgur
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 (12-ounce) package trimmed green beans, cut diagonally
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnut pieces
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup vertically sliced red onion

In a small bowl, combine oil, vinegar, water, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, mustard and pepper. Whisk together until smooth; set aside. In a large bowl, combine bulgur and boiling water; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Stir in remaining salt and set aside. Steam green beans, covered, for 5 minutes or until tender. Plunge into ice water; drain. Place beans in large bowl; add bulgur, walnuts, tomatoes, parsley, onion and oil mixture. Toss gently to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Per serving: 159 calories, 4 grams protein, 7 grams fat (37 percent calories from fat), 0.7 gram saturated fat, 23 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 140 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.

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