Sunday: Family

Prepare your own LEG OF LAMB for the family.

On the side, serve LEMON 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 fresh ZUCCHINI SQUASH and DINNER ROLLS to your meal. For dessert, make PEACH SHORTCAKE by layering sliced angel food cake with fresh peaches and vanilla ice cream.

Plan

Save enough lamb and peaches for Monday. Save enough ice cream for Wednesday. Prepare Monday's gazpacho if time permits.

Shopping List

leg of lamb, couscous, lemon, parsley, fresh zucchini squash, dinner rolls, angel food cake, fresh peaches, vanilla ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

No stove time will be needed tonight for LAMB SANDWICHES. Spread focaccia with a thin layer of low-fat mayonnaise. Top with sliced leftover lamb, roasted red peppers (from a jar), crumbled Greek feta cheese and a red-tipped lettuce leaf.

Serve with WHITE GAZPACHO: In a blender, add 2 medium peeled, seeded, diced cucumbers, 1 cup unsalted chicken broth, 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt, 1 (16-ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream and 1 crushed garlic clove. Pulse 3 or 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Chill 3 hours or more. Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped tomatoes and chopped green onions.

Dessert is leftover PEACHES topped with light whipped cream.

Shopping List

focaccia, low-fat mayonnaise, jar roasted red peppers, crumbled Greek feta cheese, red-tipped lettuce, cucumbers, unsalted chicken broth, white wine vinegar, coarse salt, reduced-fat sour cream, garlic, tomatoes, green onions, light whipped cream.

Tuesday: Express

Tonight's CHILI WITH GREEN SALSA is quick, and it hit the spot at our house. Serve it with deli COLESLAW and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Enjoy FRESH PLUMS for dessert.

Shopping List

canola oil, chicken breast tenders, canned reduced-sodium white beans, mild to medium green salsa, fresh cilantro, unsalted chicken broth, grape tomatoes, deli coleslaw, whole-grain rolls, fresh plums.

Wednesday: Budget

Keep food costs down and serve SPAGHETTI WITH BROCCOLI. Cook 1 pound broccoli florets in boiling water 2 to 3 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside. In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 medium sliced onion; cook 5 minutes or until golden. Add 2 ounces sliced prosciutto (cut into strips); mix well. Add 4 1/4 cups water and bring to a boil. Stir in 12 ounces broken spaghetti; return to boiling and cook 4 minutes; turn off heat and add drained broccoli; cover and let stand 3 minutes. Drain until preferred consistency. (Mixture will be soupy.) Ladle into bowls; top with freshly grated pecorino cheese.

Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD on the side. Leftover VANILLA ICE CREAM is a quick dessert.

Shopping List

broccoli florets, olive oil, onion, prosciutto, spaghetti, pecorino cheese, mixed greens, garlic bread.

Thursday: Kids

Watch your angels line up for QUESADILLAS. Combine 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans. Spread 3/4 cup bean mixture over each of 4 (6-inch) whole-grain tortillas. Top with another tortilla; press down lightly. In a nonstick skillet, heat each quesadilla 2 minutes on each side on medium-high or until browned. Cut each one into wedges.

Serve with deli CARROT RAISIN SALAD. For dessert, make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1 percent milk and stir in MINI MARSHMALLOWS.

Shopping List

shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, crumbled goat cheese, cilantro, chili powder, canned reduced-sodium black beans, whole-grain tortillas, deli carrot raisin salad, instant chocolate pudding, 1 percent milk, mini marshmallows.

Friday: Meatless

Try CHEESE-STUFFED CREPES for a no-meat adventure. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon 1 cup (of 2 cups) red pasta sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix 4 cups low-fat ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide and spread mixture into center of 8 crepes. Roll; place crepes, seam down, into prepared dish. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce over crepes. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with a GREEN SALAD. Enjoy FRESH APRICOTS and OATMEAL COOKIES for dessert.

Tip

Try CHEESE-STUFFED CREPES for a no-meat adventure. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon 1 cup (of 2 cups) red pasta sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix 4 cups low-fat ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide and spread mixture into center of 8 crepes. Roll; place crepes, seam down, into prepared dish. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce over crepes. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with a GREEN SALAD. Enjoy FRESH APRICOTS and OATMEAL COOKIES for dessert.

Shopping List

jar red pasta sauce, low-fat ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, coarse salt, pepper, crepes, salad greens, fresh apricots, oatmeal cookies.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Treat your guests to SALMON WITH PESTO. Serve with FETTUCCINE tossed with extra pesto and add FRESH YELLOW SQUASH. Serve with BIBB LETTUCE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, make VERY BERRY TRIFLES.

Shopping List

salmon fillets, cooking spray, low-fat mayonnaise, basil pesto, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, fettuccine, fresh yellow squash, bibb lettuce, whole-grain rolls, fat-free cottage cheese, light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, pound cake, mixed berries.

Sunday: Family

How about your own boneless ROASTED PORK LOIN for the family today? Serve it with CREAMY CHOPPED CHICKPEA PECAN SALAD.

Add GREEN BEANS WITH TOMATOES AND FETA: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil on medium in a wide saucepan. Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onions and 2 cloves minced garlic; cook 3 minutes or until fragrant. Add 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb; cook 3 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Add 2 (14-ounce) cans undrained stewed tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 30 minutes or until mixture becomes saucy. Add 2 pounds trimmed fresh green beans (cut into 2-inch pieces); simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Add 1/3 cup chopped flatleaf parsley; simmer 5 minutes. Spoon into serving bowls; garnish with 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese. Add SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy or make a PLUM TART for dessert.

Plan

Save enough pork, chickpea salad and tart for Monday.

Shopping List

boneless pork loin, pecan pieces, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, celery, carrots, apples, currants or raisins, green onions, low-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon, Dijon mustard, coarse salt, pepper, fresh or dried dill or parsley (optional), garlic powder, endive lettuce, olive oil, yellow onions, garlic, fennel bulb, canned stewed tomatoes, fresh green beans, flatleaf parsley, Greek feta cheese, sourdough bread, plum tart.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make PORK SANDWICHES with the leftovers. Layer slices of pork and roasted red peppers on rosemary bread (or another dense bread) that has been spread with honey-mustard dressing. Serve with leftover CHICKPEA SALAD. End with the leftover PLUM TART for dessert.

Shopping List

roasted red peppers, rosemary bread (or another dense bread), honey-mustard dressing.

Tuesday: Express

Make CHICKEN STIR-FRY for a quick meal. Cook and stir 4 cups fresh vegetables for stir-fry (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli and carrots) or 1 (1-pound) package frozen stir-fry vegetables in 1 tablespoon canola oil on medium-high 3 or 4 minutes or until softened. Add 1 (8- to 10-ounce) package refrigerated, cooked, sliced chicken breast and 1/2 cup stir-fry sauce; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. Spoon over quick-cooking RICE. Serve with a GREEN SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. Fresh KIWI is dessert.

Shopping List

fresh or frozen vegetables for stir-fry (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli and carrots), canola oil, refrigerated, cooked, sliced chicken breast, stir-fry sauce, quick-cooking rice, salad greens, crusty bread, kiwi.

Wednesday: Kids

HURRY-UP LASAGNA has "kids' favorite" written all over it. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread 1 1/4 cups (from a 26-ounce jar) red pasta sauce into dish. Arrange 12 frozen large cheese ravioli (from a 30-ounce bag) over sauce and scatter 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) over ravioli. Top with 1 cup (of 2 cups total) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of ravioli, the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover tightly with foil and bake 25 minutes; uncover and bake 5 to 10 more minutes or until bubbly. Serve with CELERY CANOES (cream cheese in celery sticks). Try one of summer's best desserts: fresh NECTARINES.

Shopping List

cooking spray, jar red pasta sauce, frozen large cheese ravioli, frozen chopped spinach, part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, celery, cream cheese, nectarines.

Thursday: Budget

Take a few liberties with the traditional and make "PAELLA" PRONTO. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN PITA BREAD. Slice CANTALOUPE WEDGES for dessert.

Shopping List

frozen petite green peas, turkey sausage, cooking spray, chicken tenders, red bell pepper, garlic, dried thyme, package yellow rice mix, coarse salt, black pepper, mixed greens, whole-grain pita bread, cantaloupe.

Friday: Meatless

Skip meat tonight with PIEROGIES on the menu. Cook 1 (16.9-ounce) package frozen potato-and-onion pierogies in boiling water 5 minutes or until they float; remove from heat, drain and return to pot. Meanwhile, combine 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 1/2 cup sliced green olives and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper in separate saucepan; bring to a simmer. Pour sauce over hot pierogies; stir gently. Serve on individual plates and garnish with dollops of reduced-fat ricotta cheese. Serve with MIXED GREENS and FRESH PEACHES.

Shopping List

frozen potato-and-onion pierogies, jar marinara sauce, green olives, crushed red pepper, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, mixed greens, fresh peaches.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Treat your guests to CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD WITH BLACKBERRIES. Serve the refreshing salad with ORZO pasta tossed with parmesan cheese and add POPPY SEED MUFFINS. Slice COCONUT CAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

olive oil, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, coarse salt, pepper, reduced-fat mayonnaise, dry white wine, mango chutney, curry powder, lemon, ground ginger, green onion, celery, golden raisins, fresh or frozen blackberries, roasted and salted cashews, lettuce, orzo pasta, parmesan cheese, poppy seed muffins, coconut cake.

Sunday: Family

It's a good day for GRILLED FLANK STEAK AND PEACH SALAD. Accompany the steak with BROWN RICE SALAD. Mix together 3 cups cooked brown rice, 1 1/2 cups cucumber slices (quartered and seeded), 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives, 1 large chopped tomato, 1 small finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup reduced-fat Italian dressing. Serve with WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. For dessert, top ANGEL FOOD CAKE with CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM.

Plan

To save time on Sunday, marinate the steak a day ahead. Also, cook enough brown rice for Tuesday. Save enough steak, cake and peaches for Monday. Save some ice cream for Wednesday.

Shopping List

lime, orange marmalade, olive oil, fresh jalapeno pepper, coarse salt, flank steak, fresh peaches, plum tomatoes, romaine, brown rice, cucumbers, kalamata olives, tomato, onion, parsley, reduced-fat Italian dressing, whole-grain bread, angel food cake, chocolate ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make a SOUTHWESTERN BEEF SALAD for dinner. Toss together 6 cups cold, coarsely chopped iceberg lettuce, 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and 1 (11-ounce) can rinsed Mexican-style corn. Place thinly sliced cooked (leftover) steak over top. Drizzle 1/4 cup ranch dressing and spoon 1/3 cup salsa separately over beef. Sprinkle with 1 cup broken baked tortilla chips. Leftover CAKE topped with sliced leftover PEACHES is dessert tonight.

Shopping List

iceberg lettuce, canned reduced-sodium black beans, canned Mexican-style corn, ranch dressing, salsa, baked tortilla chips.

Tuesday: Meatless

VEGETABLE CURRY takes advantage of the summer garden's bounty. Serve the vegetable blend over leftover BROWN RICE. Add a GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN PITA BREAD. For dessert, fresh PINEAPPLE CHUNKS are sweet and juicy.

Shopping List

broccoli florets, butter, onion, flour, curry powder, coarse salt, cayenne pepper, unsalted vegetable broth, green, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, half-and-half, fresh green beans, roasted peanuts, salad greens, whole-grain pita bread, fresh pineapple chunks.

Wednesday: Kids

Help the kids make their own CHICKEN AND SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS tonight. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup salsa and 1 (9- or 10-ounce) package cooked carved chicken. Divide and spoon down center of 6 (6- or 8-inch) whole-grain flour tortillas. Fold tortillas in thirds and place seam-side down in a shallow baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with 1/2 cup salsa; cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1/4 cup additional cheese; bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. Top with chopped tomatoes and lettuce. Serve with canned vegetarian REFRIED BEANS. Leftover ICE CREAM is a cool dessert.

Shopping List

reduced-fat sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, packaged cooked carved chicken, whole-grain flour tortillas, cooking spray, tomatoes, lettuce, canned vegetarian refried beans.

Thursday: Express

Make it quick tonight with a B.T. PIZZA. Top a ready-to-bake whole-grain thin pizza crust with 4 slices crumbled bacon, plenty of diced tomatoes (drained on paper towels), sliced fresh basil and shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Bake as directed or until cheese melts and pizza is hot. Serve with a GREEN SALAD. Slice a WATERMELON for dessert.

Shopping List

ready-to-bake whole-grain thin pizza crust, bacon, tomatoes, fresh basil, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, salad greens, watermelon.

Friday: Budget

Tighten your purse strings with TURKEY APRICOT SALAD SANDWICHES. Combine 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey, 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery, 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons unsalted cashews, 2 tablespoons chopped dried apricots, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt and some coarse salt and pepper to taste. Spread on 4 slices pumpernickel bread; top with a lettuce leaf and a second slice of bread. Cut in half and serve with CORN-ON-THE-COB and SLICED TOMATOES. FRESH BLUEBERRIES are dessert.

Shopping List

cooked turkey, celery, low-fat mayonnaise, unsalted cashews, dried apricots, green onions, plain low-fat yogurt, coarse salt, pepper, pumpernickel bread, lettuce, corn-on-the-cob, tomatoes, fresh blueberries.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Your lucky guests will dine on TUNA STEAKS WITH AVOCADO SALSA tonight.

Try this SPICY POTATO SALAD for a perfect side dish: Cook 2 pounds unpeeled large red potatoes in boiling water about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Whisk together 3 tablespoons canola oil, 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce; pour over potatoes; toss. Cover and chill 1 hour. Stir in 1 (8 3/4-ounce) can rinsed corn, 1 small shredded carrot, 1/4 cup sliced black olives and 4 sliced green onions; toss to mix.

Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, spoon vanilla pudding into wine goblets. Top each with a teaspoon or so of raspberry jam and stir. Garnish with fresh raspberries, and you have a RASPBERRY SWIRL.

Shopping List

red onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, light brown sugar, crushed red pepper, orange sections, tomato, avocado, lime, tuna steaks, red potatoes, canola oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, chili powder, coarse salt, hot sauce, canned corn, carrots, black olives, green onions, whole-grain rolls, vanilla pudding, raspberry jam, fresh raspberries.