health

7 Day Menu Planner for June 07, 2020

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | June 7th, 2020

Sunday: Family

Make it a one-pan meal with LEMON CHICKEN AND ORZO, giving you plenty of time to relax with the family. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to your meal.

Make this easy DOUBLE BERRY CRISP for dessert: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir 1 (2-layer size) package yellow cake mix and 1/2 cup melted butter in a large bowl until crumbly; set aside. Spoon 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling (light or regular) and 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling (light or regular) randomly into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. (Do not mix the two flavors.) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over fillings; then spread cake mix evenly over pie fillings. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden-brown. Serve with VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Tip

Make it a one-pan meal with LEMON CHICKEN AND ORZO, giving you plenty of time to relax with the family. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to your meal.

Make this easy DOUBLE BERRY CRISP for dessert: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir 1 (2-layer size) package yellow cake mix and 1/2 cup melted butter in a large bowl until crumbly; set aside. Spoon 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling (light or regular) and 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling (light or regular) randomly into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. (Do not mix the two flavors.) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over fillings; then spread cake mix evenly over pie fillings. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden-brown. Serve with VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough Double Berry Crisp for Monday; save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

olive oil, boneless skinless chicken thighs, unsalted chicken broth, carrots or zucchini, orzo pasta, pitted Kalamata olives, lemons, dried oregano, pepper, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, yellow cake mix, butter, canned light or regular cherry and blueberry pie fillings, cooking spray, vanilla ice cream.

LEMON CHICKEN AND ORZO

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 25 to 35 minutes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 2 cups carrots or zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 2/3 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In ovenproof skillet, heat oil on medium-high. Cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes or until browned on both sides. Add broth, carrots or zucchini, orzo, olives, lemon wedges, lemon juice, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover with a lid; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the orzo is done and internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees. Remove pan from oven. Fluff the orzo and vegetables. Serve right from the skillet for your one-pan meal.

Per serving: 400 calories, 35 grams protein, 19 grams fat (44% calories from fat), 4 grams saturated fat, 20 grams carbohydrate, 176 milligrams cholesterol, 371 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.


Monday: Meatless

Enjoy delicious, no-meat SOUTHWESTERN PIE. Serve the flavor-packed pie with deli COLESLAW. Warm the leftover DOUBLE BERRY CRISP for dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, frozen corn, green onions, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, 50% light cheddar cheese, reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart), whole milk, chunky salsa, eggs, deli coleslaw.

SOUTHWESTERN PIE

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep time: less than 15 minutes

Cook time: 35 to 40 minutes; cooling time: 5 minutes

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 8 green onions, sliced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup shredded 50% light cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chunky salsa, plus more for garnish
  • 2 eggs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Layer corn, onions and beans in pie plate. Sprinkle with cheese. In a small bowl, stir together baking mix, milk, 1/2 cup salsa and the eggs until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and garnish with extra salsa.

Per serving: 278 calories, 15 grams protein, 6 grams fat (20% calories from fat), 2.7 grams saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, 102 milligrams cholesterol, 593 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fiber.


Tuesday: Kids

The kids will come running for CHILI-BEAN BURRITOS. For each burrito, spoon canned chili beans with sauce down center of flour tortilla; sprinkle with shredded 50% light cheddar cheese; roll. Place seam-side down in baking dish. Spoon additional chili beans with sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with more cheese. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 3 minutes (for 4 burritos) or until cheese is melted and burritos are hot. Serve with mild salsa and reduced-fat sour cream. Add a deli CARROT SALAD.

Make a yummy FRUIT SMOOTHIE for dessert: In a blender, combine 2 cups frozen raspberries or strawberries, 1 ripe banana (cut in chunks) and 1 cup vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Shopping List

canned chili beans with sauce, flour tortillas, 50% light cheddar cheese, mild salsa, reduced-fat sour cream, deli carrot salad, frozen raspberries or strawberries, bananas, vanilla yogurt.


Wednesday: Express

For a quick meal, make SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. Stir together 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon dried basil and 24 frozen cooked meatballs (thawed); simmer 10 minutes or until hot. Serve over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add a packaged ITALIAN SALAD and CRUSTY ROLLS.

BANANA CREAM PIE IN A BOWL is an easy dessert: Prepare 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana pudding mix according to directions, using 1% milk. Layer 1/2 cup (of 1 cup total) vanilla wafer cookie crumbs, half of the pudding and 1 1/2 (of 3 total) sliced ripe medium bananas in a 2-quart serving bowl. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours. Top with light whipped cream.

Plan

Save enough Banana Cream Pie in a Bowl for Thursday.

Shopping List

jar tomato-basil pasta sauce, dried basil, frozen cooked meatballs, spaghetti, parmesan cheese, packaged Italian salad, crusty rolls, instant banana pudding mix, 1% milk, vanilla wafers, bananas, light whipped cream.


Thursday: Budget

Good flavor and low cost make this GARDEN LASAGNA an excellent choice for dinner. Serve with a GREEN SALAD and ITALIAN BREAD. Dessert is leftover BANANA CREAM PIE IN A BOWL.

Plan

Save enough lasagna for Friday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, canned reduced-sodium black beans, jar reduced-sodium or regular red pasta sauce, carrots, zucchini, eggs, fat-free or reduced-fat ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, lasagna noodles, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, salad greens, Italian bread.

GARDEN LASAGNA

Servings: makes 8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes; standing time: 15 minutes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black beans
  • 1 (24- to 26-ounce) jar reduced-sodium or regular red pasta sauce
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 16 ounces fat-free or reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together beans, pasta sauce, carrots, zucchini and water. Set aside. In another bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and parmesan. Cover bottom of baking dish with 1 cup pasta sauce mix; top with 4 noodles. Spread the ricotta mixture over all; top with 1 cup sauce and remaining noodles. Pour remaining sauce over all; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Per serving: 275 calories, 19 grams protein, 4 grams fat (14% calories from fat), 1.8 grams saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, 37 milligrams cholesterol, 362 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.


Friday: Heat and Eat

Take it easy tonight and heat the leftover GARDEN LASAGNA for dinner. Add a crisp LETTUCE WEDGE and GARLIC BREAD. RED AND GREEN GRAPES are a simple dessert.

Shopping List

lettuce, garlic bread, red and green grapes.


Saturday: Entertain the Family

Use your grilling skills and prepare GRILLED TUNA for your family. Serve with BROWN RICE tossed with some golden raisins and orange zest.

Add ZUCCHINI WITH FETA AND MINT: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add 1 1/4 pounds zucchini (cut lengthwise into thin ribbons), 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Transfer to serving platter; sprinkle with 1/4 cup crumbled Greek feta before serving.

Add a BABY ROMAINE SALAD and a BAGUETTE. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert and serve them with leftover ICE CREAM.

Tip

Use your grilling skills and prepare GRILLED TUNA for your family. Serve with BROWN RICE tossed with some golden raisins and orange zest.

Add ZUCCHINI WITH FETA AND MINT: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add 1 1/4 pounds zucchini (cut lengthwise into thin ribbons), 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Transfer to serving platter; sprinkle with 1/4 cup crumbled Greek feta before serving.

Add a BABY ROMAINE SALAD and a BAGUETTE. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert and serve them with leftover ICE CREAM.

Shopping List

tuna to grill, brown rice, golden raisins, orange, olive oil, zucchini, coarse salt, pepper, fresh mint, lemon, Greek feta, baby romaine, baguette, fruit tarts.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for May 31, 2020

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | May 31st, 2020

Sunday: Family

Get out the slow cooker and relax with the family while CARAMELIZED ONION POT ROAST is cooking. Serve the savory entree with MASHED POTATOES and GREEN BEANS. Add a SPINACH SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD.

For dessert, CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA SWIRL PUDDING has a flavor for everyone. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups 1% milk and 1/4 cup frozen egg substitute (thawed). Microwave, uncovered, on high (100% power) for 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until mixture thickens and boils. Stir in 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips into 1 cup of the pudding until melted. Alternately layer vanilla and chocolate puddings in parfait glasses or swirl in dessert dishes.

Plan

Save enough pot roast and onions for Monday.

Shopping List

canola oil, boneless chuck (pot) roast, coarse salt, pepper, onions, lower-sodium beef broth, regular or nonalcoholic beer, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, potatoes to mash, green beans, fresh spinach, crusty bread, sugar, cornstarch, 1% milk, frozen egg substitute, butter, pure vanilla extract, semisweet chocolate chips.

CARAMELIZED ONION POT ROAST

Servings: makes 10 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 6 to 8 hours on low

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) boneless chuck (pot) roast, well trimmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 medium onions, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups lower-sodium beef broth
  • 3/4 cup regular or nonalcoholic beer
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Cook roast, turning once, 10 minutes or until browned on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place onions in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Place roast on onions. Mix broth, beer, sugar, Dijon mustard and cider vinegar; pour over roast and onions. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or until roast is tender. Remove roast and onions from cooker using slotted spoon. Cut roast into slices. Skim fat from juices in cooker. Serve roast with juice.

Per serving: 261 calories, 29 grams protein, 11 grams fat (39% calories from fat), 3.9 grams saturated fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 78 milligrams cholesterol, 307 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.


Monday: Heat and Eat

For a great MAMMA MIA SAUCE OVER SPAGHETTI, add 1 to 2 cups chopped leftover beef and onions to a 16-ounce jar of tomato-based pasta sauce. Heat and serve over cooked spaghetti, along with MIXED GREENS and GARLIC BREAD. PEARS make a light dessert.

Shopping List

tomato-based pasta sauce, spaghetti, mixed greens, garlic bread, pears.


Tuesday: Kids

TURKEY RANCH PIE is kid-friendly. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Place 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey (or a 10-ounce can drained chicken breast) and 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, blend 1/2 cup reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart), 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix, 1 cup 1% milk and 2 lightly beaten eggs. Spoon over turkey mixture. Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes and serve with CELERY BOATS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND RAISINS and BREAD STICKS. Slurp FUDGSICLES for dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, cooked turkey or canned chicken breast, frozen mixed vegetables, 50% light cheddar cheese, reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart), packet ranch dressing mix, 1% milk, eggs, celery, cream cheese, raisins, bread sticks, Fudgsicles.


Wednesday: Budget

Serve this budget-pleasing SALADE NICOISE tonight. Add a SLICED AVOCADO (with salt and pepper to taste) and SOURDOUGH BREAD. For dessert, FRESH PINEAPPLE is refreshing.

Shopping List

red or fingerling potatoes, haricots verts (green beans), Boston lettuce or mixed greens, tomatoes, eggs, canned oil-packed albacore tuna, anchovy fillets, pitted Nicoise or Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, green onions, capers, coarse salt, pepper, vinaigrette dressing, avocado, sourdough bread, fresh pineapple.

SALAD NICOISE

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: for potatoes, green beans

Cook time: about 10 minutes

  • 6 small red potatoes (or 12 fingerling potatoes), cooked, cooled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 pound haricots verts (green beans), trimmed, cooked, chilled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 head Boston lettuce, separated into leaves (or 5 cups loosely packed mixed greens)
  • 2 large tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
  • 5 eggs, hard-cooked and halved
  • 2 (6-ounce) cans oil-packed albacore tuna, drained
  • 4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup pitted Nicoise or Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Coarse salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing

Place potatoes in a large bowl along with the green beans; gently mix. Arrange the lettuce on a platter. Place the potatoes and green beans on top of the greens along with the eggs, tuna and anchovies. Scatter over the top: olives, parsley, green onions, capers, salt and pepper. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve. (Adapted from "The Joy of Cooking," John Becker and Megan Scott, Scribner.)

Per serving: 272 calories, 24 grams protein, 12 grams fat (38% calories from fat), 2.2 grams saturated fat, 21 grams carbohydrate, 182 milligrams cholesterol, 619 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.


Thursday: Express

You'll have dinner on the table in no time with a FROZEN SEAFOOD ENTREE. (Please pay attention to the sodium content, as with any frozen entree.) Add STEAMED FRESH BROCCOLI, a packaged GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to round out your meal. PEACHES are a light dessert.

Shopping List

frozen seafood entree, fresh broccoli, packaged salad greens, whole-grain rolls, peaches.


Friday: Meatless

Skip the meat for VEGETABLE "JAMBALAYA" tonight. Just before serving, sprinkle with red pepper sauce to jazz it up. Add a LETTUCE WEDGE and CORN MUFFINS (from a mix). For a simple dessert, PLUMS are a good choice.

Shopping List

canola oil, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, rice, unsalted vegetable broth, frozen corn, less-sodium Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, canned reduced-sodium black-eyed peas, canned no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, red pepper sauce, lettuce, corn muffin mix, plums.

VEGETABLE "JAMBALAYA"

Servings: makes 7 cups

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 40 minutes

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 (14-ounce) can unsalted vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 tablespoons less-sodium Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium black-eyed peas
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, undrained

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened; stir occasionally. Stir in rice. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is light golden. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in corn, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, black-eyed peas and tomatoes. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables and rice are tender. Serve warm.

Per cup: 223 calories, 7 grams protein, 2 grams fat (9% calories from fat), 0.2 gram saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 78 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.


Saturday: Entertain the Family

Your family will welcome HONEY MUSTARD PORK TENDERLOIN for dinner. Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup honey; mix well. In baking dish, coat 1 (1- to 1 1/4-pound) pork tenderloin with sauce. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until meat thermometer registers 145 degrees. Remove pork from oven, tent with foil and let stand 5 minutes. Slice and serve with packaged LONG-GRAIN AND WILD RICE, steamed FRESH ZUCCHINI and DINNER ROLLS.

For dessert, BAKED BANANAS WITH COCONUT OVER ICE CREAM is delicious: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Cut 6 medium bananas crosswise in half and then lengthwise in half. Place in pie plate. Dot bananas with 1 tablespoon cut-up butter. Drizzle with 1/3 cup fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 2/3 cup shredded coconut. Bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until coconut is golden. Spoon over vanilla ice cream for a double-yum dessert.

Tip

Your family will welcome HONEY MUSTARD PORK TENDERLOIN for dinner. Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup honey; mix well. In baking dish, coat 1 (1- to 1 1/4-pound) pork tenderloin with sauce. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until meat thermometer registers 145 degrees. Remove pork from oven, tent with foil and let stand 5 minutes. Slice and serve with packaged LONG-GRAIN AND WILD RICE, steamed FRESH ZUCCHINI and DINNER ROLLS.

For dessert, BAKED BANANAS WITH COCONUT OVER ICE CREAM is delicious: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Cut 6 medium bananas crosswise in half and then lengthwise in half. Place in pie plate. Dot bananas with 1 tablespoon cut-up butter. Drizzle with 1/3 cup fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 2/3 cup shredded coconut. Bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until coconut is golden. Spoon over vanilla ice cream for a double-yum dessert.

Shopping List

cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, pork tenderloin, packaged long-grain and wild rice, fresh zucchini, dinner rolls, cooking spray, bananas, butter, oranges, lemons, shredded coconut, vanilla ice cream.

health

7 Day Menu Planner for May 24, 2020

7 Day Menu Planner  by by Susan Nicholson
by Susan Nicholson
7 Day Menu Planner | May 24th, 2020

Sunday: Family

Fire up the grill today for your own GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS.

Serve the easy entree with MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS WITH RAISINS AND FETA: Heat 2 1/4 cups unsalted chicken broth to a boil in a 3-quart pot. Stir in 1 1/2 cups couscous, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 chopped small tomato and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium garbanzo beans; remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes; fluff with fork. Sprinkle each serving with crumbled Greek feta cheese.

Add STEAMED FRESH CAULIFLOWER and FLATBREAD on the side. Make or buy a BANANA CREAM PIE for dessert.

Plan

Grill enough chicken and save enough couscous and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

boneless skinless chicken breast halves, unsalted chicken broth, couscous, raisins, black pepper, cayenne pepper, tomato, canned reduced-sodium garbanzo beans, crumbled Greek feta cheese, fresh cauliflower, flatbread, banana cream pie.


Monday: Heat and Eat

Make a favorite, CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICHES, with leftover chicken. Toast 8 slices whole-grain bread and spread one side with low-fat mayonnaise. Layer 4 slices toast with lettuce, sliced chicken, sliced tomato and cooked bacon slices. Top with remaining toast; secure with wooden picks and cut into triangles. Serve with leftover COUSCOUS. Slice the leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

whole-grain bread, low-fat mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, bacon.


Tuesday: Budget

Make dinner low-cost with SOUTHWESTERN "STROGANOFF." Cook 1 pound lean ground beef in a large nonstick skillet on medium about 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Return beef to skillet; add 1 cup water, 2 cups chunky salsa, 2 cups spiral pasta and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream. Serve with a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, FRESH PINEAPPLE SPEARS are good.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, chunky salsa, spiral pasta, coarse salt, reduced-fat sour cream, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, fresh pineapple spears.


Wednesday: Kids

The kids will like this CHILI without any "yucky stuff." Cook 1 pound lean ground beef in a 3-quart pot about 6 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain well and return to pot. Stir in 2 (15-ounce) cans rinsed reduced-sodium pinto beans, 2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup, 2 soup cans water, 2 tablespoons instant minced onion and 2 teaspoons chili powder. Heat to boiling and serve, topped with FISH-SHAPED CRACKERS.

Alongside, add deli CARROT SALAD and BREAD STICKS. The kids can help prepare FRUITY SUNDAES for dessert. Mix sliced bananas, halved seedless grapes and frozen strawberries (thawed) in syrup. Spoon into small bowls. Top with light whipped cream.

Plan

Save enough chili for Thursday.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, canned condensed tomato soup, instant minced onion, chili powder, fish-shaped crackers, deli carrot salad, bread sticks, bananas, seedless grapes, frozen strawberries in syrup, light whipped cream.


Thursday: Express

SLOPPY SPUDS will be on the table in no time. Prepare 1 (26-ounce) package frozen hash-browned potatoes according to directions. Meanwhile, heat leftover chili until hot. Spoon chili over potatoes and sprinkle with shredded 50% light jalapeno cheese. On the side, add a packaged GREEN SALAD and CORN MUFFINS from the bakery. Fresh TROPICAL FRUIT is an easy dessert.

Shopping List

frozen hash-browned potatoes, 50% light jalapeno cheese, packaged green salad, corn muffins, fresh tropical fruit.


Friday: Meatless

VEGETARIAN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE makes an easy dinner. Serve the no-meat dish with a SPINACH SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. For dessert, ORANGE SHERBET is light.

Shopping List

cooking spray, olive oil, onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, coarse salt, black pepper, enchilada sauce, reduced-sodium black beans, reduced-sodium pinto beans, frozen corn kernels, cilantro, soft corn tortillas, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapeno peppers, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh spinach, crusty bread, orange sherbet.

VEGETARIAN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

Servings: makes 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: less than 35 minutes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 10 soft corn tortillas
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced jalapeno peppers
  • Reduced-fat sour cream

Heat oven to 375 degrees and coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat oil in a large nonstick pot on medium. Add onion and cook 8 minutes or until softened. Add green pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt and black pepper, and cook 3 minutes or until the peppers are softened. Add enchilada sauce, black beans, pinto beans, corn and cilantro. Bring to a simmer briefly. Assemble the casserole by placing 5 tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the bean mixture on top, and sprinkle half of the cheese on top of that. Then make a second layer, starting with tortillas, then bean filling, then the remaining cheese on top. Bake, covered with nonstick foil, 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Serve warm, garnished with your choice of enchilada toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos and sour cream).

Per serving: 299 calories, 15 grams protein, 13 grams fat (38% calories from fat), 6.3 grams saturated fat, 31 grams carbohydrate, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 601 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.


Saturday: Entertain the Family

Splurge tonight and serve your lucky family BEEF MEDALLIONS IN PORTOBELLO WINE SAUCE. Serve with your GARLIC MASHED POTATOES and FRESH BROCCOLI FLORETS. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and SOURDOUGH ROLLS. CHILLED LEMON DESSERT ends your fine meal.

Shopping List

unsalted chicken broth, Madeira or port, dried thyme, pepper, garlic powder, portobello mushrooms, butter, beef tenderloin steaks, onion, flour, coarse salt, garlic, potatoes to mash, fresh broccoli florets, mixed greens, sourdough rolls, refrigerated piecrust, lemon pudding mix (not instant), sugar, eggs, reduced-fat cream cheese, miniature marshmallows, frozen reduced-fat whipped topping.

BEEF MEDALLIONS IN PORTOBELLO WINE SAUCE

Servings: makes 6 servings

Prep time: less than 20 minutes

Cook time: less than 30 minutes

  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Madeira or port (see Note)
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1/2 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

In a medium bowl, mix together broth, wine, thyme, pepper and garlic powder until blended. Add mushrooms; toss to coat well. Cover and set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter on medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove steaks from skillet; place on plate and cover loosely to keep warm. Add onion to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add flour and salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour mushroom mixture into skillet. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes or until sauce is thickened and mushrooms are tender. Add steaks to sauce; heat 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Note: For a wine substitute, combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 6 tablespoons unsalted chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon sugar; mix well to dissolve sugar.

Per serving: 222 calories, 26 grams protein, 8 grams fat (34% calories from fat), 3.7 grams saturated fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 66 milligrams cholesterol, 271 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.

CHILLED LEMON DESSERT

Servings: makes 16 servings

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour, plus pastry and pudding; chilling time: 3 to 24 hours

  • 1 refrigerated piecrust from (15-ounce) package
  • 1 (2.9-ounce) package lemon pudding mix (not instant)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups water, divided
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

Unfold piecrust according to directions; press out folds. Place crust into 9-inch springform pan, trimming to fit bottom only. Bake according to package directions. Cool completely. Make pudding according to package directions (using the sugar, 1/4 cup water, egg yolks and then 2 cups water); cool slightly. Stir in cream cheese until well-blended. Cool completely (about 1 hour). Fold in marshmallows and whipped topping. Spread pudding mixture over cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until set (but not longer than 24 hours). Run metal spatula around edge of dessert to loosen; remove side of pan. Slice and serve.

Per serving: 175 calories, 2 grams protein, 8 grams fat (39% calories from fat), 4.6 grams saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 35 milligrams cholesterol, 158 milligrams sodium, no fiber.

Next up: More trusted advice from...

  • Man Forgives Wife's Affair, Starts His Own
  • Man's Sudden Reappearance Spurs Confusion and Doubt
  • Woman Destroys Marriage and Attempts To Move On
  • Environmentally Smart Gardening
  • Gardening by Design
  • Small but Mighty Bulbs
  • LEAD STORY -- Creme de la Weird
  • LEAD STORY -- Goals
  • LEAD STORY -- Wait, What?
UExpressLifeParentingHomePetsHealthAstrologyOdditiesA-Z
AboutContactSubmissionsTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy
©2023 Andrews McMeel Universal