Sunday: Family

SMOTHERED PANKO PARMESAN CHICKEN is perfect for family day. Serve the one-dish meal with a fresh SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGE SECTIONS and DINNER ROLLS. APPLE TURNOVERS (frozen, such as Pepperidge Farm or another brand) are a family kind of dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, skinless bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 pounds), Italian seasoning, coarse salt, garlic powder, plum tomatoes, panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh spinach, orange sections, dinner rolls, frozen apple turnovers (such as Pepperidge Farm or another brand).

Monday: Budget

This version of GREEK STEW is easy on the food budget. In a 4-quart slow cooker, toss about 2 pounds beef stew cubes (cut into 1-inch pieces) with 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated. Mix in 2 large onions cut into thin wedges. In a small bowl, mix together 1 (6-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato paste, 1/2 cup dry red wine or lower-sodium beef broth, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar; mix until well-blended. Stir into beef mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or until meat is tender, but not falling apart. Top each serving with 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese. Serve it over NOODLES. Add a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For a light dessert, try PEARS.

Plan

Save enough stew and feta and cook enough noodles for Tuesday.

Shopping List

beef stew meat, flour, onions, no-salt-added tomato paste, dry red wine or lower-sodium beef broth, cumin, cinnamon, lemon, sugar, walnuts, Greek feta cheese, noodles, romaine, whole-grain rolls, pears.

Tuesday: Heat and Eat

Take advantage of the Monday leftovers for BEEF-STUFFED PEPPERS. Split orange or yellow bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove pith and seeds. Place cut-side down in baking dish. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 1 minute per half pepper. Let stand 3 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, combine leftover beef with leftover noodles; moisten with lower-sodium beef broth and heat. Stuff peppers with mixture and sprinkle with crumbled Greek feta cheese and serve with GREEN PEAS (frozen) and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. Fresh or canned TROPICAL FRUIT is a light dessert.

Shopping List

orange or yellow bell peppers, lower-sodium beef broth, frozen green peas, whole-grain bread, fresh or canned tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Express

Make it quick tonight with your favorite frozen BURRITOS topped with sour cream. Add canned reduced-sodium PINTO BEANS and GUACAMOLE over shredded LETTUCE. Make FLAN (from a mix) for dessert.

Shopping List

frozen burritos, sour cream, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, guacamole, lettuce, flan mix.

Thursday: Kids

What could make kids happier than to have CHEESEBURGER MELTS for dinner? Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/3 cups reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick), 1/4 cup water, 2 eggs and 1 cup (of 1 1/2 cups total) shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Spread in dish. Cook 1 pound lean ground beef or 1 pound ground turkey breast (or mixture of both) in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Add 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed); heat 5 minutes or until hot. Spread over batter. Bake 23 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 1 to 3 more minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into squares and serve. Garnish with mild salsa, if desired.

Add CARROT SALAD. Fresh PINEAPPLE CHUNKS make a good dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick), eggs, 50% light cheddar cheese, lean ground beef or ground turkey breast (or both), canned condensed less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, mild salsa (if desired), carrot salad, fresh pineapple.

Friday: Meatless

There were no leftovers of SPAGHETTINI WITH GOAT CHEESE AND FRESH BASIL. Cook 12 ounces whole-wheat or regular spaghettini according to directions; drain. Place in a large bowl and add 2 ounces herb-flavored goat cheese (cut into small pieces), 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir until well-blended. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 2/3 cup unsalted vegetable broth; cook 1 minute. Add tomato mixture to pasta mixture; toss gently to combine. Serve with MIXED GREENS and GARLIC BREAD. Make instant BANANA PUDDING (with 1% milk) for dessert.

Shopping List

whole-wheat or regular spaghettini, herb-flavored goat cheese, fresh basil, coarse salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, grape tomatoes, unsalted vegetable broth, mixed greens, garlic bread, banana pudding mix, 1% milk.

Saturday: Entertain the Family

We're putting HERB-BAKED TILAPIA on our favorites list. Serve it with COUSCOUS SALAD WITH POMEGRANATES, GREEN BEANS, a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. An easy dessert is PEACH SORBET and BUTTER COOKIES.

Shopping List

tilapia fillets, parmesan cheese, low-fat mayonnaise, green onions, dry bread crumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, coarse salt, pepper, cooking spray, Israeli couscous, extra-virgin olive oil, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, pomegranate arils (seeds) or pomegranates, dried cranberries, lemon, crumbled Greek feta cheese, sunflower seeds, green beans, Boston lettuce, crusty bread, peach sorbet, butter cookies.

Sunday: Family

Gather the family for BEEF AND POTATO KEBABS. Cut 1 pound potatoes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Microwave on high (100% power) 5 to 6 minutes or just until tender; drain and cool slightly. Meanwhile, combine 3/4 cup steak sauce and 2 large cloves minced garlic; microwave on high 1 1/2 minutes, stirring once. Cut 2 medium zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut the zucchini and 1 pound boneless beef top-sirloin steak (1 inch thick) into 1 1/4-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, zucchini and steak with 1/3 cup steak sauce; toss to coat. Alternately thread potatoes, zucchini and steak on 4 metal skewers. Grill (or broil; see TIP), uncovered, 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning occasionally. Brush with remaining sauce during last 5 minutes.

Serve with a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy a CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE and serve it with SLICED PEARS for dessert.

Tip

Broil kebabs 3 to 4 inches from heat source for 9 to 12 minutes.

Plan

Grill or broil 1 extra pound beef skewers (without zucchini or potatoes) for Monday. Save enough cake for Wednesday.

Shopping List

potatoes, steak sauce, garlic, zucchini, boneless beef top-sirloin steak, romaine, whole-grain rolls, chocolate layer cake, pears.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Turn the extra grilled beef into BEEF SANDWICHES WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE: Chop or slice and heat the leftover beef; set aside. Combine 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish with 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; mix well. Toast 1 halved 24-inch baguette; line bottom half with beef and top half with horseradish sauce. Combine the halves and cut crosswise into 8 servings.

Serve with OVEN FRIES (from frozen) and GREEN BEANS. GRAPES are a simple dessert.

Shopping List

prepared horseradish, reduced-fat sour cream, lemon, baguette, frozen oven fries, green beans, grapes.

Tuesday: Express

Dinner couldn't be much easier than enjoying any refrigerated BARBECUED PORK on toasted WHOLE-GRAIN BUNS. Add deli COLESLAW alongside. For dessert, FRESH PINEAPPLE CHUNKS are easy.

Shopping List

refrigerated barbecued pork, whole-grain buns, deli coleslaw, fresh pineapple.

Wednesday: Meatless

We made quick work of CORN AND BEAN SOUP and polished off most of it in one meal. The longer you let it simmer, the more concentrated the flavors become -- almost like a stew. Serve it with a SPINACH SALAD with red onion rings and orange segments and CORNBREAD (from mix). Enjoy leftover CAKE for dessert.

Shopping List

olive oil, onion, cumin, garlic, dried oregano, frozen corn, pepper, unsalted vegetable broth, canned reduced-sodium black beans, canned diced tomatoes and green chilies, limes, fresh spinach, red onion, oranges, cornbread mix.

Thursday: Kids

The children will enjoy the mild flavor of TAMALE PIE, and you'll enjoy how easy it is to prepare. Serve with a CHOPPED LETTUCE SALAD. Think sliced KIWIS for dessert.

Tip

Look for packaged polenta in the produce section.

Shopping List

packaged sun-dried tomato or plain polenta, cooking spray, canned low-fat turkey (or beef) chili with beans, 50% light cheddar cheese, mild salsa, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, kiwis.

Friday: Budget

Holidays mean penny-pinching, and LAZY BEEF LASAGNA will be kind to the food budget. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. Have some PEACHES for dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, 95% lean ground beef, garlic, coarse salt, ground nutmeg, pepper, jar marinara sauce or other red pasta sauce, packaged refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli, shredded Italian-blend cheese, mixed greens, crusty bread, peaches.

Saturday: Entertain the Family

Impress your family with CUMIN-HONEY LAMB STEAK: Combine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon finely chopped flatleaf parsley, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Brush 1 to 1 1/4 pounds lamb steaks (center leg or sirloin, 3/4-inch-thick) with basting sauce. Broil 5 inches from heat source for 4 minutes; turn and brush with sauce. Broil 4 to 6 minutes longer or to desired doneness. Discard leftover basting sauce.

Serve with ROASTED POTATOES WITH THYME AND GARLIC: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil. Toss 1 1/2 pounds small potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces) with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Spread on baking sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until tender.

Add SUGAR SNAP PEAS and a BAGUETTE on the side. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.

Shopping List

lemon, honey, olive oil, flatleaf parsley, cumin, coarse salt, pepper, lamb steaks (center leg or sirloin), potatoes, garlic, dried thyme, sugar snap peas, baguette, fruit tarts.

Sunday: Family

For a different family dinner, try CINNAMON BROILED CHICKEN WITH RAITA. Add BASMATI RICE, STEAMED FRESH BROCCOLI and NAAN. For dessert, buy a LEMON MERINGUE PIE.

Plan

Cook extra plain chicken and extra rice, and save some pie for Monday.

Shopping List

coarse salt, pepper, cinnamon, boneless skinless chicken cutlets, cooking spray, cucumber, plain yogurt, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh cilantro or flatleaf parsley, cumin, basmati rice, fresh broccoli, naan, lemon meringue pie.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make your own CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP with Sunday's leftovers. Chop the leftover chicken; add it and the leftover rice to regular chicken broth. If you have any leftover broccoli, chop that and add along with frozen peas and carrots. Heat; add coarse salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a MIXED GREEN SALAD and CHEESE TOAST. Slice the leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

regular chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, coarse salt, pepper, mixed greens, dense white bread and any cheese for cheese toast.

Tuesday: Express

For a quick meal, pick up BRATWURST and GERMAN POTATO SALAD from the deli.

Serve warmed bratwurst over SWEET-AND-SOUR CABBAGE AND APPLES: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 2 medium Granny Smith apples (cored, unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices). Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; cook 2 more minutes. Add 1 (16-ounce) jar drained sweet-and-sour cabbage. Cook 2 minutes or until hot.

Add RYE BREAD on the side. SPICY MUSTARD is a must. Fresh PINEAPPLE SPEARS are your dessert.

Shopping List

bratwurst, deli German potato salad, butter, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, jar sweet-and-sour cabbage, rye bread, spicy mustard, fresh pineapple spears.

Wednesday: Kids

Sometimes we're surprised how good a kid-tested recipe turns out! BEEFY PEANUTTY WRAPS works for adults, too. Serve the wraps with canned reduced-sodium PINTO BEANS and deli CARROT SALAD.

The children can help make CHOCOLATE PUDDING WITH BANANAS for dessert: Add sliced bananas to instant chocolate pudding made with 1% milk.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, red bell pepper, black pepper, green onions, chunky or smooth peanut butter, grape jelly, lower-sodium soy sauce, flour tortillas, reduced-fat sour cream, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, deli carrot salad, bananas, instant chocolate pudding mix, 1% milk.

Thursday: Budget

TURKEY PICADILLO with sofrito has wonderful flavor. Serve it over BROWN RICE. Add MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Fresh or canned TROPICAL FRUIT is good for dessert.

Shopping List

ground turkey breast or lean ground beef, golden raisins, dried oregano, cumin, cider vinegar, capers, olive oil, sofrito, flatleaf parsley, brown rice, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, fresh or canned tropical fruit.

Friday: Meatless

GRILLED VEGETABLE SANDWICHES are always welcome around our house. In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add 2 medium zucchini (cut into 1/2-inch-thick, diagonal pieces), 1 medium red onion (cut into 1/4-inch slices) and 2 red bell peppers (cut into 1-inch-wide strips); toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes to 1 hour. Coat grill rack with cooking spray; place rack on medium grill. Grill vegetables, uncovered, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, toast 8 slices focaccia on grill; coat slices with goat cheese. Cover bottom halves with vegetables; top with other halves of focaccia. Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately with OVEN-FRIED POTATOES (from frozen) and a ROMAINE SALAD. PEARS are dessert.

Shopping List

light soy sauce, lemons, honey, cayenne pepper, zucchini, red onion, red bell peppers, cooking spray, focaccia, goat cheese, frozen oven-fried potatoes, romaine, pears.

Saturday: Entertain the Family

The family will be thrilled with GRILLED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES for dinner. In a large measuring cup, whisk together 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Continue whisking and slowly drizzle in 2/3 cup olive oil until well combined. Heat grill with a grill basket to medium-high. Spoon 4 tablespoons of vinaigrette over 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast strips and marinate while grilling vegetables: 8 asparagus spears cut into 2-inch pieces, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 2 medium zucchini (halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds), 1 medium Vidalia onion sliced into rings and 1 red bell pepper sliced into thick strips. Toss vegetables with 1/4 cup of vinaigrette and place in grill basket. Grill vegetables 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to platter; keep warm.

Place chicken into basket; grill 5 to 7 minutes or until 170 degrees. Transfer to vegetable platter. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese and 2 tablespoons fresh basil.

Serve with a ROMAINE SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Just wait for the applause when you present COCONUT CAKE for dessert. It's a showstopper!

Shopping List

red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, sugar, coarse salt, black pepper, olive oil, chicken breast strips, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, Vidalia onion, red bell pepper, Greek feta cheese, fresh basil, Romaine, sourdough bread, coconut cake.