Sunday: Family

These DIJON STEAK KEBABS make a delicious meal for family day. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons coarse-grain Dijon mustard, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons canola oil and 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Place the marinade and 1 pound boneless beef round tip steak (1 inch thick, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces) in a resealable plastic bag. Turn to coat. Refrigerate 6 to 24 hours. Remove beef, discard marinade and pat beef dry. Thread beef on 4 metal skewers; grill 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness.

Serve the kebabs over packaged LONG GRAIN AND WILD RICE. Steam some fresh BROCCOLI, and add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to your meal. CLAFOUTIS OF CHERRIES AMANDINE for dessert is extra-special and absolutely delicious.

Shopping List

red wine vinegar, coarse-grain Dijon mustard, garlic, canola oil, black pepper, boneless beef round tip steak, packaged long grain and wild rice, fresh broccoli, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, bag frozen pitted cherries (or about 1 1/2 pounds fresh), cherry preserves, unskinned almonds, granulated sugar, cornstarch, unsalted butter, eggs, dark rum, powdered sugar.

Monday: Budget

CHICKEN, TOMATO AND BARLEY STEW is just right for a low-cost, flavorful meal. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. For dessert, try fresh PINEAPPLE CHUNKS.

Plan

Save enough of the chicken stew for Tuesday.

Shopping List

jar no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, cinnamon, bone-in skinless chicken thighs, quick-cooking barley, unsalted chicken broth, onion, raisins, fresh zucchini, lettuce wedge, whole-grain bread, fresh pineapple.

Tuesday: Heat and Eat

Use Monday’s leftovers for STUFFED PEPPERS. Core, cover and microwave any color bell peppers upside down in a baking dish, 1 minute on high for each pepper. Heat the leftover chicken stew and stuff the peppers. Top with crumbled Greek feta cheese.

Serve with BUTTERED NOODLES, GREEN BEANS and CRUSTY ROLLS. APPLE SLICES are your dessert.

Shopping List

any color bell pepper, crumbled Greek feta cheese, butter, noodles, green beans, crusty rolls, apples.

Wednesday: Meatless

Skip meat tonight for VEGETABLE CURRY. Serve it with BASMATI RICE, a SPINACH SALAD and BREAD STICKS. For an easy dessert, enjoy RED AND GREEN GRAPES.

Shopping List

light coconut milk, flour, red curry paste, onion, Yukon gold potatoes, butternut squash, cauliflower, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, red bell pepper, frozen green peas, fresh cilantro, basmati rice, fresh spinach, bread sticks, red and green grapes.

Thursday: Kids

CHICKEN TACO PIE is just right for the kids tonight. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 10-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. Combine 2 cups cooked diced chicken, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 tablespoons less-sodium taco seasoning mix (from packet). Scatter in pie plate. Mix together 1 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick), 1 cup 1% milk and 2 eggs with a fork until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded 50% light cheddar cheese; bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes and reduced-fat sour cream. Serve with steamed CARROTS. PLUMS are your dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, cooked chicken, onion, less-sodium taco seasoning mix, baking mix (such as Bisquick), 1% milk, eggs, shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, reduced-fat sour cream, carrots, plums.

Friday: Express

TUSCAN TOMATO SOUP hits the spot for a quick meal. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 (24- to 26-ounce) jar no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce, 1 (15- to 19-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium cannellini beans, 1 (7-ounce) jar drained roasted red peppers, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 clove garlic; process until smooth. Pour into a medium saucepan; add 1 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (cut into strips) and serve.

Add a deli EGG SALAD SANDWICH on whole-grain bread with lettuce. Munch on OATMEAL COOKIES for dessert.

Shopping List

jar no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, jar roasted red peppers, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, unsalted chicken broth, fresh basil, deli egg salad, whole-grain bread, lettuce, oatmeal cookies.

Saturday: Family Entertaining

Your family will enjoy CORIANDER-CRUSTED PORK TENDERLOIN. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread Dijon mustard over a (1- to 1 1/4-pound) pork tenderloin. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, pressing into the mustard. Bake 20 minutes in a foil-lined roasting pan or until internal temperature reaches 150 degrees. Remove from oven; tent with foil and let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve with BROWN RICE tossed with toasted walnuts and golden raisins, fresh ASPARAGUS, a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. A slice of CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE is a fine finish.

Shopping List

Dijon mustard, pork tenderloin, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, coarse salt, brown rice, walnuts, golden raisins, fresh asparagus, Boston lettuce, sourdough bread, chocolate layer cake.

Sunday: Family

Make family day fuss-free with your own ROAST CHICKEN. Serve it with MASHED POTATOES WITH CAULIFLOWER. Boil 2 pounds peeled and halved Yukon Gold potatoes with 1 pound cauliflower florets until tender. Mash them together and season as you would regular mashed potatoes. Add GREEN BEANS WITH SLICED ALMONDS and POPPY SEED MUFFINS (from mix). STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is a great dessert for family day.

Tip

By using the cauliflower with the potatoes, you decrease the calories by one-third.

Plan

Save enough chicken and muffins for Monday and enough ice cream for Thursday.

Shopping List

chicken to roast, Yukon gold potatoes, fresh cauliflower, green beans, sliced almonds, poppy seed muffin mix, strawberry ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use the leftover cooked chicken (or packaged cooked chicken breast strips) for CHICKEN STIR-FRY WITH YELLOW RICE. Add MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. PEARS are your dessert.

Shopping List

extra-virgin olive oil, eggs, packaged cooked chicken breast strips (if needed), onion, frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas and cut green beans), hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, yellow rice mix, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, pears.

Tuesday: Budget

Pinch a few pennies with PENNE PASTA WITH TUNA for dinner tonight. Serve the economical dish with a SPINACH SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Enjoy PLUMS for dessert.

Shopping List

penne pasta, canned tuna in olive oil, garlic, canned crushed tomatoes, pitted green olives, capers, crushed red pepper, fresh parsley, fresh spinach, garlic bread, plums.

Wednesday: Kids

The kids will go for CHICKEN MEATBALLS. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil. In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound ground chicken breast, 1 cup fresh bread crumbs, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt. Form into 32 balls; place on baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove from oven. Toss with a little hot pepper sauce according to the children’s’ taste. Serve on wooden picks alongside the kids’ favorite dip.

Add OVEN FRIES (from frozen), CELERY STICKS and SOFT ROLLS. How about SLICED KIWIS for dessert?

Tip

You can substitute regular ground chicken for the chicken breast, but you will increase the calories because ground chicken is usually ground dark meat, which is higher in calories and fat.

Plan

Save enough meatballs for Friday.

Shopping List

ground chicken breast, bread for bread crumbs, green onions, smoked paprika, garlic, coarse salt, hot pepper sauce, kids’ favorite dip, frozen oven fries, celery, soft rolls, kiwis.

Thursday: Meatless

You can’t go wrong with CHUNKY VEGETABLE CHILI for a no-meat winner. Serve it with GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES and a LETTUCE WEDGE. Scoop leftover ICE CREAM for dessert.

Shopping List

carrots, potatoes, onion, yellow bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, unsalted vegetable broth, canned reduced-sodium garbanzo beans, canned reduced-sodium black beans, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, zucchini, bread and cheese for sandwiches, lettuce.

Friday: Express

Make it a quick meal tonight with MEATBALL TACOS. Quarter and heat the leftover meatballs. Spoon into warmed taco shells. Top with salsa, 50% light shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and sliced avocado. Serve with a packaged GREEN SALAD. Add TROPICAL FRUIT for a simple dessert.

Shopping List

taco shells, salsa, 50% light shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocados, packaged green salad, tropical fruit.

Saturday: Entertain the Family

Treat the family to PESTO-CRUSTED SALMON. Heat oven to 425. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil. Place 4 (4- to 6-ounce) salmon fillets on baking sheet. Spoon 2 teaspoons pesto onto each fillet. Top each with 1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs. Bake 10 to 15 minutes according to thickness, or until fish turns opaque.

Serve with COUSCOUS, SNOW PEAS, a BIBB LETTUCE SALAD and a BAGUETTE. For dessert, buy FRUIT TARTS.

Shopping List

salmon fillets, pesto, panko bread crumbs, couscous, snow peas, Bibb lettuce, baguette, fruit tarts.

Sunday: Family

Gather the family for an Easter celebration with ROAST LEG OF LAMB on the menu. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Mix together 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon dry mustard. Rub all over 1 (4- to 5-pound) well-trimmed, bone-in leg of lamb. Place in a shallow roasting pan on a rack. Bake 45 minutes; reduce temperature to 375 degrees and bake 20 minutes or until thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 155 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 20 minutes before slicing.

Serve the lamb with ROSEMARY ROASTED POTATOES, ONIONS AND BABY CARROTS, a ROMAINE SALAD and DINNER ROLLS. For dessert, NO-BAKE RASPBERRY LEMON THYME TARTLETS couldn't be easier.

Tip

For the vegetables, heat oven to 425 degrees; spread cut-up potatoes, onions and baby carrots on a baking sheet covered with nonstick foil. Sprinkle with fresh chopped rosemary, salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Plan

Save enough lamb and tartlets and prepare extra vegetables for Monday.

Shopping List

white vinegar, coarse salt, pepper, dry mustard, bone-in leg of lamb, fresh rosemary, potatoes, onions and baby carrots to roast, olive oil, romaine, dinner rolls, seedless raspberry jam, fresh thyme, packaged mini phyllo shells, lemon pie filling or lemon curd, fresh raspberries.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make LAMB SANDWICHES with Sunday's leftovers. Spread goat cheese on whole-grain bread and layer lamb slices and drained roasted red peppers over it. Top with second slice of bread. Alongside, heat the leftover ROSEMARY VEGETABLES. Leftover TARTLETS make an easy dessert.

Shopping List

goat cheese, whole-grain bread, roasted red peppers.

Tuesday: Express

We had TORTELLINI SOUP on the table in no time: Bring 8 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons canola oil to broth and about 1 pound frozen cheese tortellini; boil 10 to 12 minutes. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked chopped chicken breast (or canned chicken breast) and 10 ounces fresh baby spinach. Heat through and serve.

Add a packaged GREEN SALAD and BREAD STICKS. Try SLICED KIWIS for dessert.

Shopping List

chicken broth, canola oil, frozen cheese tortellini, cooked chopped or canned chicken breast, fresh baby spinach, packaged green salad, bread sticks, kiwis.

Wednesday: Kids

Watch the kids lap up GRILLED CHICKEN "PIZZA." Coat both sides of 10 (8-inch) tortillas with cooking spray; place on a baking sheet. Broil until slightly toasted; turn and toast other side. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine 1 (10-ounce) can drained mild no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies and 1 (16-ounce) can vegetarian refried beans. On each of 5 tortillas, spread 1/4 cup tomato-bean mixture. Top with 2 tablespoons (1 cup total) cooked chopped chicken breast and 1/4 cup (2 1/2 cups total) shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, then another tortilla. Repeat layering, ending with cheese. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with lettuce and chopped red bell pepper.

For dessert, top VANILLA ICE CREAM with warmed BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE.

Shopping List

tortillas, cooking spray, canned mild no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies, canned vegetarian refried beans, cooked chicken breast, shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, lettuce, red bell pepper, vanilla ice cream, butterscotch sauce.

Thursday: Budget

We all love low-cost and delicious food, and BROWN RICE WITH CANADIAN BACON AND APPLES is a good example. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup apple juice, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 cored, peeled and diced Golden Delicious apple, 1/4 cup raisins, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil; add 1 cup uncooked brown rice and sliced white part of 4 green onions, reserving green parts. Return to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in 6 ounces chopped Canadian bacon and sliced green part of green onions. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.

Add a SPINACH SALAD and RYE BREAD. PLUMS are dessert.

Tip

Soak and cook beans for Friday, if time permits.

Shopping List

apple juice, Golden Delicious apple, raisins, butter, coarse salt, pepper, brown rice, green onions, Canadian bacon, fresh spinach, rye bread, plums.

Friday: Meatless

How about slow-cooker BLACK BEAN AND CORN SOUP for a no-meat dinner? Serve it with a LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, CHUNKY APPLESAUCE is easy.

Shopping List

dry black beans, frozen whole-kernel corn, onion, garlic, cumin, coarse salt, ground coriander, hot pepper sauce, canned stewed tomatoes, medium salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, whole-grain rolls, chunky applesauce.

Saturday: Family Entertaining

A French friend gave me this recipe for CHICKEN PROVENCAL, and it's a keeper.

Serve it with BAKED MASHED POTATOES: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare mashed potatoes using 1% milk and reduced-fat sour cream for the liquid. Spoon into a baking dish and top with shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Add TINY GREEN PEAS (from frozen) WITH FRESH SLICED MUSHROOMS and a MIXED GREEN SALAD. For dessert, serve ORANGE SECTIONS WITH GRAND MARNIER. (Toss peeled, sectioned oranges with a little orange-flavored liqueur. Serve topped with shaved semisweet chocolate.)

TIPS: Make the potatoes a day ahead and reheat in the microwave on high (100% power), 1 minute per cup of potatoes. Add the cheese and broil until cheese melts. Make the chicken a day ahead for flavors to blend.

Shopping List

olive oil, coarse salt, whole black peppercorns, dry red wine, fresh rosemary, bone-in skinless chicken legs and thighs, garlic, light brown sugar, tomato paste, potatoes to mash, 1% milk, reduced-fat sour cream, 50% light cheddar cheese, frozen tiny green peas, fresh mushrooms, mixed greens, oranges, Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur, semisweet chocolate.