Prepare a ROAST CHICKEN and serve it with GRAVY for a special family meal. Add MASHED SWEET POTATOES, BRUSSELS SPROUTS garnished with crumbled cooked bacon and DINNER ROLLS. For dessert, COCONUT MACAROONS and ORANGE SHERBET are a perfect combination.
Save enough chicken for Wednesday and enough sherbet for Friday.
chicken to roast, gravy, sweet potatoes to mash, Brussels sprouts, bacon, dinner rolls, coconut macaroons, orange sherbet.
BACON AND BEET HASH is a perfect low-cost dinner. Serve the savory dish with a LETTUCE WEDGE. Enjoy BLUEBERRIES for dessert.
fresh medium beets, red onion, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary sprigs, cinnamon, coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, bacon, lean ground beef, shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, eggs, green onions, lettuce, blueberries.
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Toss beets and onions in a rimmed baking sheet with oil. Arrange in a single layer. Lay rosemary on top, then sprinkle with cinnamon, salt and pepper. Roast 15 to 20 minutes or until soft enough to pierce with a fork. Remove from oven; discard rosemary. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large oven-safe skillet on medium, 3 to 4 minutes or until crispy and browned. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. In the same skillet, cook beef 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain fat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Add roasted vegetables and cooked bacon to skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle top of hash with cheese. Using a large spoon, make 8 indentions in mixture and carefully crack an egg into each, making sure not to break yolk. Season eggs with salt and pepper; bake about 8 minutes or until whites are set but yolks are runny. Remove from oven; spoon hash onto plates. Garnish with onions and rosemary sprigs. (Adapted from "Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook," Lisa Steele, Harper Horizon.)
Per serving: 354 calories, 35 grams protein, 20 grams fat (50% calories from fat), 7.4 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 311 milligrams cholesterol, 495 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
CANNELLINI BEANS WITH SAUTEED FENNEL AND BLISTERED TOMATOES is a delicious no-meat dish. Serve with CHEESE SOUP. Add CRUSTY BREAD on the side. How about MANGO CHUNKS for dessert?
extra-virgin olive oil, grape tomatoes, coarse salt, black pepper, fresh fennel, garlic, crushed red pepper, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, fresh basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, cheese soup, crusty bread, mangoes.
Heat a medium skillet on medium-high until hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add tomatoes and cook, shaking the pan, 5 minutes or until tomatoes are blistered and beginning to brown. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous grinding of pepper; set aside. Meanwhile, cut a thin slice from base of fennel. Remove any blemishes. Remove dark green stalks, but reserve enough leafy fronds to make 1/4 cup chopped. Cut the bulb and white part of stalks into 1/4-inch slices, then into 1/4-inch pieces to make about 3 cups. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet until hot. Add fennel, chopped fennel fronds, garlic, crushed red pepper and remaining salt. Cook, stirring constantly, on medium for 5 minutes. Cover and cook on low 15 minutes or until fennel is very soft. Add the beans, blistered tomatoes, 2 tablespoons basil and more black pepper. Cook 5 minutes, gently folding to combine, on medium-low heat or until heated through. Add 1/4 cup of the grated cheese. Spoon into serving dish. Top with remaining basil and cheese; serve.
Per serving: 269 calories, 10 grams protein, 9 grams fat (30% calories from fat), 1.7 grams saturated fat, 38 grams carbohydrate, 4 milligrams cholesterol, 808 milligrams sodium, 11 grams fiber.
RED BEANS AND RICE keeps the food budget in line. In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine 1 pound red kidney beans (rinsed and picked over), 1/2 pound andouille smoked chicken sausage (thinly sliced), 3 chopped celery ribs, 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 chopped medium onion, 3 minced cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning and 7 cups hot water. Cover and cook on high 7 hours or until beans are tender. Spoon over BROWN RICE and garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve with a (leftover) CHICKEN SANDWICH on whole-grain bread and COLESLAW. For dessert, BANANA PUDDING (from mix) made with 1% milk will taste good.
dried red kidney beans, andouille smoked chicken sausage, celery, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, Creole seasoning, brown rice, green onions, whole-grain bread, coleslaw, banana pudding mix, 1% milk.
This is a good time of year for a SUMMER SALAD PLATTER. Arrange pickled beets, marinated vegetables and deli potato-and-chicken salad on a platter lined with lettuce. Serve with WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. Juicy PEACHES are a delicious summertime dessert.
pickled beets, marinated vegetables, deli potato-and-chicken salad, lettuce, whole-grain bread, fresh peaches.
Treat the kids (and the adults!) with these TURKEY BURGERS. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/3 pound ground turkey, 2 chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons white wine and herb chicken marinade, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon pepper. Divide into 5 (4-inch) patties. Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium-high. Cook patties 5 to 7 minutes per side or until no longer pink in the center. Serve on whole-grain buns with sliced tomatoes, sliced avocados, lettuce and low-fat mayonnaise. Add OVEN FRIES (from frozen) and steamed CARROTS. Scoop leftover SHERBET for dessert.
ground turkey, green onions, white wine and herb chicken marinade, garlic powder, pepper, whole-grain buns, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, low-fat mayonnaise, frozen oven fries, carrots.
Invite friends for SHRIMP PICCATA served over BROWN RICE. Add SUGAR SNAP PEAS, a RED-TIPPED LETTUCE SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD.
Easy and elegant, TROPICAL CREPES are an impressive dessert: Combine 3 cups cut-up or sliced assorted fresh fruit (such as mangoes, papayas, kiwis or peaches) with 2 tablespoons apricot or peach preserves and 2 tablespoons orange brandy or almond liqueur. Let stand 30 minutes to several hours. To assemble, spread 1/4 cup of fruit mixture on each of 4 or 5 ready-to-eat crepes; roll. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the crepes; serve immediately.
Look for the crepes in the produce department.
flour, no-salt-added lemon-pepper blend, medium or large shrimp (tails on), olive oil, garlic, dry white wine, unsalted chicken broth, lemon, capers, butter, parsley, brown rice, sugar snap peas, red-tipped lettuce, sourdough bread, assorted fresh fruit (such as mangoes, papayas, kiwis or peaches), apricot or peach preserves, orange brandy or almond liqueur, ready-to-eat crepes, chocolate sauce.
Cook time: less than 5 minutes
Combine flour and pepper blend in a shallow dish. Toss shrimp in mixture until coated. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add shrimp and cook 2 or 3 minutes; turn and cook 1 more minute. Remove shrimp to a plate. Add garlic to skillet and cook 30 seconds. Stir in wine, broth, lemon juice and capers. Bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook 1 minute or until heated through. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and stir in parsley. Serve immediately.
Per serving: 226 calories, 24 grams protein, 10 grams fat (38% calories from fat), 4.3 grams saturated fat, 6 grams carbohydrate, 198 milligrams cholesterol, 420 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Celebrate Dad's Day with FLANK STEAK WITH PEPPERS. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup Italian dressing, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin. Place 1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour 1/3 cup marinade over steak; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 6 hours to overnight; refrigerate remaining marinade separately.
When ready to cook, remove steak and discard its marinade. Brush 3 quartered yellow or green bell peppers with separately refrigerated marinade. Grill steak 17 to 21 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. Grill peppers 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush steak and peppers occasionally with marinade; do not brush during last 5 minutes. Remove steak from grill; let stand 5 minutes; carve across grain into thin slices and serve with peppers.
Add your ROASTED POTATOES AND CARROTS, a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy BROWNIES for dessert and serve them with fresh STRAWBERRIES. Don’t forget to give Dad a big hug.
Marinate the steak the day before. Save enough brownies for Tuesday.
Italian dressing, limes, honey, cumin, flank steak, yellow or green bell peppers, potatoes and carrots to roast, romaine, whole-grain rolls, brownies, fresh strawberries.
No-meat PINEAPPLE AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS could win a prize for their flavor. Serve the enchiladas with a SHREDDED LETTUCE SALAD and sliced AVOCADO. Sliced KIWIS are a light dessert.
Prepare enchiladas the day before and refrigerate; add 10 minutes to baking time. Save enough enchiladas for Tuesday.
cooking spray, canola oil, onion, red bell pepper, canned pineapple tidbits in juice, canned reduced-sodium black beans, canned chopped green chiles, coarse salt, fresh cilantro, shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, mild enchilada sauce, whole-grain flour tortillas, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh cilantro, lettuce, avocado, kiwis.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4 to 6 minutes or until softened. Stir in pineapple, beans, green chiles and salt. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cilantro and 2 cups of the cheese. Spread 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce onto each tortilla. Spoon about 3/4 cup vegetable mixture over sauce on each. Roll; place seam side down in baking dish. In small bowl, mix reserved pineapple juice and remaining enchilada sauce; pour over entire surface of enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover tightly with nonstick foil; bake 25 to 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 to 10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Top each enchilada with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 1 teaspoon cilantro. Serve immediately.
Per enchilada: 368 calories, 20 grams protein, 11 grams fat (25% calories from fat), 5.8 grams saturated fat, 52 grams carbohydrate, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 1,198 milligrams sodium, 8 grams fiber.
Dinner is almost ready! Just heat the leftover ENCHILADAS and serve with deli CARROT SALAD. Leftover BROWNIES are good for dessert.
Save enough carrot salad for Friday. If time permits, prepare Wednesday's stuffed peppers the day before and refrigerate. Increase baking time by 10 minutes.
PICADILLO-STUFFED PEPPERS are good with red, green or yellow bell peppers; let your budget decide. Serve them with BUTTERED EGG NOODLES, a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Pop a few GRAPES into your mouth for dessert.
red, green or yellow bell peppers, jar mushroom-and-olive pasta sauce, lean ground beef, zucchini, onions, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, coarse salt, black pepper, raisins, sliced green olives with pimentos, cider vinegar, butter, egg noodles, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, grapes.
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut off the top fourth of stem end of bell peppers; remove seeds. Stand peppers and tops in baking dish. Add water, cover, and microwave on high (100% power) 5 to 7 minutes or until peppers are softened. Stir 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce into water in dish. Meanwhile, cook beef, zucchini and onions in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high for 7 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are almost tender. Stir in garlic, cinnamon, cumin, salt and black pepper; cook 1 minute or until fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in raisins, olives, vinegar and remaining sauce. Spoon mixture into peppers; replace tops. Coat peppers with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until sauce bubbles and pepper tops are lightly charred.
Per serving: 287 calories, 19 grams protein, 10 grams fat (32% calories from fat), 2.9 grams saturated fat, 30 grams carbohydrate, 43 milligrams cholesterol, 778 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.
Why let the kids have all the fun? How about ADULT PIZZA for a change? Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place a pre-baked 12-inch whole-grain thin pizza crust on a baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes or until hot and crisp. Spread crust with 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, 4 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon (cut into strips), 1 cup diced ripe tomato, 1/3 cup diced red onion, 2 tablespoons rinsed capers and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Season to taste with pepper.
Slice and serve with a SPINACH SALAD. Enjoy PEARS for dessert.
pre-baked 12-inch whole-grain thin pizza crust, whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomatoes, red onions, capers, fresh parsley, pepper, fresh spinach, pears.
Make it CHILI DOG night for the kids. In a whole-grain hot dog bun, top cooked lowest-sodium, lowest-fat hot dogs with hot canned vegetarian chili and shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Serve with leftover CARROT SALAD. For dessert, top FRESH BLUEBERRIES with light WHIPPED CREAM.
whole-grain hot dog buns, lowest-sodium, lowest-fat hot dogs, canned vegetarian chili, shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, fresh blueberries, light whipped cream.
Try something new tonight and invite guests for PORK STIR-FRY WITH ASPARAGUS AND MINT. Serve it over JASMINE RICE. Add steamed BABY BOK CHOY and SESAME BREAD STICKS on the side.
Make THAI TAPIOCA PUDDING for dessert: Place 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca in a strainer and rinse under cold running water for 15 to 20 seconds. Meanwhile, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil; stir in tapioca. Reduce heat to medium and cook about 10 to 12 minutes or until tapioca becomes translucent. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Stir in 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until pudding becomes slightly thickened. Let cool 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold, topped with slices of mango.
canola oil, roasted red chile paste, fish sauce or soy sauce, sugar, onion, fresh asparagus, pork loin or thin pork chops, red bell pepper, fresh mint, jasmine rice, baby bok choy, sesame bread sticks, small pearl tapioca, light coconut milk, coarse salt, mangoes.
Cook time: less than 15 minutes
Heat oil in a wok or skillet on medium-high. Add chile paste, fish sauce (or soy sauce) and sugar; stir well to combine. Cook 1 minute. Add onion and asparagus; stir-fry 3 minutes. Cover and cook 3 to 5 more minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove cover; add pork and bell pepper. Stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until pork is cooked through. Add the mint, toss to combine and serve.
Note: Look for roasted red chile paste and fish sauce in the ethnic section of your supermarket.
Per serving: 183 calories, 18 grams protein, 8 grams fat (36% calories from fat), 1.4 grams saturated fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, 43 milligrams cholesterol, 796 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Prepare your own delicious LEG OF LAMB for family day dining. Serve it with TABBOULEH. Add a ROMAINE SALAD and FLATBREAD. For dessert, slice ANGEL FOOD CAKE and top it with FRESH STRAWBERRIES.
Save enough lamb and strawberries for Monday; save enough cake for Tuesday.
leg of lamb, tomatoes, coarse salt, black pepper, medium-grind bulgur, lemons, extra-virgin olive oil, cayenne pepper, fresh parsley, fresh mint, green onions, romaine, flatbread, angel food cake, fresh strawberries.
Prep time: 20 minutes; standing time: about 70 minutes
Toss tomatoes with 1/4 teaspoon salt in fine-mesh strainer set over bowl and let drain, tossing occasionally, for 30 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons drained tomato juice. Toss bulgur with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and reserved tomato juice in bowl; let sit until grains begin to soften, 30 to 40 minutes. Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, oil, cayenne and remaining salt together in large bowl. Add tomatoes, bulgur mixture, parsley, mint and onions and toss gently to combine. Cover and let sit at room temperature 1 hour or until flavors have blended and bulgur is tender. Before serving, toss salad to recombine and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. (Adapted from "The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook," American’s Test Kitchen.)
Per serving: 143 calories, 2 grams protein, 11 grams fat (63% calories from fat), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 112 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Make LAMB SANDWICHES ON ROSEMARY BREAD. Spread the bread with goat cheese and layer it with leftover lamb slices, roasted red peppers and spinach leaves. Serve with BAKED CHIPS. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the leftover STRAWBERRIES for dessert.
rosemary bread, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, baked chips, chocolate syrup.
Prepare PENNE WITH RICOTTA, ARUGULA AND BASIL for a flavorful no-meat meal: Cook 1 pound penne pasta according to directions; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water and drain pasta. In a large bowl, mix 8 ounces reduced-fat ricotta, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat another tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add a 5-ounce package baby arugula (coarsely chopped) and 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil. Toss with tongs until wilted, or about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to the bowl with the ricotta and mix well. Add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss to coat. Add reserved cooking water as needed to moisten the pasta. Serve, passing more Parmesan at the table.
Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Top leftover CAKE with CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM for dessert.
Save enough ice cream for Friday.
penne pasta, reduced-fat ricotta, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon, coarse salt, pepper, packaged baby arugula, fresh basil, mixed greens, garlic bread, chocolate ice cream.
GROUND BEEF REUBEN MELTS are a low-cost hit. Serve the sandwiches with PICKLED BEETS (from jar). Enjoy TROPICAL FRUITS for dessert.
93% to 95% lean ground beef, onion, garlic, refrigerated sauerkraut, dark rye bread, reduced-fat Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, jar pickled beets, tropical fruits.
Cook time: less than 15 minutes
Heat a medium-size nonstick skillet to medium-high. Add beef, onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened. Meanwhile, heat broiler. In 1-quart saucepan, heat sauerkraut; drain. Arrange toasted sliced bread on broiler pan. Stir salad dressing into beef mixture. Spoon mixture evenly onto bread slices. Top each with sauerkraut and cheese. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly; serve.
Per sandwich: 289 calories, 26 grams protein, 11 grams fat (34% calories from fat), 3.9 grams saturated fat, 23 grams carbohydrate, 59 milligrams cholesterol, 645 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Pick up a ROTISSERIE CHICKEN and serve it with deli PASTA SALAD and deli COLESLAW. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, slice some KIWIS.
Buy enough pasta salad for Friday. Prepare Friday’s meatloaf tonight if time permits.
rotisserie chicken, deli pasta salad, deli coleslaw, whole-grain rolls, kiwis.
Let the kids help prepare ITALIAN TACOS. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground beef, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup minced onion and 1 cup red pasta sauce. Mix well; pressing into an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan. Bake 1 hour or until temperature at center of loaf reaches 165 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes. Slice into 6 slices. Crumble each slice into a warmed taco shell. Top with additional warmed pasta sauce and shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Serve with leftover PASTA SALAD. Add CARROT STICKS. For dessert, you have leftover ICE CREAM.
lean ground beef, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, red pasta sauce, taco shells, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, carrots.
Your guests will enjoy FARFALLE WITH SALMON AND MINT. Serve the combo with a BIBB LETTUCE SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. For dessert, buy FRUIT TARTS to keep it simple.
farfalle (bow tie) pasta, butter, leek, unsalted chicken broth, coarse salt, pepper, skinless salmon fillet (3/4 to 1 inch thick), lemon, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh mint, bibb lettuce, sourdough bread, fruit tarts.
Cook time: about 10 minutes, plus pasta
Cook pasta according to directions; drain. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add leek, 1/2 cup broth, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer and cook 1 minute. Place salmon on leeks; cover. Cook 5 minutes or until leek is tender and salmon is cooked through. Remove salmon to plate. Add remaining 3/4 cup broth and zest to skillet; bring to a simmer. Break up salmon. Place salmon in pasta pot with drained pasta, leek mixture, sour cream and mint. Toss to mix; serve.
Per serving: 351 calories, 21 grams protein, 8 grams fat (21% calories from fat), 3.4 grams saturated fat, 47 grams carbohydrate, 42 milligrams cholesterol, 187 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.