7 Day Menu Planner

Sunday: Family

For today's family feast, prepare LEG OF LAMB WITH LEMON SAUCE. On the side, serve ROASTED RED POTATOES and fresh STEAMED BABY CARROTS. Add a BIBB LETTUCE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to round out the meal.

For your finale, CHERRY DREAM will get everyone's attention: Cut 1 (10-ounce) angel food cake into cubes; sprinkle cubes on bottom of a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, fold 1 1/3 cups frozen whipped topping (thawed) into 1 (21-ounce) can of light cherry pie filling. Spoon mixture evenly over cake. Let chill, covered, several hours or overnight. Cut into squares and garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint.

Plan

Prepare the dessert the day before. Save enough lamb, carrots and dessert for Monday.

Shopping List

rolled and tied boneless leg of lamb, fresh rosemary, lemon pepper, cornstarch, sugar, garlic, lemons, red potatoes, fresh baby carrots, bibb lettuce, whole-grain rolls, angel food cake, frozen whipped topping, canned light cherry pie filling, fresh mint.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Warm the leftover LAMB and serve with any MASHED POTATOES. Buy or make BROWN GRAVY. Add leftover carrots to frozen MIXED VEGETABLES to brighten the plate; flavor with a little butter. Serve with CRUSTY ROLLS. Offer leftover CHERRY DREAM for dessert.

Shopping List

any mashed potatoes, brown gravy, frozen mixed vegetables, butter, crusty rolls.

Tuesday: Express

With a few ingredients, you can have SWEET-AND-SOUR RED CABBAGE WITH APPLES AND HAM in no time: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch wedges; cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon allspice; cook 4 minutes. Add 1 (16-ounce) jar drained sweet-and-sour red cabbage and 1 (8-ounce) package cooked diced ham. Cook and stir until hot.

Serve with PICKLED BEETS and RYE BREAD. GINGERSNAPS are a quick dessert.

Shopping List

butter, Granny Smith apples, light brown sugar, allspice, jar sweet-and-sour red cabbage, cooked diced ham, pickled beets, rye bread, gingersnaps.

Wednesday: Kids

The kids will be happy to eat TORTILLA BAKE. On the side, add CELERY stuffed with REDUCED-FAT CREAM CHEESE. Spoon crushed PINEAPPLE over VANILLA ICE CREAM for a smooth dessert.

Plan

Save some ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

ground chicken or turkey, thick and chunky salsa, shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, raisins, sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, whole-grain flour tortillas for soft tacos, reduced-fat sour cream, celery, reduced-fat cream cheese, crushed pineapple, vanilla ice cream.

Thursday: Budget

Save some bucks and enjoy SLOW COOKER LASAGNA SOUP. Add a ROMAINE SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. For dessert, munch on crisp APPLE SLICES.

Shopping List

ground beef, onion, garlic, lower-sodium beef broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, lasagna noodles, heavy cream, coarse salt, pepper, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil, grated Parmesan, romaine, garlic bread, apples.

Friday: Meatless

Jazz up VEGGIE BURGERS (from frozen) with sliced red onion, Dijon mustard and goat cheese on crusty French rolls. Add OVEN FRIES (from frozen) and FRENCH-CUT GREEN BEANS (from frozen).

Try this PEACH CRISP for dessert: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place 2 (29-ounce) cans (drained) sliced peaches in a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup quick or old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; mix well. Add 2 tablespoons butter; mix until crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over peaches. Bake 30 minutes or until golden.

Plan

Save enough crisp for Saturday.

Shopping List

frozen veggie burgers, red onion, Dijon mustard, goat cheese, French rolls, frozen oven fries, frozen French-cut green beans, canned sliced peaches, flour, brown sugar, quick or old-fashioned oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, butter.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Our guests really enjoyed this PARMESAN BROILED GROUPER: Cut 1 (1-pound) grouper fillet into 4 portions; place in a single layer in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Mix together 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons softened butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise, 1 medium pressed garlic clove, 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt and a dash of hot sauce; spread mixture over fillets. Broil 6 inches from heat for 10 to 11 minutes (according to thickness) or until lightly browned and fish flakes with fork.

Serve the grouper with COUSCOUS and your own BROILED TOMATOES. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and a BAGUETTE. For dessert, warm the leftover PEACH CRISP and top with leftover ICE CREAM.

Shopping List

grouper fillet, cooking spray, Parmesan cheese, butter, reduced-fat mayonnaise, garlic, coarse salt, hot sauce, couscous, tomatoes, mixed greens, baguette.

Sunday: Family

Think of warm tropical breezes instead of cold February winds when you prepare CARIBBEAN ROAST PORK LOIN for the family: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, blend 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Rub onto each of 2 (1-pound) boneless pork loins (trimmed of visible fat). Place in shallow pan; roast 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve with POPPYSEED NOODLES (toss cooked egg noodles with poppy seeds and a little butter), SUGAR SNAP PEAS and DINNER ROLLS. Buy PEACH CRISP for dessert and top it with VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough pork for Monday.

Shopping List

olive oil, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, boneless pork loins, egg noodles, poppy seeds, butter, sugar snap peas, dinner rolls, peach crisp, vanilla ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make SAVORY PORK STIR-FRY with leftover pork. Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 2 cups cooked (leftover) pork cut into strips; stir-fry 1 minute. Stir 1 (16-ounce) package frozen stir-fry vegetables and 1 tablespoon water into pork. Cover; cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are hot.

Serve over BROWN RICE. Add CRUSTY BREAD. Munch on GINGERSNAPS for dessert.

Shopping List

frozen stir-fry vegetables, brown rice, crusty bread, gingersnaps.

Tuesday: Budget

This COPYCAT CHILI is low in cost and mild in flavor. Add your favorite toppings such as SHREDDED CHEESE, LOW-FAT SOUR CREAM and sliced JALAPENO PEPPERS. Serve with a GRAPEFRUIT SALAD. Make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1% milk for dessert.

Plan

Save enough chili for Wednesday.

Shopping List

ground beef, celery, white onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato juice, can stewed tomatoes, canned Rotel tomatoes, McCormick mild chili seasoning mix, canned red kidney beans, canned ranch-style beans, coarse salt, black pepper, shredded cheese, low-fat sour cream, jalapeno peppers, grapefruit, salad greens, instant chocolate pudding, 1% milk.

Wednesday: Express

Enjoy an easy meal and heat the leftover CHILI tonight. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD. Buy MINI CUPCAKES for dessert.

Shopping List

mixed greens, mini cupcakes.

Thursday: Kids

Make BACON, LETTUCE, TOMATO AND GUACAMOLE WRAPS, a new twist on an old favorite: Microwave 4 slices bacon 3 to 4 minutes on high (100% power); let stand until crisp. Spread 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas with reduced-fat cream cheese; top each tortilla with 2 tablespoons mild tomato salsa and shredded lettuce; spread evenly. Add 1 bacon slice and 2 tablespoons guacamole; roll tightly.

Serve with BAKED POTATO WEDGES (from frozen). Adults might like chili powder sprinkled on their potatoes. For dessert, fresh PINEAPPLE CHUNKS are kid-friendly.

Shopping List

bacon, flour tortillas, reduced-fat cream cheese, mild tomato salsa, shredded lettuce, guacamole, frozen potato wedges, chili powder if desired, fresh pineapple chunks.

Friday: Meatless

Enjoy this flavorful MOROCCAN BEAN AND PEPPER STEW with COUSCOUS for a no-meat dinner. Add SLICED CUCUMBERS in plain YOGURT on the side, along with FLATBREAD. APRICOTS are dessert.

Shopping List

olive oil, yellow or red bell peppers, butternut squash, onions, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, ginger, crushed red pepper, coarse salt, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, canned reduced-sodium kidney beans, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, couscous, cucumbers, plain yogurt, flatbread, apricots.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Guests will want seconds of creamy RIGATONI AND CHICKEN: Cook 8 ounces rigatoni or other tube pasta according to directions; drain. Cut 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast into 1/2-inch slices and season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add chicken; cook 1 1/2 minutes per side or until edges are lightly browned. Add 3 1/2 to 4 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms; cook, stirring continuously, 2 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add 1 cup half-and-half; cook 3 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half. Stir in 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer and stir 1 minute or until cheese melts. Toss hot pasta with sauce and divide among six plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan (if desired) and chopped flat-leaf parsley.

Serve with an ITALIAN SALAD and CRUSTY ROLLS. Your guests will swoon over STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE CREAM PUFFS.

Tip

Guests will want seconds of creamy RIGATONI AND CHICKEN: Cook 8 ounces rigatoni or other tube pasta according to directions; drain. Cut 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast into 1/2-inch slices and season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add chicken; cook 1 1/2 minutes per side or until edges are lightly browned. Add 3 1/2 to 4 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms; cook, stirring continuously, 2 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add 1 cup half-and-half; cook 3 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half. Stir in 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer and stir 1 minute or until cheese melts. Toss hot pasta with sauce and divide among six plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan (if desired) and chopped flat-leaf parsley.

Serve with an ITALIAN SALAD and CRUSTY ROLLS. Your guests will swoon over STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE CREAM PUFFS.

Shopping List

rigatoni or other tube pasta, boneless skinless chicken breast, coarse salt, pepper, olive oil, shiitake mushrooms, half-and-half, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, Parmesan cheese, flat-leaf parsley, Italian salad, crusty rolls, butter, flour, eggs, reduced-fat cream cheese, strawberry preserves, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar.

Sunday: Family

Go all out for the family and prepare GLAZED SAGE-ROASTED CHICKEN today. Serve the juicy bird with CREAMY RICE (toss hot cooked rice with reduced-fat sour cream and crumbled bacon). Add PETITE GREEN PEAS (from frozen) and a BAGUETTE.

For dessert, top slices of POUND CAKE with this RASPBERRY SAUCE: In a blender, process 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen (thawed) raspberries with 2 teaspoons sugar. Strain and discard seeds. Chill 1 hour and spoon over cake. Top with light whipped cream.

Tip

Go all out for the family and prepare GLAZED SAGE-ROASTED CHICKEN today. Serve the juicy bird with CREAMY RICE (toss hot cooked rice with reduced-fat sour cream and crumbled bacon). Add PETITE GREEN PEAS (from frozen) and a BAGUETTE.

For dessert, top slices of POUND CAKE with this RASPBERRY SAUCE: In a blender, process 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen (thawed) raspberries with 2 teaspoons sugar. Strain and discard seeds. Chill 1 hour and spoon over cake. Top with light whipped cream.

Plan

Save enough chicken and raspberry sauce for Monday. Save enough cake for Wednesday.

Shopping List

roasting chicken, fresh sage, oranges, canned apricot halves, orange juice concentrate, rice, reduced-fat sour cream, bacon, frozen petite green peas, baguette, pound cake, frozen raspberries, sugar, light whipped cream.

Monday: Budget

A good way to save money is to prepare CHICKEN AND POTATOES AU GRATIN using leftover chicken. On the side, PICKLED or HARVARD BEETS are good. Add a GREEN SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. For dessert, spoon leftover RASPBERRY SAUCE over VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save some casserole for Wednesday and enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

cooking spray, frozen hash browns, canned condensed reduced-fat reduced-sodium cream of celery soup, reduced-fat sour cream, onion, shredded 50% reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, pickled or Harvard beets, salad greens, sourdough bread, vanilla ice cream.

Tuesday: Express

TACO NIGHT gets dinner on the table in a hurry. Follow the directions on a packet of lower-sodium taco seasoning and fill the shells with the seasoned ground beef. Top the tacos with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and diced avocados. Serve with VEGETARIAN REFRIED BEANS. For dessert, make FLAN (from mix).

Shopping List

lower-sodium taco seasoning, ground beef, taco shells, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, vegetarian refried beans, flan mix.

Wednesday: Heat and Eat

You deserve a break! All you have to do tonight is reheat Monday's CHICKEN CASSEROLE and serve it with fresh STEAMED BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Dessert is leftover CAKE with SLICED PEACHES.

Shopping List

fresh Brussels sprouts, whole-grain rolls, peaches.

Thursday: Kids

The kids always like SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. Combine cooked spaghetti with any prepared meatballs and top with your favorite red pasta sauce. Sprinkle the combo with freshly grated PARMESAN CHEESE. Serve with GREEN BEANS and ITALIAN BREAD. Make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1% milk and stir in miniature marshmallows for a kid-pleaser.

Shopping List

spaghetti, any meatballs, red pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese, green beans, Italian bread, instant chocolate pudding, 1% milk, miniature marshmallows.

Friday: Meatless

You won't miss meat when you enjoy SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE ANGEL HAIR PASTA: Cook 10 ounces angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Return the same pan to the stove on medium-high heat; add 4 tablespoons butter. Add 4 minced cloves garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Stir 20 seconds or until garlic is light golden brown. Add 4 tightly packed cups baby spinach (6 ounces), 1 (12- to 14-ounce) drained jar marinated quartered artichokes, cooked pasta, 1 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving). Using 2 spatulas or large forks, toss mixture for 1 minute or until the spinach is mostly wilted. Stir in 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Add more salt as desired. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to make mixture more "saucy." (Adapted from "Delicious Tonight," Nagi Maehashi, Countryman Press.)

Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Fresh PINEAPPLE is good for dessert.

Shopping List

angel hair pasta, butter, garlic, crushed red pepper, fresh baby spinach, marinated quartered artichokes, coarse salt, Parmesan cheese, lemons, mixed greens, garlic bread, fresh pineapple.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Prepare KOREAN GRILLED BEEF SKEWERS for your guests. Place the skewers on a bed of coleslaw mix for a pretty presentation. Add LONG-GRAIN AND WILD RICE (from mix), STEAMED YELLOW SQUASH and CRUSTY BREAD.

For dessert, impress the crowd with VANILLA ORANGES with CHOCOLATE: Toss sliced peeled oranges with sugar and a dash of pure vanilla extract. Scatter miniature semisweet chocolate chips on each serving.

Shopping List

boneless beef sirloin steak, lower-sodium soy sauce, sesame seeds, light brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, crushed red pepper, green onions, coleslaw mix, long-grain and wild rice mix, yellow squash, crusty bread, oranges, sugar, pure vanilla extract, miniature semisweet chocolate chips.