Sunday: Family

Make the family meal a simple one by serving a HAM STEAK. BAKED SWEET POTATOES are a perfect accompaniment. Slash the tops and sprinkle with light brown sugar; squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top.

Add these GREEN BEANS WITH MUSHROOMS to the menu: Microwave 2 (9- or 10-ounce) packages frozen French (thin) green beans according to directions; drain. Add 1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms; microwave on high (100% power) 2 minutes; drain. Combine 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; pour over beans and toss to coat.

Serve with CORNBREAD (from mix). For dessert, make everyone happy with APPLE DUMPLINGS.

Shopping List

ham steak, sweet potatoes to bake, light brown sugar, lemon, frozen French (thin) green beans, sliced fresh mushrooms, butter, dried rosemary, dried basil, cornbread mix, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, refrigerated pie crusts, apples (such as Gala or Braeburn), butter, pure vanilla extract, light whipped cream.

Monday: Kids

When the kids see CHILI DOGS on the dinner menu, you'll see your little angels smile: Place hot dogs (see TIP) on toasted whole-grain buns; top with heated canned vegetarian chili and any shredded cheese.

On the side, they'll love TATER TOTS (from frozen) and deli CARROT SALAD. For dessert, make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1% milk and stir in some sliced bananas.

Tip

When the kids see CHILI DOGS on the dinner menu, you'll see your little angels smile: Place hot dogs (see TIP) on toasted whole-grain buns; top with heated canned vegetarian chili and any shredded cheese.

On the side, they'll love TATER TOTS (from frozen) and deli CARROT SALAD. For dessert, make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1% milk and stir in some sliced bananas.

Plan

Save enough carrot salad for Tuesday.

Shopping List

hot dogs, whole-grain hot dog buns, canned vegetarian chili, shredded cheese, frozen tater tots, deli carrot salad, instant chocolate pudding mix, 1% milk, bananas.

Tuesday: Budget

You'll save some money with this TORTILLA CASSEROLE on the menu.

On the side, add MEXICAN-STYLE BLACK BEANS (inspired by Cafe Rio): Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium in a large pan. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon cumin; cook for a few minutes or until the garlic is fragrant. Add 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans with liquid, 1 1/2 cups tomato juice and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Cook until heated through, stirring frequently. Just before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. (Adapted from "Most Requested Copycat Dishes," Erica Walker et al., Shadow Mountain Publishing.)

For some color, add leftover CARROT SALAD. PEARS are an easy dessert.

Shopping List

cooking spray, baked tortilla chips, no-salt-added (or regular) canned chicken breast, mild or hot salsa, frozen corn, reduced-fat sour cream, flour, 50% reduced-fat jalapeno or plain cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeno peppers for garnish, olive oil, garlic, cumin, canned reduced-sodium black beans, tomato juice, coarse salt, cilantro, pears.

Wednesday: Meatless

Skip meat tonight for PENNE PASTA WITH CHICKPEAS AND SPINACH. Cook 8 ounces penne pasta according to package directions; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to pot; set aside. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. Add 1 small chopped onion; cook, covered, 4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in 1 clove crushed garlic and 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; cook 30 seconds. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium chickpeas, 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Add 1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach, the bean mixture and reserved cooking water to pasta; toss to combine.

Serve with a LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD topped with crumbled Greek feta cheese and FLATBREAD. For dessert, STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is good.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Friday.

Shopping List

penne pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, dried oregano, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, balsamic vinegar, coarse salt, pepper, fresh baby spinach, lettuce, tomato, crumbled Greek feta cheese, strawberry ice cream.

Thursday: Express

Up the protein in a packaged CAESAR SALAD by topping it with refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips. Serve with any deli SOUP and BREADSTICKS. Fresh PINEAPPLE is a quick dessert.

Plan

Save enough chicken strips for Friday.

Shopping List

packaged Caesar salad, refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips, any deli soup, breadsticks, fresh pineapple.

Friday: Heat and Eat

Make CHICKEN ROLL-UPS with the leftover chicken strips: Spread flour tortillas with heated canned refried beans. Top with chicken strips, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and shredded cheese. Roll and serve with YELLOW RICE (from mix). Scoop the leftover ICE CREAM for dessert.

Shopping List

flour tortillas, canned refried beans, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, yellow rice mix.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

This ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH GORGONZOLA SAUCE is easy to prepare, and your guests will thank you for it. Serve it with a SPINACH SALAD with sliced red onion and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Add ITALIAN BREAD. For dessert, buy a COCONUT CAKE.

Shopping List

angel hair pasta, 1% milk, flour, coarse salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, green onions, fresh spinach, red onion, eggs, Italian bread, coconut cake.

Sunday: Family

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day a day early with CORNED BEEF BRISKET WITH DILLED CABBAGE. Serve with ROASTED RED POTATOES and RYE BREAD. For dessert, keep it light with FRESH PINEAPPLE topped with TOASTED COCONUT.

Tip

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day a day early with CORNED BEEF BRISKET WITH DILLED CABBAGE. Serve with ROASTED RED POTATOES and RYE BREAD. For dessert, keep it light with FRESH PINEAPPLE topped with TOASTED COCONUT.

Plan

Save enough beef and bread for Monday.

Shopping List

corned beef brisket, honey, Dijon mustard, head cabbage, butter, fresh dill, red potatoes (or carrots and parsnips), rye bread, fresh pineapple, shredded coconut

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use the leftover brisket to celebrate the day with CORNED BEEF SANDWICHES ON RYE BREAD. Slather the bread with spicy hot mustard. Don't forget the DILL PICKLES. Add GERMAN POTATO SALAD on the side, along with some COLESLAW. Lean into the green theme with LIME SHERBET for dessert.

Tip

Use the leftover brisket to celebrate the day with CORNED BEEF SANDWICHES ON RYE BREAD. Slather the bread with spicy hot mustard. Don't forget the DILL PICKLES. Add GERMAN POTATO SALAD on the side, along with some COLESLAW. Lean into the green theme with LIME SHERBET for dessert.

Plan

Save enough sherbet and roast the tomatoes ahead of time for Tuesday.

Shopping List

spicy hot mustard, dill pickles, German potato salad, coleslaw, lime sherbet.

Tuesday: Meatless

Enjoy a delicious no-meat dinner with RIGATONI AND SLOW-ROASTED TOMATOES AND GOAT CHEESE: Heat oven to 250 degrees and line 1 large rimmed baking sheet with parchment or nonstick foil. Arrange 1 pound (halved) cherry tomatoes, cut side up, on baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. Roast 2 hours or until tomatoes are dried around edges but still somewhat moist. Meanwhile, crumble 3 ounces goat cheese into large chunks and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cook 8 ounces rigatoni pasta according to directions. Remove 1/2 cup cooking liquid; set aside. Drain pasta well and return to pot. Add roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, 1 bunch torn basil leaves, reserved cooking liquid and 1 teaspoon oil. Toss to coat; season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Scoop the leftover SHERBET for dessert.

Shopping List

cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, coarse salt, goat cheese, rigatoni pasta, fresh basil, pepper, mixed greens, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Express

Check the deli for their SOUP OF THE DAY. While you’re there, pick up some TURKEY AND SWISS SANDWICHES. Add a packaged GREEN SALAD. A stop at the bakery for BROWNIES will win many hearts at home.

Plan

Buy enough brownies for Saturday.

Shopping List

deli soup of the day, deli turkey and Swiss sandwiches, packaged green salad, brownies.

Thursday: Kids

No kid can resist TACO CORNBREAD PIZZA: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix as directed. Spread batter on a 12-inch pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, cook 1 pound lean ground beef for 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Add 1 (1.25-ounce) package less-sodium taco seasoning and prepare according to directions. Sprinkle crust with 1/2 cup 50% reduced-fat white cheddar cheese, the meat mixture and then another 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with drained SALSA and light SOUR CREAM.

Add a CARROT SALAD. For dessert, smear APPLE SLICES with PEANUT BUTTER.

Tip

No kid can resist TACO CORNBREAD PIZZA: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix as directed. Spread batter on a 12-inch pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, cook 1 pound lean ground beef for 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Add 1 (1.25-ounce) package less-sodium taco seasoning and prepare according to directions. Sprinkle crust with 1/2 cup 50% reduced-fat white cheddar cheese, the meat mixture and then another 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with drained SALSA and light SOUR CREAM.

Add a CARROT SALAD. For dessert, smear APPLE SLICES with PEANUT BUTTER.

Shopping List

cornbread mix, cooking spray, lean ground beef, less-sodium taco seasoning, 50% reduced-fat white cheddar cheese, salsa, light sour cream, carrot salad, apples, peanut butter.

Friday: Budget

When you prepare BLACK-EYED PEA AND VEGETABLE STEW, you can save money and have a bowl of flavor at the same time. Serve the economical stew over BROWN RICE. Add a LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD WITH HARD-BOILED EGG WEDGES and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, VANILLA ICE CREAM will taste good.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

onion, celery, carrots, garlic, green bell pepper, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, canned chopped green chiles, red wine vinegar or dry red wine, canned black-eyed peas, reduced-fat sour cream, brown rice, lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, whole-grain rolls, vanilla ice cream.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Put CHICKEN STROGANOFF on your favorites list. Serve it over NOODLES. Add a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, warm and crumble leftover BROWNIES and sprinkle over leftover ICE CREAM. Garnish with light whipped cream.

Shopping List

boneless skinless chicken breast tenders, canned condensed less-sodium less-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, packaged sliced baby cremini mushrooms, packaged onion soup mix, no-yolk noodles, Boston lettuce, whole-grain rolls, light whipped cream.

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.