7 Day Menu Planner

Sunday: Family

This simple LEMON ROAST CHICKEN is just right for family day: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over a 4 1/2- to 5-pound chicken; put rind in cavity. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Brush chicken with canola oil; sprinkle with coarse salt and dried thyme. Roast 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Serve the juicy bird with your own MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY. Add fresh steamed BRUSSELS SPROUTS and a ROMAINE SALAD on the side. Don't forget the DINNER ROLLS! For dessert, STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM is simple, too.

Plan

Save enough chicken for Monday. Make 2 extra cups mashed potatoes and save enough ice cream for Tuesday.

Shopping List

chicken to roast, lemon, canola oil, coarse salt, dried thyme, potatoes to mash, gravy, fresh Brussels sprouts, romaine, dinner rolls, strawberry ice cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use the leftover chicken in CHICKEN AND CHIVE FETTUCCINE. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE with crumbled blue cheese and BREADSTICKS. For dessert, PEACHES are just peachy.

Shopping List

spinach-flavored or other fettuccine, olive oil, grape tomatoes, chive-and-onion cream cheese, Italian seasoning, lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, breadsticks, peaches.

Tuesday: Budget

It's always fun to try salmon prepared in a new way, so this SALMON CHOWDER fits the bill: Cook 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn in butter sauce according to directions. In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn, 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can drained salmon, 2 cups (leftover) mashed potatoes, 1 cup 1% milk and 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper. Microwave on high (100% power) 3 or 4 minutes or until hot. Mix well; stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve with a deli CARROT SALAD and BREADSTICKS. For dessert, leftover ICE CREAM is waiting.

Shopping List

frozen corn in butter sauce, canned salmon, 1% milk, red bell pepper, lemon, fresh parsley, deli carrot salad, breadsticks.

Wednesday: Express

Give yourself a break and pick up a package of BARBECUE PULLED PORK for dinner tonight. Heat it and serve on toasted WHOLE-GRAIN BUNS. Top with sliced DILL OR JALAPENO PICKLES. Stop by the deli for COLESLAW. For dessert, make instant VANILLA PUDDING with 1% milk and swirl in a little honey.

Plan

Save enough barbecue pork for Thursday.

Shopping List

barbecue pulled pork, whole-grain buns, sliced dill or jalapeno pickles, deli coleslaw, instant vanilla pudding mix, 1% milk, honey.

Thursday: Kids

Reinvent yesterday's barbecue pork into BARBECUE TACOS. Heat and spoon the leftover meat into warmed taco shells. Add mild salsa, chopped lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Top with any shredded cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.

The tacos go well with heated canned REFRIED BEANS. For dessert, halve some KIWIS and eat them with a spoon.

Shopping List

taco shells, mild salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, any shredded cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, canned refried beans, kiwis.

Friday: Meatless

Keep it simple tonight with BROILED PEPPER JACK CHEESE AND ROASTED RED PEPPER SANDWICHES. Heat broiler. Drain the red peppers (from jar) on paper towels before placing on rye bread. Top with cheese slices. Broil until cheese melts. Serve with O'BRIEN POTATOES (from frozen) and STEAMED BROCCOLI. PEARS are dessert.

Shopping List

jar roasted red peppers, rye bread, pepper Jack cheese slices, frozen O'Brien potatoes, broccoli, pears.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

This SHRIMP SCAMPI couldn't be easier to prepare. Serve it over ORZO. On the side, these AIR FRYER PARMESAN GREEN BEANS would impress any guest. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.

Shopping List

butter, uncooked shrimp with tails, green onion, garlic powder, parsley, pepper, white wine or lemon, orzo, fresh green beans, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, coarse salt, mixed greens, sourdough bread, fruit tarts.

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.