7 Day Menu Planner

Sunday: Family

Keep family day simple with your own ROAST TURKEY BREAST. Pair it with these OVEN-ROASTED SWEET POTATOES AND ONIONS: Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, combine 2 1/4 pounds (about 4 medium) peeled sweet potatoes (cut into 2-inch pieces), 1 pound chopped sweet onions (such as Vidalia), 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; toss to coat. Bake 35 minutes or until tender; stir occasionally.

While the potatoes bake, prepare SPICY BRUSSELS SPROUTS: Halve and shred 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 1 small seeded and chopped fresh jalapeno pepper and 1 clove minced garlic; cook 2 minutes or until tender. Add sprouts; cook 2 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar and cook 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Add PICKLED BEETS alongside. Finish the meal with warm BREAD PUDDING.

Plan

Save enough turkey for Monday and Tuesday; save enough bread pudding for Monday.

Shopping List

turkey breast to roast, sweet potatoes, sweet onions (such as Vidalia), extra-virgin olive oil, garlic-pepper blend, coarse salt, fresh Brussels sprouts, butter, fresh jalapeno pepper, garlic, sugar, pickled beets, bread pudding.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Use some of the leftover turkey in TURKEY TORTELLINI SOUP. Add a LETTUCE WEDGE and CRACKERS on the side. Warm the leftover BREAD PUDDING for dessert.

Shopping List

unsalted chicken broth, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, canned reduced-sodium white beans, sliced fresh mushrooms, fresh spinach, refrigerated cheese tortellini, Parmesan cheese, lettuce, crackers.

Tuesday: Kids

Call the kids for DAGWOOD DELI SANDWICHES: Cut a 1-pound loaf of French bread into 4 to 6 equal pieces and then halve horizontally. Brush cut sides of bread with honey-mustard salad dressing. Layer bottom half with thin slices of deli ham, thinly sliced (leftover) turkey, 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese slices, sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce. Top with remaining bread. Secure with wooden picks, cut in half and serve.

Add deli CARROT SALAD on the side. Buy CUPCAKES and serve them with PEACHES for dessert.

Shopping List

French bread, honey-mustard salad dressing, deli ham, 50% reduced fat cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, deli carrot salad, cupcakes, peaches.

Wednesday: Express

Make it a quick meal tonight with deli TUNA SALAD. Stir grape halves and toasted walnuts into the tuna salad for extra flavor, and serve it on a bed of mixed greens. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS on the side. Munch on PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES for dessert.

Shopping List

deli tuna salad, grapes, walnuts, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, peanut butter cookies.

Thursday: Budget

Revisit the economical soup theme with this CHICKPEA AND PASTA SOUP. Serve with a SPINACH SALAD with hard-boiled egg wedges and add CRUSTY BREAD. Fresh PINEAPPLE SPEARS are good for dessert.

Shopping List

canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, unsalted chicken broth, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, crushed red pepper, coarse salt, black pepper, short pasta such as ditalini or tubetti, fresh spinach, eggs, crusty bread, fresh pineapple spears.

Friday: Meatless

These MUSHROOM SLOPPY JOES prove that you don't have to use meat for a good flavor: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon canola oil on medium. Add 1 pound chopped fresh white mushrooms; cook and stir 8 minutes or until browned and liquid has evaporated. Stir in 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can sloppy Joe sauce. Cook mixture 3 minutes or until thick. Divide and spoon mushroom mixture on bottom of each of 4 split and toasted whole-grain hamburger buns; add tops.

Serve immediately with heated canned VEGETARIAN BAKED BEANS. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD. Bring even more happiness by serving VANILLA ICE CREAM with toasted coconut and chocolate chips for dessert.

Tip

These MUSHROOM SLOPPY JOES prove that you don't have to use meat for a good flavor: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon canola oil on medium. Add 1 pound chopped fresh white mushrooms; cook and stir 8 minutes or until browned and liquid has evaporated. Stir in 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can sloppy Joe sauce. Cook mixture 3 minutes or until thick. Divide and spoon mushroom mixture on bottom of each of 4 split and toasted whole-grain hamburger buns; add tops.

Serve immediately with heated canned VEGETARIAN BAKED BEANS. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD. Bring even more happiness by serving VANILLA ICE CREAM with toasted coconut and chocolate chips for dessert.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Saturday.

Shopping List

canola oil, fresh white mushrooms, canned sloppy Joe sauce, whole-grain hamburger buns, canned vegetarian baked beans, mixed greens, vanilla ice cream, coconut, chocolate chips.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Invite friends for HONEY-ORANGE PORK CHOPS: Mix 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro leaves, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Place 4 (1/2-inch-thick) boneless pork chops in a resealable plastic bag. Reserve 3 tablespoons marinade and add remainder to bag. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 1 to 3 hours, turning several times. Remove pork; discard marinade. Broil or grill over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.

Serve the chops with ASIAN RICE PILAF. Add a BIBB LETTUCE SALAD and SOURDOUGH ROLLS. Layer leftover ICE CREAM with fresh strawberries in stemmed glasses and top with a dollop of light whipped cream for a festive dessert.

Shopping List

orange juice, honey, olive oil, fresh cilantro, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, boneless pork chops, onion, garlic, sesame oil, lower-sodium beef broth, long-grain white rice, lower-sodium soy sauce, crushed red pepper, green onions, red bell pepper, sesame seeds, bibb lettuce, sourdough rolls, fresh strawberries, light whipped cream.

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.