Sunday: Family

What mother wouldn't love a homemade RAINBOW BREAKFAST BENTO BOX made by her little darlings? Add crisp BACON and toasted ENGLISH MUFFINS for the best mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere!

Tip

What mother wouldn't love a homemade RAINBOW BREAKFAST BENTO BOX made by her little darlings? Add crisp BACON and toasted ENGLISH MUFFINS for the best mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere!

Shopping List

colorful fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, cherries, kiwis, pineapple or apricots, Mom's favorite cereal, 1% milk, bacon, English muffins.

Monday: Budget

Pasta and tuna are two of the most economical ingredients in the pantry, and PASTA SALAD WITH BLACK OLIVES AND TUNA proves they can be delicious as well: Cook 2 cups (about 8 ounces) rotelle (wheel-shaped) pasta according to package directions; drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl. Toss with 1/3 cup Italian dressing. Stir in 2 cups (about 1 pound) chopped tomatoes, 2 cups salad greens in bite-sized pieces, 2 (6-ounce) cans drained and flaked water-packed albacore tuna and 1/3 cup sliced black olives. Toss to mix and serve.

Add GARLIC BREAD. Enjoy a PEACH COBBLER for dessert.

Shopping List

rotelle pasta, Italian dressing, tomatoes, salad greens, canned water-packed albacore tuna, sliced black olives, garlic bread, peach cobbler.

Tuesday: Express

Try this BEEF GOULASH for an easy dinner. Serve it with a packaged GREEN SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. All you need are PLUMS for dessert.

Plan

Brown tomorrow's ground beef today.

Shopping List

refrigerated fully cooked boneless beef pot roast with gravy, olive oil, portobello or cremini mushrooms, onion, refrigerated cooked diced and seasoned red potatoes, lower-sodium beef broth, hot (or regular) paprika, pepper, packaged green salad, crusty bread, plums.

Wednesday: Heat and Eat

SPICY BEEF AND BEANS is quick and tasty: Brown 1/4 pound ground beef; set aside. Prepare 1 (7- to 8 1/2-ounce) package corn muffin mix according to package directions, using the low-fat recipe on package and adding 1 teaspoon chile powder to mix, and make 6 muffins. Meanwhile, in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, combine 2 (15-ounce) cans rinsed reduced-sodium pinto beans, 1 (10-ounce) can no-salt-added chopped tomatoes and green chiles, ground beef, 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon chile powder. Cover and microwave 6 to 8 minutes on high (100% power) or until heated through; stir twice. Split corn muffins; spoon bean mixture over them and garnish with shredded 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Serve with JICAMA SLAW: Toss packaged coleslaw mix and peeled, chopped jicama with reduced-fat coleslaw dressing.

Dessert is warmed leftover COBBLER and VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Shopping List

ground beef, corn muffin mix, chile powder, canned reduced-sodium pinto beans, canned no-salt-added chopped tomatoes and green chiles, no-salt-added tomato sauce, 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese, packaged coleslaw mix, jicama, reduced-fat coleslaw dressing, vanilla ice cream.

Thursday: Kids

Call the kids for CUBAN-STYLE HOT DOGS AND BLACK BEANS. Heat 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans (with liquid) and 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles with a splash of red wine vinegar and a dash of cumin. Add sliced hot dogs (see TIP); simmer 5 minutes. Serve over instant RICE. (Adults might want a few drops of hot pepper sauce on their concoction.)

Serve with CARROT STICKS and SOFT ROLLS. FRESH STRAWBERRIES and light whipped cream make a dandy dessert.

Tip

Call the kids for CUBAN-STYLE HOT DOGS AND BLACK BEANS. Heat 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans (with liquid) and 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles with a splash of red wine vinegar and a dash of cumin. Add sliced hot dogs (see TIP); simmer 5 minutes. Serve over instant RICE. (Adults might want a few drops of hot pepper sauce on their concoction.)

Serve with CARROT STICKS and SOFT ROLLS. FRESH STRAWBERRIES and light whipped cream make a dandy dessert.

Shopping List

canned reduced-sodium black beans, canned mild diced green chiles, red wine vinegar, cumin, hot dogs, instant rice, hot pepper sauce, carrot sticks, soft rolls, fresh strawberries, light whipped cream.

Friday: Meatless

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS AND BEANS is a quick dinner: Heat 3 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in 2 cups (uncooked) couscous, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 small chopped tomato and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium chickpeas. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir gently. Sprinkle each serving with crumbled Greek feta cheese.

Serve with SLICED CUCUMBERS in plain yogurt along with FLATBREAD. Munch on SUGAR COOKIES for dessert.

Plan

Cook Saturday's rice today.

Shopping List

vegetable broth, couscous, raisins, black pepper, cayenne pepper, tomato, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, crumbled Greek feta cheese, cucumbers, plain yogurt, flatbread, sugar cookies.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Broil or grill your own PORK KEBABS for your guests and serve them with your POTATO SALAD. Add PETITE GREEN PEAS (from frozen), a BIBB LETTUCE salad and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS to round out the meal. For dessert, make TANGY LIME RICE PUDDING SQUARES.

Shopping List

ingredients for pork kebabs, ingredients for potato salad, petite green peas, bibb lettuce, whole-grain rolls, gingersnaps, butter, medium-grain rice, 2% milk, canned sweetened condensed milk, limes, whipping cream.

Sunday: Family

Try MARINATED BEEF FLANK STEAK WITH GRILLED PEPPERS for a family-day feast: Combine 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin. Place 1/3 cup marinade (reserve and refrigerate remaining marinade) and 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (1 inch thick) in resealable plastic bag; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 6 to 24 hours. Remove steak from bag; discard marinade in bag. Heat grill to medium. Quarter 3 red, yellow or green (or mixture) bell peppers and brush with reserved marinade. Grill steak 17 to 21 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness; turn occasionally. Grill peppers 12 to 15 minutes or until tender; turn occasionally. Brush with additional marinade as desired, but not during last 5 minutes; discard marinade. Carve steak across grain into thin slices; serve immediately with peppers.

While the steak cooks, prepare YELLOW RICE from a mix. Heat canned reduced-sodium BLACK BEANS and top with salsa. Add CRUSTY BREAD. Make dessert light with ANGEL FOOD CAKE topped with fresh SLICED STRAWBERRIES and garnished with light whipped cream.

Plan

Marinate steak the day before if desired. Save enough steak and strawberries for Monday and enough cake for Tuesday.

Shopping List

Italian vinaigrette, limes, honey, cumin, flank steak, red, yellow or green bell peppers, yellow rice mix, canned reduced-sodium black beans, salsa, crusty bread, angel food cake, fresh strawberries, light whipped cream.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make a STEAK SALAD using a packaged green salad mix: In a serving bowl, toss crumbled blue cheese, croutons, tomato wedges and sliced red onion with the greens. Toss with red wine vinaigrette. Fan thin slices of (leftover) steak on top and serve.

On the side, heat a cup of your favorite deli SOUP. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, spoon leftover STRAWBERRIES over VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Wednesday and Saturday.

Shopping List

packaged green salad, crumbled blue cheese, croutons, tomatoes, red onion, red wine vinaigrette, deli soup, whole-grain rolls, vanilla ice cream.

Tuesday: Express

For a fresh take on a classic, try REUBEN QUESADILLAS: Layer thinly sliced deli corned beef, some rinsed and drained refrigerated sauerkraut, a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing and shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese on a large flour tortilla. Top with second tortilla. Cook in a heated nonstick skillet over medium heat until the first side is lightly browned. Carefully turn and brown on other side to melt cheese. Cut into wedges before serving.

Buy GERMAN POTATO SALAD in the deli and add DILL PICKLES. Top leftover CAKE with PEACHES for dessert.

Shopping List

deli corned beef, refrigerated sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese, flour tortillas, deli German potato salad, dill pickles, peaches.

Wednesday: Kids

The kids will scarf down this RANCH CHICKEN: Heat oven to 400 degrees; coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Dip boneless skinless chicken breasts in light ranch dressing and then in dry breadcrumbs. Bake in a single layer in baking dish 15 to 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Serve with STEAK FRIES (from frozen) and GREEN BEANS. Add SOFT ROLLS. For dessert, who could resist a WAFFLE SUNDAE? Top toaster waffles (from frozen) with leftover ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and decorate with maraschino cherries and candy sprinkles.

Shopping List

cooking spray, boneless skinless chicken breast, light ranch dressing, dry breadcrumbs, frozen steak fries, green beans, soft rolls, frozen toaster waffles, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries, candy sprinkles.

Thursday: Meatless

Think summer with this refreshing ORZO SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS. Add a CHOPPED ROMAINE AND FRESH MINT SALAD and some BREADSTICKS. For dessert, make instant CHOCOLATE PUDDING with 1% milk and top with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookies.

Shopping List

orzo pasta, green onions, crumbled Greek feta cheese, fresh dill, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, lemons, extra-virgin olive oil, coarse salt, garlic, romaine lettuce, fresh mint, breadsticks, instant chocolate pudding mix, 1% milk, chocolate sandwich cookies.

Friday: Budget

You'll give this low-cost, always-popular COBB SALAD a thumbs-up. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, fresh PINEAPPLE CHUNKS are sweet and easy.

Shopping List

red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, coarse salt, pepper, sugar, Dijon mustard, salad greens, fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, mint and chives), avocado, eggs, sliced low-sodium deli turkey, tomatoes, bacon, crumbled blue cheese, whole-grain rolls, fresh pineapple.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

We got rave reviews of this BROILED SALMON when we served it to our guests. The savory flavor goes well with ROASTED RED POTATOES. Add frozen PETITE GREEN PEAS WITH FRESH SLICED MUSHROOMS and a BOSTON LETTUCE SALAD.

For dessert, CANTALOUPE WITH ICE CREAM AND BLUEBERRIES is a fine finish: Place cantaloupe quarters in bowls. Fill each with a scoop of (leftover) ice cream and shower with fresh blueberries.

Shopping List

Dijon mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, coarse salt, pepper, salmon fillets, cooking spray, red potatoes to roast, frozen petite green peas, fresh sliced mushrooms, Boston lettuce, cantaloupe, fresh blueberries.

Sunday: Family

Fire up the family grill for your GRILLED BONELESS PORK CHOPS. Alongside, try PARMESAN COUSCOUS: Prepare 4 servings couscous according to package directions; stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme.

Serve with ARUGULA AND STRAWBERRY SALAD: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon canola oil and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt. Add 1 generous pint of fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. Add 2 cups arugula; gently mix and serve immediately.

Add DINNER ROLLS. For dessert, buy a BOSTON CREAM PIE.

Plan

Prepare enough pork chops and save enough pie for Monday.

Shopping List

boneless pork chops, couscous, green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, low fat mayonnaise, sherry vinegar, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, coarse salt, fresh strawberries, poppy seeds, arugula, dinner rolls, Boston cream pie.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Remodel the leftover pork into PORK PANINIS: Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons pesto on each of 8 slices Italian bread. Top 4 slices with thinly sliced cooked pork and thin slices of Provolone cheese; top each sandwich with remaining bread. Lightly brush outer surface of sandwiches with olive oil; grill, pressing down on bread, in a medium-hot skillet until toasted on both sides.

Serve with deli COLESLAW and SLICED AVOCADOS. Leftover PIE is dessert.

Shopping List

pesto, Italian bread, sliced Provolone cheese, olive oil, deli coleslaw, avocados.

Tuesday: Express

Make it quick tonight with FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES: Split lengthwise a 12-ounce loaf of French bread. Spread with 1/4 cup creamy Dijon mustard. Fill with 12 ounces warmed deli-sliced roast beef and 1 1/2 pounds deli roasted vegetables. Cut loaf into quarters. Heat au jus gravy (from jar) and dip away.

Serve with CURLY FRIES (from frozen) and a packaged GREEN SALAD. For dessert, VANILLA ICE CREAM is easy.

Shopping List

French bread, creamy Dijon mustard, deli-sliced roast beef, deli roasted vegetables, jar au jus gravy, frozen curly fries, packaged green salad, vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday: Budget

I'm putting TUSCAN BEEF STEW into my favorites file for three reasons: It's delicious, simple to prepare and low in cost. Serve with a MIXED GREEN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Keep dessert simple with PEARS.

Shopping List

canned condensed tomato soup, canned condensed beef broth, red wine, well-trimmed beef stew meat, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, fresh carrots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, mixed greens, garlic bread, pears.

Thursday: Kids

Teach the kids about the ocean while they help prepare FISH STICKS (from frozen) for dinner. Serve with CREAMY PIEROGIES: In a large pan, cook 1 (16.9-ounce) package any flavor low-fat pierogies in boiling water about 5 minutes or until they float; drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Meanwhile, combine 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can less-sodium less-fat condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Microwave soup mixture on high (100% power) 3 to 4 minutes. Spoon over pierogies; toss to coat. Sprinkle with crumbled baked potato chips.

On the side, dip BABY CARROTS into ranch dressing for a power-packed crunch. Drink a STRAWBERRY-BANANA SHAKE for dessert: In a blender, combine 4 cups 1% milk, 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 medium banana (cut into chunks) and 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth.

Shopping List

frozen fish sticks, any flavor low-fat pierogies, less-sodium less-fat condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas and carrots, baked potato chips, baby carrots, ranch dressing, 1% milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, banana, fresh or frozen strawberries.

Friday: Meatless

Make your no-meat dinner a low-work dinner with this BLACK BEAN SOUP. While it cooks, prepare GRILLED CHEESE AND TOMATO SANDWICHES. Slice KIWIS for dessert.

Shopping List

canned reduced-sodium black beans, salsa, chile powder, unsalted chicken broth, shredded 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro, dense white bread, cheese and tomatoes to slice for sandwiches, kiwis.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Serve your guests colorful and flavorful BAKED CHICKEN AND ORZO. Add a SPINACH SALAD WITH RED ONION RINGS and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.

Shopping List

unsalted chicken broth, garlic, onion, dried oregano, coarse salt, pepper, boneless chicken breasts, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, capers, baby arugula, Boursin cheese, fresh spinach, red onion, sourdough bread, fruit tarts.