Sunday: Family

Prepare your own BAKED HAM for the family today. Alongside, serve COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES. Add steamed fresh GREEN BEANS and DINNER ROLLS. Buy a DEEP-DISH APPLE PIE for dessert.

Plan

Save enough ham and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

ham to bake, unsalted chicken broth, pearl couscous, dried tart cherries, carrots, cucumber, green onions, pine nuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, coarse salt, pepper, salad greens, fresh green beans, dinner rolls, deep-dish apple pie.

Monday: Heat and Eat

With Sunday's leftover ham, make HAM-AND-THREE-BEAN SALAD. Add CRUSTY BREAD and, of course, leftover PIE.

Shopping List

fresh sliced mushrooms, jar roasted red peppers, canned reduced-sodium cannellini beans, canned reduced-sodium kidney beans, canned reduced-sodium black beans, celery, shredded Parmesan cheese, reduced-fat Italian dressing, fresh parsley, salad greens, crusty bread.

Tuesday: Express

Decrease your food expenditures and your calories with this OPEN-FACED TURKEY REUBEN SANDWICH: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Make a lighter Russian dressing by combining 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup and 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; mix well. Rinse and squeeze dry 1 cup refrigerated sauerkraut. Toss together the dressing and sauerkraut in a medium bowl. Arrange 4 slices rye bread on a rimmed baking pan. On each slice, layer 1 thin slice Swiss cheese (cut to fit bread), 2 thin slices deli turkey, 1/3 cup sauerkraut mixture and 1 more slice of Swiss cheese. Bake 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Serve with OVEN FRIES (from frozen) and DILL PICKLES. Add SLICED CANTALOUPE for dessert.

Shopping List

low-fat mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, refrigerated sauerkraut, rye bread, sliced Swiss cheese, sliced deli turkey, frozen oven fries, dill pickles, cantaloupe.

Wednesday: Budget

Save some money and time and serve ITALIAN CHICKEN WITH NOODLES: Sprinkle 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons dried thyme and 2 teaspoons oregano. Into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, pour 1 (14-ounce) can unsalted chicken broth. Add 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with liquid, 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots and 1 large thinly sliced onion (separated into rings) to cooker. Top with chicken; cover. Cook 7 hours on low. Stir in 3 cups uncooked egg noodles and 3/4 cup frozen peas. Cover; cook 15 more minutes on high or just until the noodles are tender.

Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and GARLIC BREAD. Fresh PINEAPPLE is dessert.

Shopping List

boneless skinless chicken thighs, dried thyme, dried oregano, unsalted chicken broth, canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes, fresh carrots, onion, egg noodles, frozen peas, iceberg lettuce, garlic bread, fresh pineapple.

Thursday: Meatless

PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICHES have always been high on my list of favorites: I look for the refrigerated low-fat version of the cheesy experience (or make your own), add some seeded chopped jalapeno pepper to the cheese, fill the sandwich with lots of lettuce and tomato slices, and eat it on whole-grain bread or toast.

You can add BAKED POTATO CHIPS and SWEET PICKLES on the side. Serve with your favorite canned SOUP. Add FRESH STRAWBERRIES for dessert.

Shopping List

refrigerated low-fat pimento cheese, jalapeno pepper, lettuce, tomatoes, whole-grain bread, baked potato chips, sweet pickles, any canned soup, fresh strawberries.

Friday: Kids

TACO CASSEROLE is kind to your budget and nice to your taste buds. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Brown 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high; drain and return to skillet. Stir in 1 (1.25-ounce) packet less-sodium taco seasoning, 1 (16-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium pinto beans, 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce and 1 (11-ounce) can rinsed and drained Mexican-style corn. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Spoon into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese and 1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado and reduced-fat sour cream. Instant VANILLA PUDDING made with 1% milk is an easy dessert.

Shopping List

lean ground beef, less-sodium taco seasoning, reduced-sodium pinto beans, canned no-salt-added tomato sauce, canned Mexican-style corn, shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, reduced-fat sour cream, instant vanilla pudding, 1% milk.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS, OLIVES AND PEARL COUSCOUS is an easy one-pot dinner. Chicken thighs seasoned with cinnamon and cumin, along with bursts of apricot sweetness and briny olives, all give this skillet dinner a Moroccan flavor that will transport you and your guests to a faraway place with every forkful. Add a ROMAINE SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. LIME SHERBET and BUTTER COOKIES are your dessert.

Shopping List

olive oil, bone-in chicken thighs, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, coarse salt, onion, dried apricots or golden raisins, pimento-stuffed green olives, garlic, unsalted chicken broth, pearl couscous, cilantro, romaine, sourdough bread, lime sherbet, butter cookies.

Sunday: Family

Take the family's taste buds on a special trip and enjoy MOROCCAN-SPICED LAMB WITH COUSCOUS. On the side, try BAKED ONIONS: Peel 4 medium Vidalia or other sweet onions, leaving root end intact. Trim top third of each onion and reserve for another use. Arrange onions in an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes per onion or until softened. Let stand 3 minutes, covered. Heat broiler. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese, 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/8 teaspoon dried) and black pepper to taste; stir to blend. Gently pat mixture evenly onto onions. Broil about 1 minute or until cheese mixture begins to brown; serve.

Add a ROMAINE SALAD and FLATBREAD. For dessert, buy a BLUEBERRY PIE.

Plan

Save enough lamb mixture, couscous and pie for Monday.

Shopping List

canola oil, lamb shoulder, onions, garlic, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, carrots, zucchini, canned reduced-sodium chickpeas, prunes, couscous, Vidalia or other sweet onions, crumbled Greek feta cheese, dry breadcrumbs, fresh or dried thyme, black pepper, romaine, flatbread, blueberry pie.

Monday: Heat and Eat

Make STUFFED PITAS from Sunday's leftovers: Chop the lamb and vegetables, drain the broth and heat along with the leftover couscous. Stuff whole-grain pitas with the mixture.

Serve with CUCUMBER SPEARS and TOMATO WEDGES. Slice the leftover PIE for dessert.

Shopping List

whole-grain pitas, cucumbers, tomatoes.

Tuesday: Meatless

You'll hear no complaints when you serve no-meat STUFFED PEPPER SKILLET for dinner tonight. Add a MIXED GREEN SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Serve FRESH STRAWBERRIES over VANILLA ICE CREAM for dessert.

Plan

Save enough ice cream for Thursday.

Shopping List

olive oil, bell peppers, onion, tomato paste, garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, long-grain white rice, unsalted vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, canned reduced-sodium black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, coarse salt, cilantro, avocado, green onions, mixed greens, whole-grain rolls, fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday: Kids

Teach the kids the alphabet with A-B-C SOUP: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil on medium-high. Add 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables such as sliced zucchini, carrots, green peas and celery. Cook uncovered about 10 minutes; stir occasionally. Remove half the vegetables; set aside. Add 2 (14-ounce) cans unsalted chicken broth to remaining vegetables in pot. Bring to a boil. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium white beans and 1/2 cup alphabet-shaped or other small pasta; return to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves. Ladle into 4 bowls; add reserved vegetables.

Serve with the all-time kid favorite, PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES (on whole-grain bread). Add a CHOPPED LETTUCE SALAD. A bowl of fresh BLUEBERRIES with a dollop of LIGHT WHIPPED CREAM is dessert.

Shopping List

canola oil, fresh vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, green peas and celery, canned unsalted chicken broth, canned reduced-sodium white beans, alphabet-shaped or other small pasta, fresh oregano, peanut butter, whole-grain bread, lettuce, fresh blueberries, light whipped cream.

Thursday: Express

CHICKEN SALAD from the deli with added grape halves and toasted almonds makes a good entree. Pretty it up and place it on a bed of salad greens. Pick up some DEVILED EGGS to boost the protein and add BREADSTICKS. For dessert, leftover ICE CREAM looks good.

Shopping List

deli chicken salad, grapes, sliced almonds, salad greens, deviled eggs, breadsticks.

Friday: Budget

We didn't mind saving money with SALAD NICOISE WITH ROASTED MUSHROOMS, a version of the standard. Serve with FRENCH ONION SOUP and a BAGUETTE. Enjoy FRESH PEACHES for dessert.

Shopping List

fresh small white mushrooms, cooking spray, olive oil, frozen whole green beans, mixed salad greens, kalamata or other black olives, tomatoes, eggs, canned albacore tuna, red potatoes, coarse salt, pepper, light vinaigrette dressing, French onion soup, baguette, fresh peaches.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

Serve your guests ITALIAN BAKED COD WITH POTATOES AND TOMATOES: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Thinly slice some potatoes and onions and place in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cod fillets and drained canned diced Italian tomatoes. Cover with foil and bake until potatoes are tender and fish is opaque (20 to 30 minutes).

Serve with ITALIAN GREEN BEANS and GARLIC BREAD. Wow your guests with CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES: Wash and chill 12 large strawberries with caps intact. Melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Dip berries into chocolate to reach halfway up sides. Place on foil until set. Serve the strawberries with ALMOND COOKIES.

Shopping List

potatoes, onions, cooking spray, cod fillets, canned diced Italian tomatoes, Italian green beans, garlic bread, strawberries, semisweet chocolate chips, butter, almond cookies.

Sunday: Family

Surprise the family with BALSAMIC MARINATED FLANK STEAK. In a resealable plastic bag, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 clove minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add 1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak; turn to coat. Refrigerate 6 hours to overnight. Remove steak; discard marinade. Grill 11 to 21 minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning several times.

Add CORN ON THE COB, TOMATO WEDGES drizzled with olive oil and chopped fresh basil, and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. For dessert, make BROWNIE SUNDAES with brownies topped with vanilla ice cream. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top.

Plan

Save enough brownies for Monday.

Shopping List

balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dried basil, Dijon mustard, garlic, sugar, flank steak, corn on the cob, tomatoes, fresh basil, whole-grain bread, brownies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup.

Monday: Meatless

You'll receive plenty of compliments at your no-meat meal with your AVOCADO TORTILLA SOUP. In a large pan, combine 3 (14-ounce) cans vegetable broth, 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup, 1/2 bunch finely chopped cilantro leaves, 3 cloves finely chopped garlic and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil; decrease heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Return to pan, add 1 cubed ripe avocado, reserving 8 cubes for garnish. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with reserved avocado and crumbled baked tortilla chips. Serve the soup with GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES and a LETTUCE WEDGE. Leftover BROWNIES are dessert.

Shopping List

canned vegetable broth, canned condensed tomato soup, cilantro, garlic, pepper, avocado, baked tortilla chips, cheese and bread for grilled cheese sandwiches, lettuce.

Tuesday: Budget

Meatloaf is always a budget meal, and this CLASSIC BEEF MEATLOAF is no different. Carry the tradition further with BAKED POTATOES and steamed BROCCOLI. Add a GREEN SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. For dessert, ORANGE SHERBET is cool and light.

Plan

Save enough meatloaf and bake extra potatoes for Wednesday. Save enough sherbet for Thursday.

Shopping List

lean ground beef (93% lean or leaner), panko breadcrumbs, ketchup, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, dried thyme, pepper, coarse salt, potatoes to bake, fresh broccoli, salad greens, crusty bread, orange sherbet.

Wednesday: Heat and Eat

Yesterday's meatloaf is today's MEATLOAF SANDWICHES. Make them on WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD spread with a little low-fat mayonnaise and topped with LETTUCE. Cut the leftover potatoes into wedges, coat with cooking spray and bake in a 425-degree oven until hot. Top them with some low-fat sour cream and crumbled bacon, if you like. Add a SPINACH SALAD. FRESH PEACHES are a summertime dessert.

Shopping List

whole-grain bread, low-fat mayonnaise, lettuce, cooking spray, low-fat sour cream, bacon, fresh spinach, fresh peaches.

Thursday: Express

Dinner will be quick with COUSCOUS WITH GRILLED CHICKEN. Prepare one of the packaged plain couscous mixes. Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions and a light vinaigrette dressing. Spoon onto a platter. Top with refrigerated grilled chicken. Garnish with chopped pistachios or fresh mint leaves. Serve with sliced CUCUMBERS in plain yogurt. Add FLATBREAD. Leftover SHERBET is dessert.

Shopping List

packaged plain couscous, fresh tomatoes, green onions, light vinaigrette, refrigerated grilled chicken, pistachios or fresh mint, cucumbers, plain yogurt, flatbread.

Friday: Kids

Kids of all ages will like MEATBALL STROGANOFF. Serve the meatballs over NOODLES. Munch on CARROT STICKS on the side. Add SOFT ROLLS. Have some fun and introduce the kids to UNIQ fruit. (It looks like a withered grapefruit and tastes like an orange; peel it, divide into sections and eat. It's also called a Jamaican tangelo.)

Tip

Kids of all ages will like MEATBALL STROGANOFF. Serve the meatballs over NOODLES. Munch on CARROT STICKS on the side. Add SOFT ROLLS. Have some fun and introduce the kids to UNIQ fruit. (It looks like a withered grapefruit and tastes like an orange; peel it, divide into sections and eat. It's also called a Jamaican tangelo.)

Shopping List

lean ground beef, bran flakes, lower-sodium beef broth, egg, green onions, garlic powder, pepper, fresh sliced mushrooms, tomato paste or ketchup, flour, reduced-fat sour cream, yolk-free noodles, carrot sticks, soft rolls, uniq fruit.

Saturday: Easy Entertaining

CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND CAPERS is a favorite. Serve with MASHED POTATOES to catch the juices, along with YELLOW SQUASH. Add SOURDOUGH ROLLS. For dessert, dust store-bought MADELEINES with powdered sugar and serve them with sliced FRESH STRAWBERRIES.

Shopping List

bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, lemons, mixed pitted olives, capers, olive oil, coarse salt, pepper, potatoes to mash, yellow squash, sourdough rolls, madeleines, powdered sugar, fresh strawberries.