Menu Planner

These easy tasty options are perfect for a busy week Ingredients

PEANUT SESAME NOODLES

A MEATLESS MEAL: For a perfect no-meat dinner, prepare peanut sesame noodles. Serve with a spinach salad and crusty rolls. Enjoy cookies for dessert. 1 pound linguine or spaghetti 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter 1/3 cup unsalted vegetable broth 1/3 cup water

1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons dark sesame oil 2 teaspoons peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 green onions, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal

Servings: makes 8 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes, plus noodles

Cook linguine according to directions; drain and plunge into ice water; set aside. Meanwhile, in a medium pan, whisk together peanut butter, broth, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper. Cook on medium-high heat about 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. While sauce simmers, toast seeds over medium heat for 5 minutes, shaking pan to keep from burning. Rinse and drain noodles again. Toss with half the dressing and allow to soak for a few minutes. Add remaining dressing and sesame seeds; toss until wellcombined. Top with sliced green onions and serve cold.

Per serving: 404 calories, 14 grams protein, 16 grams fat (35 percent calories from fat), 2.9 grams saturated fat, 53 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 226 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.

Carb count: 3.5.