Seven-Day Menu Planner

8/4

SUNDAY (FAMILY)

Serve the family your own ROAST CHICKEN (5 to 7 pounds) today, and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for later.

Alongside, try these easy AU GRATIN POTATOES: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Scrub and thinly slice 2 pounds red potatoes. Arrange half the potatoes in dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon (of 2 tablespoons total) melted butter, and season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Top with 1/4 cup (of 1/2 cup total) shredded Gruyere cheese; repeat layers. In small saucepan, bring 1 cup 2% milk to a simmer; pour over potatoes. Coat top of potatoes with cooking spray. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender; serve.

Add SLICED TOMATOES and CRUSTY ROLLS to the meal. Buy or make a RASPBERRY COBBLER for dessert. PLAN AHEAD: Save enough chicken and cobbler for Monday.

8/5

MONDAY (BUDGET)

You’ll receive rave reviews on economical RANCHO CHICKEN (see recipe). Serve the flavorful casserole with a MIXED GREEN SALAD and extra TORTILLAS, if desired. Warm the leftover COBBLER for dessert.

PLAN AHEAD: Save enough Rancho Chicken and tortillas for Tuesday.

8/6

TUESDAY (HEAT AND EAT)

Sit back and relax, because dinner is ready as soon as you reheat the leftover RANCHO CHICKEN. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and leftover TORTILLAS. Slice WATERMELON for dessert.

Save enough watermelon for Wednesday.

8/7 WEDNESDAY (EXPRESS)

Buy a fully cooked BEEF POT ROAST for an easy meal tonight. Serve with your own MASHED POTATOES and fresh sliced ZUCCHINI. Add WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Leftover WATERMELON is your dessert.

8/8

THURSDAY (MEATLESS)

LENTIL SALAD (see recipe) makes a perfect no-meat dinner. Drizzle TOMATO WEDGES with balsamic vinaigrette and finely chopped fresh basil to accompany the high-fiber entree. Add BREAD STICKS. For dessert, enjoy NECTARINES.

8/9 FRIDAY (KIDS)

Lucky kids! CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN PIZZAS are on the menu. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mild salsa, 1 (10- to 12-ounce) can drained chicken breast, 1 cup rinsed canned reduced-sodium black beans, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 teaspoon cumin; mix well. Spread on 5 or 6 halved whole-grain English muffins. Top with 1 cup (divided) shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until hot. Garnish with reduced-fat sour cream and guacamole.

Serve with BABY CARROTS and RED BELL PEPPER STRIPS with RANCH DRESSING for dipping. For dessert, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM with MARSHMALLOW TOPPING is a kid-friendly dessert.

8/10 SATURDAY (EASY ENTERTAINING)

Start your entertaining evening with GAZPACHO (your own or store-bought).

Follow the refreshing cold soup with FILET MIGNON AU POIVRE: Rub 2 tablespoons crushed black pepper into 6 (4-ounce) filets mignons. Cook steaks in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 4 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Remove from skillet and cover to keep warm; to same skillet add 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth, ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar and 3 tablespoons red currant jelly; cook 5 minutes on medium or until thickened. Pour over steaks and serve.

Add WARM ROASTED POTATO SALAD (see recipe), GREEN BEANS and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy FRUIT TARTS for dessert.