Need some ideas for planning a Christmas meal? We can help.
SUNDAY (Family) — The family will give you a gold star when you present PORK TENDERLOIN WITH ROASTED MIXED POTATOES (see recipe) to them. Serve the combo with MUSTARD GREENS. Buy or make BAKED APPLES (such as Stouffer’s or another brand) and SOURDOUGH BREAD. Buy a CHOCOLATE CAKE (frozen) for dessert.
MONDAY (Heat and Eat)
— Use the leftover pork for PORK AND PEPPER FAJITAS. Heat a large nonstick skillet on mediumhigh and stir-fry 1 green bell pepper (cut into thin strips) 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and 1 cup cooked leftover pork (cut into thin strips) and heat through. Spoon pork mixture onto 4 large heated fat-free flour tortillas; sprinkle with 1 cup 50% reduced-fat shredded jalapeno cheese. Fold ends and wrap. Serve with additional tortillas and RICE.
Slice the leftover CAKE for dessert.
TIP: To heat tortillas, wrap a stack in a damp white paper towel and microwave on high (100% power) 30 seconds or until heated.
TUESDAY (Meatless) — For a different meatless meal, try DITALINI WITH ZUCCHINI AND SWEET ONIONS (see recipe).
Serve the flavor-packed pasta and vegetables with a LETTUCE AND TOMATO SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. Colorful ORANGE SECTIONS topped with shredded coconut are good for dessert.
WEDNESDAY (Budget) — We added MEXICAN BEEF STEW to our favorites’ list. Place 1 1/2 pounds welltrimmed beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces) in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over beef and toss to coat. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted beef broth with 1 cup thick and chunky salsa and pour over beef. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add 3 medium zucchini (cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces), 2 (15-ounce) cans rinsed reduced-sodium black beans and 1 cup frozen corn. Cook 1 hour on high or until zucchini is tender and stew is heated throughout. Garnish with chopped tomato, chopped fresh cilantro and reduced-fat sour cream if desired.
Serve the stew with MIXED GREENS and warmed fat-free FLOUR TORTILLAS. Sliced PEACHES are an easy dessert.
THURSDAY (Kids; CHRISTMAS EVE)
— The kids will promise to go to bed early if you serve them PIZZA with a CHOPPED LETTUCE SALAD on the side. They’ll have fun making their dessert, MIDDLE OF THE ROAD RASCALS.
Fill celery sticks (2 to 3 inches long) with fat-free cream cheese. Stand animal crackers in the cheese and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
FRIDAY (Family; CHRISTMAS) — Since the big dinner is later in the day, relax with HOLIDAY MORNING FRENCH TOAST (see recipe). Serve the flavorful dish with CANADIAN BACON and fresh ORANGE AND GRAPEFRUIT SECTIONS. Happy Holidays to you from your 7-Day Menu Planner!
SATURDAY (Express) — After all the excitement, wind down with a simple meal of GRILLED FISH FILLETS (such as SeaPak or Gorton’s). Alongside, serve O’BRIEN POTATOES (frozen), PEAS and CARROTS, and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy TAPIOCA PUDDING for dessert.