7-day menu planner

12/ 31 ENTERTAINING SUNDAY

Tuck the children in early and invite some friends for Beef Tenderloin Steaks With Blue Cheese Topping (see recipe). Serve with garlic mashed potatoes ,a caesar salad and dinner rolls. For dessert, chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream with sliced strawberries will ring in the new year in style.

Plan ahead: Save enough ice cream and strawberries for Monday and enough mashed potatoes and cake for Tuesday.

1/1 BUDGET MONDAY

Start the new year in a traditional good-luck way by making Hoppin’John (see recipe). Take no chances on your luck and add collard greens and cornbread (from mix). Top leftover ice cream with leftover strawberries for dessert.

1/2 BUDGET TUESDAY

It’s time to save money to pay those holiday bills, and Stuffed Meatloaf (see recipe) is a tasty way to economize. Serve the spinach-filled loaf with leftover mashed potatoes, green beans and whole-grain rolls. Enjoy leftover cake for dessert.

Plan ahead: Save enough meatloaf for Wednesday.

1/3 HEAT-AND-EAT WEDNESDAY

One of the best things about meatloaf is the Meatloaf Sandwiches that are sure to follow.

Serve slices of the leftover loaf on focaccia bread topped with fresh watercress. Add baked veggie chips. For dessert, plums are easy.

1/4 MEATLESS THURSDAY

Skip meat for delicious Mushroom Farfalle With Goat Cheese. Cook 8 ounces farfalle according to directions. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium high. Add 12 ounces sliced crimini mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced. Add 1 tablespoon garlic and 2 tablespoons dry white wine; stir. Add 1/4 cup half-andhalf, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/2 cup unsalted vegetable broth (or more, if needed). While pasta is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Just before serving, stir in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese. Stir to combine. Serve with a romaine salad and garlic bread. Slice kiwifruit for dessert.

1/5 EXPRESS FRIDAY

Drop by the deli and check out their Soup of the Day. Pair the soup with deli egg salad mounded on packaged salad greens. Sprinkle the egg salad with chopped fresh dill if desired. Add unsalted Wheat Thins or another salt-free cracker. Fresh pineapple is an easy dessert.

1/6 FAMILY SATURDAY

Gather the family for Golden Chicken With Potatoes and Mushrooms. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place 3 1/2 to 4 pounds bone-in chicken breasts and thighs in a roasting pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with coarse salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces) and 8 ounces whole white mushrooms (quartered), chopped leaves from 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Scatter the potatoes and mushrooms around chicken. (If vegetables don’t fit in a single layer, place some under the chicken.) Roast 45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes and serve. Alongside, add steamed fresh broccoli ,a lettuce

wedge and sourdough bread. Boston cream pie is always a favorite dessert.