SATURDAY(ENTERTAINTHE FAMILY) Seven-DayMenu Planner

SUNDAY(FAMILY)

Fire up the grill foreconomical FLATIRONSTEAKS(also called shoulder top blade steaks).

Grill the6- to 8-ounce steaks onmedium13 to 15 minutes for medium-rare to medium. While you’re at it, grill yourownfresh ASPARAGUSandPOTATOESfor someadd-ons, and serveMIXED GREENSandSOURDOUGH BREADalongside. Buyormake CHOCOLATE ECLAIRSfordessert.

PLANAHEAD: Cookan extra pound of steak forMondayand buyenough eclairs forTuesday.

MONDAY(EXPRESS)

Make thisquickBEEFSTEWfor an easymeal and let the grilled flavorof the leftover steak perkup the stew. Combine 2 cupswater with 2 (0.87-ounce) packages less-sodiumbrowngravy mix; mix well. Pour mixture into a Dutch oven and add 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoonWorcestershire sauce and 1 (16-ounce) package frozen vegetables for stew(potatoes, carrots, celeryand onion); bring to a boil on medium-high. Add chopped steaks; reduce heat to low, coverand simmer10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper.

For something different, serve the stewinBREADBOWLS (followdirections on bread doughpackage), or serve with refrigeratedCRUSTYFRENCH LOAF.Adda FRESHSPINACH SALAD. Fordessert, REDAND GREENGRAPESare simple.

TUESDAY(KIDS)

Teach the kids some Spanish tonight withTORTAS DEHUEVOS CONAGUACATE (Egg and AvocadoTorta). Atorta is awarm and filling sandwich. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mash 1 peeled avocado with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; set aside. In amedium bowl, beat 3 eggs with1/4teaspoon coarse salt; fold in 1 (4-ounce) can drained chopped chilies. In medium nonstick skillet, melt 2 teaspoons butter overmedium-high heat. Add eggs and chilies; cook, stirring until desired consistency. Spread avocado mixture on inside surfaces of4 split, soft sandwich rolls. Spoon hot eggs onto rolls. Top each with a tomato slice and cover with tops of rolls. Place tortas on baking sheet; bake 5minutes or until rolls begin to toast.

Servewith deliCARROT SALAD. Leftover ECLAIRS for dessert will make the kids even happier.

WEDNESDAY(BUDGET)

We’re always in themoodfor a low-costmeal, especiallywhen the slowcookerdoesmost of thework, so ITALIAN CHICKENLENTILSOUP(see recipe) fits the bill. Serve it with deliBROCCOLI SALADandWHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. TryKIWIS fordessert.

PLANAHEAD: Save enough soup forFriday.

THURSDAY(MEATLESS)

CHICKPEASALADWITH CARROTS, ARUGULAAND OLIVES (see recipe) offers lots of flavor withoutmeat. Serve it with a packaged ITALIAN SALAD and GARLIC BREAD. Cool your palate with LIME SHERBETfor dessert.

FRIDAY(HEATANDEAT)

Heat the leftoverCHICKENLENTILSOUPand serve it over BROWNRICE tonight. Munchon CELERYSTICKSon the side. Make

CORNBREAD(frommix).Juicy PLUMSare good fordessert.

Your family will enjoy simple BAKEDTILAPIAWITH DILL BUTTER. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish in oven. Place 4 (4- to 6-ounce) tilapia fillets in dish; turn to coat. Sprinkle with1/2 teaspoon dried dill and coarse salt and pepper to taste. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish is opaque throughout. Meanwhile, melt 11/2teaspoons butter in small skillet overmedium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unseasoned dry bread crumbs; cook until crumbs are light golden brown, stirring constantly. Sprinkle over fish during the last 3 minutes of baking.

Servewith SWEETAND SPICYVEGETABLECOUSCOUS (see recipe). Add SLICED CUCUMBERS IN SOURCREAM and FLATBREAD. Dessert is FRESHSTRAWBERRIES over CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM.

Susan Nicholson is anAtlantabased cookbook authorand registered dietitian. Reach herat susan@7daymenu.com. Follow Susan onTwitter:@7DayMenu. The MenuPlanner is also accessible at 7daymenuplanner.com.