Try this BRAISED BARBECUE BRISKET for family day. Combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder. Press mixture into a 3-pound boneless beef brisket flat half. Place fat side up in 4 1/2- to 5 1/2-quart slow cooker. Mix 3/4 cup barbecue sauce and 1/2 cup dry red wine together. Pour around brisket in cooker. Cook on high 4 to 6 hours or on low 8 to 10 hours or until fork-tender. Remove; keep warm. Skim fat from liquid. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup, stirring occasionally. Trim fat as desired. Carve diagonally across grain into thin slices. Serve with sauce.
On the side, add POTATO SALAD, MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy a CHOCOLATE MERINGUE PIE for dessert.
Save enough beef for Monday and enough pie for Tuesday.
chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, boneless beef brisket flat half, barbecue sauce, dry red wine, potato salad, salad greens, whole-grain rolls, chocolate meringue pie.
Celebrate Memorial Day with leftover BEEF BRISKET SANDWICHES on the menu. Serve them on WHOLE-GRAIN BUNS with PICKLES on the side. Add vegetarian BAKED BEANS and COLESLAW to the feast. How about BLONDE BROWNIES and PEACH SORBET for dessert?
Save enough brownies for Wednesday.
whole-grain buns, pickles, vegetarian baked beans, coleslaw, blonde brownies, peach sorbet.
PASTA WITH TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE is so easy and so good, you’ll want the recipe in your favorites file. Serve it with a SPINACH SALAD and ITALIAN BREAD. A slice of leftover PIE is perfect for dessert.
packaged refrigerated fettuccine, olive oil, garlic, canned drained no-salt-added diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, coarse salt, basil leaves, pepper, Parmigianino-Reggiano cheese, fresh spinach, Italian bread.
Prep time: less than 10 minutes
Cook time: less than 10 minutes
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan on medium. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes and salt; cover and cook 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil and pepper. Add tomato mixture to pasta; toss to combine. Top with cheese.
Per serving: 305 calories, 11 grams protein, 11 grams fat (32% calories from fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 43 grams carbohydrate, 9 milligrams cholesterol, 427 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
The kids will be happy you are serving PIZZA TURNOVERS for dinner. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough from 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square. Cut dough into four 6-inch squares. Spread 1 tablespoon pizza sauce on each square to within 1/2-inch of edges. Top with some shredded carrots, pepperoni slices and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fold each square in half over filling. Press edges to seal. Place on cookie sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm. For dessert, PEACH SLICES and leftover BROWNIES are all you'll want.
refrigerated pizza crust, flour, pizza sauce, shredded carrots, pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced peaches.
It’s easy on your purse and tastes good at the same time, so try PENNE WITH SAUSAGE AND PEAS tonight. Serve with a LETTUCE WEDGE and GARLIC BREAD. For dessert, FRESH PINEAPPLE is light.
whole-wheat penne pasta, olive oil, chicken sausage with sun-dried tomatoes or another flavor, garlic, tomatoes, coarse salt, unsalted chicken broth, frozen petite green peas, Parmesan cheese, lettuce, garlic bread, fresh pineapple.
Cook time: less than 10 minutes plus pasta
Cook pasta according to directions; drain. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes, turning, until browned. Scoop out sausage with slotted spoon to a plate. Reduce heat to medium; add the garlic. Cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and salt; cook 2 minutes. Stir in broth, peas and browned sausage. Heat through. Combine pasta, sausage mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese. Top with remaining cheese.
Per serving: 289 calories, 13 grams protein, 6 grams fat (17% calories from fat), 1.2 grams saturated fat, 49 grams carbohydrate, 22 milligrams cholesterol, 346 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fiber.
Make a fast dinner tonight with CRAB CAKES (frozen) and TARTAR SAUCE. Add HASH-BROWNED POTATOES (refrigerated), deli BROCCOLI SALAD and CRUSTY BREAD. Enjoy fresh BLUEBERRIES for dessert.
frozen crab cakes, tartar sauce, refrigerated hash-browned potatoes, deli broccoli salad, crusty bread, fresh blueberries.
Entertain guests with delicious BALSAMIC-GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH LENTILS. Serve the combo with FRESH YELLOW SQUASH, an ARUGULA SALAD and BAGUETTES. For dessert, top STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM with CHOCOLATE SAUCE.
green lentils, apple, celery, flat-leaf parsley, lemon, olive oil, coarse salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, pork tenderloin, fresh yellow squash, arugula, baguettes, strawberry ice cream, chocolate sauce.
Prep time: 20 minutes; Standing time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 16 to 20 minutes plus lentils
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 cups water to boil; add lentils and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 to 30 minutes or until tender; drain and rinse under cold water to cool. In medium bowl, toss lentils with the apple, celery, parsley, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oil and salt and pepper. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine vinegar and sugar. Heat remaining oil in an ovenproof skillet on medium-high heat. Add pork and cook 6 to 8 minutes to brown. Transfer to oven; roast 10 to 12 minutes or until pork is 145 degrees. Baste with vinegar/sugar mixture twice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from oven; tent with foil and let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lentils and any pan drippings.
Per serving: 465 calories, 45 grams protein, 13 grams fat (25% calories from fat), 2.4 grams saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, 92 milligrams cholesterol, 208 milligrams sodium, 8 grams fiber.
Make the family happy and serve them GRILLED CHICKEN, your POTATO SALAD and this beautiful CUCUMBER, KALAMATA AND TOMATO SALAD. Add CRUSTY ROLLS. Buy a YELLOW LAYER CAKE for dessert.
Save enough cake for Monday.
chicken to grill, ingredients for your potato salad, seedless cucumbers, small red and yellow tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, coarse salt, pepper, Greek feta cheese, crusty rolls, yellow layer cake.
In a large serving bowl, combine all vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; pour over cucumber mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Top with feta before serving. (Adapted from "Y’all Come Over: Charming Your Guests With New Recipes, Heirloom Treasures, and True Southern Hospitality," Rebecca Lang, Rizzoli International Publications.)
Per serving: 114 calories, 1 gram protein, 10 grams fat (79% calories from fat), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 5 grams carbohydrate, 4 milligrams cholesterol, 311 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
How about BARBECUE MEATLOAF for dinner tonight? Serve the comfort food with MASHED POTATOES, GREEN BEANS and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, slice the leftover CAKE and top it with BLUEBERRIES.
Save enough meatloaf for Wednesday.
93% lean ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, onion, barbecue sauce, prepared mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, coarse salt, pepper, eggs, cooking spray, potatoes to mash, green beans, whole-grain rolls, blueberries.
Cook time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and egg whites. Shape mixture into a 9-by-5-inch loaf on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Spread remaining barbecue sauce over top of loaf. Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes. Cut into slices.
Per serving: 254 calories, 26 grams protein, 9 grams fat (34% calories from fat), 3.3 grams saturated fat, 15 grams carbohydrate, 64 milligrams cholesterol, 391 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
TURKEY-RAISIN PICADILLO SLIDERS have great kid appeal. Serve the little sandwiches with BAKED CHIPS and CELERY STICKS. Try PEACHES for a simple dessert.
canola oil, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, chili powder, ground allspice, ground turkey breast, coarse salt, pepper, canned no-salt-added tomato paste, golden raisins, whole-grain slider rolls, baked chips, celery, peaches.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil on medium in a Dutch oven. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until softened. Add bay leaves, cumin, chili powder and allspice; stir together for 1 to 2 minutes. Add turkey, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste, water and raisins; cook 5 minutes to blend flavors. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until thickened. Toast rolls in oven until lightly browned. Remove bay leaves. Spoon turkey mixture onto rolls and serve.
TIP: If too thick, add more water.
Per serving: 237 calories, 21 grams protein, 5 grams fat (18% calories from fat), 0.7 gram saturated fat, 28 grams carbohydrate, 41 milligrams cholesterol, 223 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Here comes your favorite part of leftover meatloaf: MEATLOAF SANDWICHES! Use whole-grain bread and slather a little low-fat mayonnaise on it, along with a layer of lettuce. Serve the sandwich with HASH BROWNS and COLESLAW. Slice KIWIS for dessert.
whole-grain bread, low-fat mayonnaise, lettuce, hash browns, coleslaw, kiwis.
GNOCCHI WITH TOMATO SAUCE hits the spot for a no-meat dinner. Add 1 (16- to 18-ounce) package gnocchi to a pot of boiling water; cook according to directions and remove with slotted spoon when they float to top. Add 1 (6-ounce) package baby spinach to water once gnocchi has been removed. Boil spinach 1 to 2 minutes; remove with slotted spoon; drain. Set aside. Meanwhile, puree 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic. (I used my immersion blender for easy cleanup.) Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper to skillet; cook 1 minute, stirring. Stir tomatoes into skillet. Cook 4 minutes to thicken. Stir cooked gnocchi and spinach into skillet. Divide mixture among 4 bowls; top each with 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil.
Serve with a GREEN SALAD WITH EGG WEDGES and GARLIC BREAD. How about BANANA PUDDING for dessert?
packaged gnocchi, packaged baby spinach, canned diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper, shredded part-skim mozzarella, fresh basil, salad greens, eggs, garlic bread, banana pudding.
Make a quick meal of THAI BEEF AND NOODLE SALAD. Put 1 (3 3/4-ounce) package cellophane noodles and 3/4 cup halved snow peas in a large bowl. Pour 4 cups boiling water over all. Let sit 10 minutes or until noodles are tender. Drain; rinse under cold running water and drain again. Shake colander to remove excess water; return to bowl. Combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt in a jar; shake to dissolve sugar. Pour dressing over noodles and snow peas. Add 8 ounces thickly sliced deli roast beef (cut into strips), 1 1/2 cups sliced seedless cucumber and 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve.
Alongside, add packaged SALAD GREENS and SESAME BREAD STICKS. Enjoy PEARS for dessert.
cellophane noodles, snow peas, white vinegar, sugar, fresh ginger, coarse salt, deli roast beef, cucumber, fresh mint, peanuts, packaged salad greens, sesame bread sticks, pears.
Invite friends for PARMA-STYLE FLOUNDER. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Brush one side of 4 (6-ounce) flounder fillets with olive oil; sprinkle each with spice mixture. Wrap a slice of prosciutto around center of each fillet; set aside. In an 8-by-11-inch baking dish, arrange 8 tomato slices in a single layer; drizzle with another teaspoon oil. Microwave on high (100% power) 1 minute. Place flounder in a single layer on tomatoes; cover with waxed paper. Microwave on high 3 minutes or until opaque throughout. Remove from microwave; let stand 2 minutes, covered.
Serve with ROASTED RED POTATOES, steamed sliced ZUCCHINI, an ARUGULA SALAD and SOURDOUGH BREAD. For dessert, RASPBERRY SORBET and BUTTER COOKIES are company fare.
dried rosemary, coarse salt, pepper, flounder fillets, olive oil, prosciutto, tomatoes, red potatoes to roast, zucchini, arugula, sourdough bread, raspberry sorbet, butter cookies.
Celebrate family day and enjoy SPICED PORK WITH BLACK-EYED PEA SALSA. Serve it with steamed CABBAGE, a LETTUCE WEDGE and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. For dessert, top APPLE CRISP with VANILLA ICE CREAM.
Save enough ice cream for Monday.
olive oil, pork tenderloin, chili powder, cumin, coarse salt, black pepper, canned reduced-sodium black-eyed peas, seedless cucumber, green onions, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime, cabbage, lettuce, whole-grain rolls, apple crisp, vanilla ice cream.
Cook time: less than 25 minutes; standing time: 5 minutes
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large ovenproof skillet on medium-high. Season the pork with the chili powder, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Transfer the skillet to the oven; roast 12 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees. Remove from oven to cutting board and tent with foil; let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the peas, cucumber, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, remaining 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve salsa with pork.
Per serving: 299 calories, 35 grams protein, 8 grams fat (24% calories from fat), 1.6 grams saturated fat, 20 grams carbohydrate, 92 milligrams cholesterol, 509 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.
For a fast meal, serve ROAST BEEF WRAPS WITH HORSERADISH SLAW. For 2 wraps: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream and 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish. Fold in 1 cup coleslaw mix. Top each of two (10-inch) whole-grain flour tortillas with 1 cup baby spinach, 2 ounces deli sliced roast beef, 1 slice 50% light cheddar cheese and half the slaw. Roll tightly, folding the sides. Slice on the diagonal and serve.
Add BAKED CHIPS and GRAPE TOMATOES to the plate. Enjoy leftover ICE CREAM for dessert.
reduced-fat sour cream, prepared horseradish, coleslaw mix, whole-grain flour tortillas, baby spinach, deli sliced roast beef, 50% light cheddar cheese, baked chips, grape tomatoes.
Forget meat tonight for GRILLED CHEESE-AND-TOMATO PANINIS. On Italian bread, spread a little pesto; top with tomato slices and part-skim mozzarella cheese slices. Coat outside of bread with cooking spray; brown in a skillet, pressing sandwiches with a spatula until cheese melts.
Serve with vegetarian SPLIT PEA SOUP. Make the meal extra-special and add your own DEVILED EGGS. For dessert, try PLUMS.
Italian bread, pesto, tomatoes, part-skim mozzarella, cooking spray, vegetarian split pea soup, ingredients for your deviled eggs, plums.
Serve the kids SWEET-AND-SOUR MEATBALLS tonight. Heat beef gravy (from can or jar) with seedless red raspberry jam to taste. Add refrigerated meatballs; heat through. Stir in some reduced-fat sour cream and chopped fresh parsley.
Serve over EGG NOODLES. Add GREEN PEAS (from frozen) and SOFT ROLLS. For dessert, how about a big bowl of FRESH STRAWBERRIES?
can or jar beef gravy, seedless red raspberry jam, refrigerated meatballs, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh parsley, egg noodles, frozen green peas, soft rolls, fresh strawberries.
You’ll save money and get a taste of merry old England with TOAD-IN-THE-HOLE. Serve it with CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP and SESAME BREAD STICKS. PEARS are an easy dessert.
flour, coarse salt, pepper, eggs, whole milk, butter, stone-ground mustard, cooking spray, sweet pork sausage links, maple syrup, chicken noodle soup, sesame bread sticks, pears.
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, salt and pepper. In a second medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter and mustard until well combined and frothy. Slowly pour egg mixture into flour mixture and whisk until combined and smooth. Allow the batter to rest 30 minutes. Coat a 9-inch-square casserole dish with cooking spray. Arrange sausages in dish and bake in oven until partially cooked, about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove casserole dish from oven. Pour or spoon batter into dish and return to oven. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until the batter turns light golden, puffs up and is crispy around the edges. Remove pudding from oven, cut into wedges and serve warm with syrup and more mustard on the side. (Adapted from "The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook," Lisa Steele, Harper Horizon.)
Per serving: 285 calories, 13 grams protein, 17 grams fat (53% calories from fat), 6.9 grams saturated fat, 20 grams carbohydrate, 155 milligrams cholesterol, 682 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
A dinner of rotisserie CHICKEN and deli MACARONI SALAD is almost ready. Serve with MIXED GREENS and WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD. Slice KIWIS for dessert.
rotisserie chicken, deli macaroni salad, mixed greens, whole-grain bread, kiwis.
Entertain your friends with CHICKEN PAPRIKA. Serve over EGG NOODLES. Add a ROMAINE SALAD and WHOLE-GRAIN ROLLS. Buy a CARROT CAKE for dessert.
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, paprika, coarse salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, no-salt-added or regular fire-roasted diced tomatoes, half-and-half, fresh parsley, egg noodles, romaine, whole-grain rolls, carrot cake.
Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon paprika and the salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes per side or until browned. Remove chicken from skillet. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in tomatoes and remaining paprika. Bring to a boil. Return chicken and accumulated liquid to skillet. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in half-and-half until blended. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve.
Per serving: 230 calories, 27 grams protein, 9 grams fat (35% calories from fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 90 milligrams cholesterol, 198 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.