Menu 1 (serves 4)
Spaghetti Carbonara
Steamed broccoli tossed with grated lemon rind
Mini ice-cream sandwiches - Spoon about 1 tablespoon strawberry low-fat ice cream onto each of 12 vanilla wafers, top each with 1 vanilla wafer. Freeze until ready to serve.
Game Plan:
1. While water for pasta comes to a boil, prepare ice-cream sandwiches; keep in freezer until ready to serve
2. While pasta cooks:
Chop ham and grate cheese
Combine sauce ingredients for the pasta
Steam broccoli; cover and keep warm
3. While pasta drains, saute ham
Quick Tip: The water for the pasta will come to a boil faster if covered.
Menu 2 (serves 4)
Ham and Gruyere-Stuffed Potatoes
Green bean salad - Cook 1 pound (1-inch) cut green beans in boiling water 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, drain and rinse with cold water. Combine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl, stir well with a whisk, Combine green beans with 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, toss with vinaigrette.
Garlic bread
Game Plan:
1. Preheat oven for potatoes
2. While potatoes microwave:
Chop ham and parsley for potatoes
Shred cheese for potatoes
Bring water for green beans to a boil
3. While stuffed potatoes bake:
Prepare salad
Heat bread
Quick Tip: Keeping potatoes covered with damp paper towels helps them cook faster and stay moist as they microwave.
Menu 3 (serves 4)
Warm Lentil-Ham Salad with Dijon Cream
Sauteed Swiss chard - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces torn Swiss chard, saute 3 minutes or until chard begins to wilt. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, saute 1 minute or until done
Crusty French rolls
Game Plan:
1. Bring water for lentils to a boil
2. While lentils simmer:
Chop ham, celery, and onion for salad
Prepare Dijon cream for salad
Saute Swiss chard
Quick Tip: Dried lentils are ideal for weeknight dinners because they require no soaking and cook in about 20 minutes.
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