Healthy, thrifty meals

United States
Department of
Agriculture

Center for Nutrition
Policy and Promotion

Recipes and Tips for
Healthy, Thrifty Meals

FOREWORD

The essence of nutrition guidance is to provide the contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
public with the best information available to assist and the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. The 40 recipes
them in making wise and nutritious food choices to are quick, easy, tasty and economical.
sustain life and good health. As public officials in the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are deeply We hope that you will find the recipes and other
concerned that Americans not only have enough food information provided in this book useful. At the back
but also that the public has enough information to of the book is information on how to get more
know what food to purchase and how to prepare it. nutrition information. If you have comments or
suggestions, let us hear from you.
While a healthy diet is the cornerstone to good
health, meeting that goal can be a challenge. That is
why we are delighted to offer this publication to the
public. Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals is Shirley R. Watkins Rajen S. Anand, Ph.D.
more than a cookbook. The book provides basic Under Secretary Executive Director
cooking and food safety guidance. The menus Food, Nutrition and Center for Nutrition
presented here conform to the recommendations Consumer Services Policy and Promotion

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4

Tips for healthy, thrifty meals 5

Some best buys for cost and nutrition 8

Tips for healthy cooking 10

Keep your family’s food safe 11

Menus for 2 weeks of meals 13

Recipes 18

Food lists for 2 weeks of meals 69

Recipe list 74

3

INTRODUCTION

How can you serve healthy meals on a limited
budget? It takes some time and planning, but you
and your family can eat better for less. This booklet
can help you save money as you prepare healthy
meals. It contains
• Tips for planning, shopping, and cooking healthy
meals on a tight budget
• Sample menus for 2 weeks for breakfast, lunch,
dinner, and snacks
• Recipes for healthy, thrifty meals
• Lists of the foods needed for each weekly menu

4

TIPS FOR HEALTHY, THRIFTY MEALS

WHY PLAN MEALS? good use of leftovers. This can cut your cooking time
To help you and your family be healthier. When you and food costs.
plan meals, you can make sure you include enough
foods from each food group. Pay special attention to TIPS FOR PLANNING
serving enough vegetables and fruits in family meals. Build the main part of your meal around rice,
noodles, or other grains. Use small amounts of meat,
To help you balance meals. When you are serving a
poultry, fish, or eggs.
food with a lot of fat or salt, you can plan lowfat or
• For example, make a casserole by mixing rice,
low-salt foods to go with it. For example, ham is
vegetables, and chicken. Or try Beef-Noodle
high in salt. If you have ham for dinner, you also can
Casserole (p. 22) or Stir-Fried Pork and Vegetables
serve a salad or a vegetable that doesn’t need salt.
with Rice (p. 26).
To save money. If you plan before you go food
Add variety to family meals. In addition to cooking
shopping, you will know what you have on hand
family favorites, try new, low-cost recipes or food
and what you need. Also, shopping from a list helps
combinations.
you avoid expensive “impulse” purchases.
• For example, if you usually serve mashed potatoes,
To save time and effort. When you plan meals, you try Baked Crispy Potatoes (p. 49) or Potato Salad
have foods on hand and make fewer trips to the (p. 58) for a change.
grocery store. Planning also helps you make
continued

5

Make meals easier to prepare by trying new ways Plan snacks that give your family the nutrients
to cook foods. they need.
• For example, try using a slow cooker or crock-pot • For example, buy fresh fruits in season like apples
to cook stews or soups. They cook foods without or peaches. Dried fruits like raisins or prunes, raw
constant watching. vegetables, crackers, and whole wheat bread are
also good ideas for snacks.
Use planned leftovers to save both time and money.
• For example, prepare a Beef Pot Roast (p. 21),
TIPS FOR SHOPPING
serve half of it, and freeze the remaining half to use
Before you go shopping
later. You also can freeze extra cooked meats and
• Make a list of all the foods you need. Do this
vegetables for soups or stews.
in your kitchen so you can check what you have
Do “batch cooking” when your food budget and on hand.
time allow. • Look for specials in the newspaper ads for the
• For example, cook a large batch of Baked stores where you shop.
Meatballs (p. 20) or Turkey Chili (p. 39), divide it • Look for coupons for foods you plan to buy.
into family-size portions, and freeze some for meals But remember, coupons save money only if you
later in the month. need the product. Also, check if other brands
are on sale, too. They may cost even less than
the one with a coupon.

continued

6

While you shop Using label and shelf information
• When your food budget allows, buy extra low- • Read the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods.
cost, nutritious foods like potatoes and frozen Compare the amount of fat, sodium, calories, and
orange juice concentrate. These foods keep well. other nutrients in similar products. This can help
• Compare the cost of convenience foods with the you choose foods that have less fat, sodium or
same foods made from scratch. “Convenience calories, and more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
foods” are products like fancy baked goods, frozen • Use date information on packages—“sell by” and
meals, and vegetables with seasonings and sauces. “best if used by” dates—to help you choose the
Most of these cost more than similar foods freshest foods.
prepared at home. Also, you can use less fat, • Look for the unit price to compare similar foods.
sugar, and salt in food you make at home. It tells you the cost per ounce, pound, or pint, so
• Try store brands. They usually cost less than name you’ll know which brand or size is the best buy.
brands, but they taste as good and generally have Most stores show the unit price on a shelf sticker
the same nutritional value. just below the product.
• Take time to compare fresh, frozen, and canned
foods to see which is cheapest. Buy what’s on
special and what’s in season.
• Prevent food waste. Buy only the amount that your
family will eat before the food spoils.

7

SOME BEST BUYS FOR COST AND NUTRITION

BREADS AND GRAINS Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products.

Buy regular rice, oatmeal, and grits instead of the instant and
flavored types.

Try whole-grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety
to family meals.

VEGETABLES AND SALADS Look for large bags of frozen vegetables. They may be bargains and you can
cook just the amount you need, close the bag tightly, and put the rest back in
the freezer.

Foods at salad bars can be costly. Some food items—lettuce, cabbage, onions,
and carrots—usually cost less in the produce section of the store than at the
salad bar. But if you need only a small amount of a vegetable, buying at the
salad bar can save money if it reduces the amount you waste.

FRUITS Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less.

continued

8

MILK Nonfat dry milk is the least expensive way to buy milk. When using it as a
beverage, mix it several hours ahead and refrigerate so it can get cold before
drinking.

Buy fresh milk in large containers (gallon or 1/2 gallon). These generally cost
less than quarts.

Buy fat-free or lowfat milk to cut the amount of fat in your family’s meals.
Note that children under 2 years of age should be given only whole milk.

MEAT AND POULTRY Look for specials at the meat counter. Buying cuts of meat on sale can mean
big savings for you.

Buy chuck or bottom round roast instead of sirloin. These cuts have less fat
and cost less. They need to be covered during cooking and cooked longer to
make the meat tender.

Buy whole chickens and cut them into serving size pieces yourself.

DRY BEANS AND PEAS Use these sometimes instead of meat, poultry, or fish. They cost less and provide
many of the same nutrients. They are also lower in fat.

BULK FOODS Buy bulk foods when they are available. They can be lower in price than similar
foods sold in packages. Also, you can buy just the amount you need.

9

TIPS FOR HEALTHY COOKING

• Go easy on fat, sugar, and salt in preparing foods. • Remove skin from poultry before cooking to lower
For example, make Oven Crispy Chicken (p. 37) the fat content. For example, try Baked Chicken
instead of fried chicken or make Baked Cod with Nuggets (p. 34), Chicken and Vegetables (p. 36),
Cheese (p. 28) instead of fried fish. You don’t have or Oven Crispy Chicken (p. 37).
to leave out all the fat, sugar, or salt—just limit the • Always follow food safety rules in the kitchen
amount you use. to make sure that the food you prepare for your
• Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and other lowfat family is safe. See the next page.
seasonings instead of using rich sauces and gravy.
Look for ideas about what seasonings to use in
some of the recipes in this booklet, like Baked
Meatballs (p. 20), Baked Spicy Fish (p. 29), and
Turkey Chili (p. 39).
• Make homemade desserts sometimes to save
money and serve additional healthy foods to
the family. For example, try a fruit crisp, like
Peach-Apple Crisp (p. 65), or a pudding like
Rice Pudding (p. 67).

10

KEEP YOUR FAMILY’S FOOD SAFE

Clean—wash hands and surfaces often: • Never place cooked food on a plate or cutting
• Always wash hands with soap and warm running board that previously held raw meat, chicken,
water before handling food. turkey, or seafood.
• Always wash cutting boards, knives, utensils,
Cook—cook to proper temperatures:
dishes, and countertops used to cut meat with
• Use a food thermometer to make sure meats,
soapy, hot water right away—before you use them
chicken, turkey, fish, and casseroles are cooked to
for other foods.
a safe internal temperature.
• Consider using paper towels to clean up kitchen
• Cook roasts and steaks to at least 145° F.
surfaces. If you use cloth towels, dishcloths, or
• Cook ground meat to at least 160° F.
sponges, wash them often, and every time they
• Cook whole chicken or turkey to 180° F.
have touched raw meat, poultry, or seafood juices.
• Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm, not
Use hot soapy water or the hot water cycle of the
runny. Don’t use recipes in which eggs remain raw
washing machine.
or only partially cooked.
Separate—don’t cross contaminate: • Cook fish until it flakes easily with a fork.
• Store raw meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood in
a sealed, wrapped container in the refrigerator.
• Keep raw meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood away
from foods that will not be cooked and foods that
are already cooked. continued

11

Chill—refrigerate promptly:
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not on the
kitchen counter. You can also thaw foods under
cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Or, use a microwave oven.
• Refrigerate or freeze leftover foods right away.
Meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and egg dishes
should not sit out at room temperature for more
than 2 hours.
• Divide large amounts of leftovers into small,
shallow containers for quick cooling in the
refrigerator.
• Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below. Don’t
pack the refrigerator. Cool air needs to circulate
to keep food safe.

12

MENUS

These menus are not rigid guides and can be used in meats, poultry, and fish. Some convenience or ready-
any order. They give suggestions for thrifty food to-eat food items are included in the menus.
choices and healthy ways to prepare foods. The foods However, many of the foods are prepared from
used in the menus are a variety of commonly eaten “scratch” to keep cost as low as possible.
meats, milk products, vegetables, fruits, grain These menus and recipes are designed for a healthy
products, and mixed dishes. four-person family. The amount listed after each food
The daily menus show how you can combine a item is the total amount for a family with two adults
larger amount of less expensive foods, such as dry and two children 6 to 11 years old.
beans and grain products, with a smaller amount of

13

WEEK 1. MENUS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

BREAKFAST

Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c)
Ready-to-eat Banana (4) Cooked rice cereal Scrambled eggs (4) Ready-to-eat cereal Baked French toast Baked potato cakes
cereal (3 c flakes) Bagel (4) Bagel (4) Hash brown (3 c flakes) Cinnamon sugar White toast
Toasted English Margarine (4 tsp) Margarine (4 tsp) potatoes (2 c) English muffin (4) topping (4 tsp) (4 slices)
muffin (4) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Margarine (4 tsp) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)

LUNCH

Turkey patties Crispy chicken Turkey chili Turkey ham (11 oz, Potato soup Potato soup Baked fish (12 oz,
Hamburger bun (4) Potato salad Macaroni (2 c) 2 tbsp salad Snack crackers, Snack crackers, 4 tbsp salad
Orange juice (3 c) Orange gelatin Peach-apple crisp dressing) low salt (5 each) low salt (5 each) dressing)
Coleslaw (2 c) salad 1% lowfat milk (2 c) sandwiches (4) Tuna pasta salad Apple orange slices sandwiches (4)
1% lowfat milk (2 c) Peaches, canned (1 c) Orange juice (3 c) Baked beans Orange slices (2 c) (2 apples, Crispy potatoes
Rice pudding Banana slices (2 c) Oatmeal cookies 2 oranges) (2 c) Macaroni salad
Oatmeal cookies 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Rice pudding Melon (1-1/3 c)
Orange juice (3 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Orange juice (3 c)
1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)

continued

14


DINNER

Beef-noodle Turkey stir fry Baked cod Beef pot roast Beef pot roast (12 oz) Saucy beef pasta Turkey-cabbage
casserole Steamed rice (3 c) w/cheese Noodles (4 c) Noodles (4 c) White bread (4) casserole (8 c)
Lima beans (2 c) White bread Scalloped potatoes Peas and carrots (1 c) Green beans Canned pears (2 c) Orange slices (2 c)
Banana orange (4 slices) Spinach (1-1/3 c) Orange slices (2 c) (1-1/3 c) Orange juice (3 c) White bread
salad (2 bananas, Peach-apple crisp Margarine (4 tsp) Biscuits (8) Leaf lettuce 1% lowfat milk (2 c) (2 slices)
2 oranges) (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Chocolate pudding Margarine (4 tsp) (1-1/3 c) Chickpea dip
1% lowfat milk (2 c) (2 c) Rice pudding Salad dressing 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
1% lowfat milk (2 c) (4 tbsp)
Rice pudding
1% lowfat milk (2 c)

SNACK

White bread Orange juice (3 c) Crispy potatoes Lemonade (4 c) Biscuits (8) Lemonade (4 c)
(4 slices) Margarine (4 tsp)
Chickpea dip Lemonade (4 c)
Lemonade (4 c)

Recipes are provided for foods in bold typeface.

15

WEEK I1. MENUS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR

BREAKFAST

Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c)
Hash brown Ready-to-eat Bananas (1/2 c) Cooked rice cereal Ready-to-eat Scrambled eggs Melon (1-1/3 c)
potatoes (2 c) cereal Ready-to-eat White toast cereal (2 c) Pancakes (12)
Biscuits (8) (3 c toasted oats) cereal (4 slices) (3 c toasted oats) Turkey ham (11 oz) Pancake syrup
Margarine (4 tsp) White toast (3 c toasted oats) Margarine (8 tsp) White toast Bagels (4) (8 tbsp)
Jelly (8 tbsp) (4 slices) White toast 1% lowfat milk (2 c) (4 slices) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
Margarine (8tsp) (4 slices) Margarine (4 tsp)
1% lowfat milk (2c) Jelly (8 tbsp) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)

LUNCH

Chicken and Pizza meat loaf Tuna macaroni Hamburger (12 oz) Baked chicken Chicken noodle Meatball (12)
vegetables Noodles (4 c) salad sandwiches (4) nuggets soup sandwiches (4)
Scalloped potatoes Margarine (8 tsp) White bread Ranch beans Shoestring potatoes Biscuits (8) Grapes (12 oz)
Grapes (12 oz) Orange slices (2 c) (4 slices) Orange gelatin Macaroni (5 c) Canned peaches Sugar cookies
Whole wheat bread 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Margarine (4 tsp) salad Margarine (4 tsp) (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
(4 slices) Apple slices (2 c) Banana slices (1/2 c) Orange gelatin Orange juice (3 c) Orange juice (3 c)
Margarine (4 tsp) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) salad 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
Peach cake Cocoa drink mix 1% lowfat milk (2 c) Cocoa drink mix
1% lowfat milk (2 c) (2 oz) (2 oz)

continued

16


DINNER

Southwestern Spanish baked fish Stir-fried pork and Baked chicken Baked spicy fish Baked meatballs Cheese-stuffed
salad Steamed rice (6 c) vegetables with (10 oz) Noodles (4 c) Spaghetti and potatoes
Steamed rice (6 c) Peas (1-1/3 c) rice Mash potatoes Peas and carrots sauce (5 c) Macaroni (5 c)
Apple orange Whole wheat Dinner rolls (4) (6 c) (10 oz) Leaf lettuce (2 c) Peas (1-1/3 c)
salad (2 apples, bread (4 slices) Margarine (4 tsp) Green beans White bread Salad dressing Margarine (8 tsp)
2 oranges) (2 c) Margarine (8 tsp) Mandarin oranges (1-1/2 c) (4 slices) (4 tbsp) Orange slices (2 c)
Margarine (4 tsp) Peach cake (2 c) White bread Margarine (8 tsp) French bread 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) 1% lowfat milk (2 c) (4 slices) Chocolate rice (4 slices)
Margarine pudding 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
(5-1/3 tbsp) 1% lowfat milk (2 c)
Orange slices (2 c)

SNACK

Popcorn (6 c) Shoestring Popcorn (6 c) Chocolate rice Baked French fries Ice milk fudgesicle Popcorn (6 c)
potatoes Orange juice (3 c) pudding (11 oz) (4) Fruit drink (4 c)
Fruit drink (4 c) Fruit drink (4 c)

Recipes are provided for foods in bold typeface.

17

RECIPES

The following 40 recipes were developed for the Each recipe lists
2 sample weekly menus. Many of them combine • ingredients and preparation instructions,
larger amounts of less expensive foods with smaller • the number of servings it will make,
amounts of moderately priced foods. They also show • the size of each serving,
how you can prepare tasty, healthy meals with less • the amount of preparation time,
fat, sugar, and salt. Serve these recipes along with the • the amount of cooking time, and
other foods listed in each menu. You can also serve • the calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol,
them in meals with other foods your family likes. and sodium in a serving.

18

BAKED MEATBALLS
4 Servings, about 3 meatballs each, plus 4 servings 1. Preheat oven 400˚ F. Grease baking sheet lightly
for another meal with oil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil and onions to small skillet.
Onions, minced 1/4 cup Cook over medium heat, until tender, about
Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon 3 minutes.
Lean ground beef 2 pounds 3. Mix remaining ingredients together in bowl; add
Eggs 2 onions. Mix until blended, using a large serving
Bread crumb 3/4 cup spoon.
Whole milk 1/2 cup 4. Shape beef mixture into 1- to 2-inch meatballs;
Salt 1/8 teaspoon place on baking sheet.
Pepper 1/2 teaspoon 5. Bake until thoroughly cooked, about 10 to
Onion powder 2 teaspoons 12 minutes.
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon
Note: Serve with spaghetti sauce and in the
meatball sandwich.
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 10 TO 12 MINUTES PER SERVING:
Calories 345
Total fat 21 grams
Saturated fat 7 grams
Cholesterol 142 milligrams
Sodium 224 milligrams

20

BEEF POT ROAST
4 Servings, about 3 ounces beef each, plus 4 1. Simmer onion until tender in 2 tablespoons
servings for another meal water in heavy, deep skillet.
2. Add roast to skillet; brown on sides.
Onion, chopped 1/2 cup
3. Combine beef bouillon cube with 2 cups hot
Water 2 tablespoons
water; stir until dissolved.
Beef chuck roast, boneless 2-1/2 pounds
4. Combine orange juice, allspice, pepper, and beef
Hot water 2 cups
broth. Pour over meat. Cover and simmer,
Beef bouillon 1 cube about 2 hours.
Orange juice 2 tablespoons
Ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon PER SERVING:
Pepper 1/8 teaspoon Calories 220
Total fat 9 grams
PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES Cholesterol 91 milligrams
COOKING TIME: 2 HOURS Sodium 264 milligrams

21

BEEF-NOODLE CASSEROLE
4 Servings, about 2 cups each 1. Brown beef and onions in hot skillet; drain.
2. Place water in large saucepan; bring to rolling
Lean ground beef 1 pound boil. Cook noodles in boiling water for 10
Onions, chopped finely 1/2 cup minutes; drain and set aside.
Boiling water 3 quarts 3. Combine soup, water, and pepper. Stir into
Noodles, yolk-free, enriched, cooked meat. Add cooked noodles to meat
uncooked 2-3/4 cups mixture. Stir gently to avoid tearing the noodles.
Tomato soup, condensed 1 10-3/4-ounce can 4. Spoon beef-noodle mixture into 9- by 13-inch
Water 1-1/4 cups baking pan. Sprinkle bread crumbs over
Pepper 1/8 teaspoon beef-noodle mixture.
Bread crumbs 1 cup 5. Bake, uncovered, at 300˚ F, about 30 minutes.
PER SERVING:
PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES Calories 595
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES Total fat 18 grams

22

PIZZA MEAT LOAF
4 Servings, about 1/4 loaf each MICROWAVE METHOD
1. Cover turkey with waxed paper.
Ground turkey 1 pound
2. Cook on high; rotate plate 1/4 turn after 3
Spaghetti sauce 3/4 cup
minutes.
Mozzarella cheese, part-skim 1/4 cup
3. Cook until turkey no longer remains pink, about
Green peppers, chopped 1/2 cup
5 more minutes. Drain.
Onion, minced 1/4 cup
TO COMPLETE COOKING
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES 1. Top baked turkey with spaghetti sauce, cheese,
CONVENTIONAL COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES and vegetables.
MICROWAVE COOKING TIME: 8 MINUTES 2. Return turkey to either the conventional oven or
the microwave oven and heat until cheese is
1. Lightly grease 9-inch pie plate with vegetable melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
oil. Pat turkey into pie plate.
PER SERVING:
CONVENTIONAL METHOD Calories 255
1. Place turkey in 350˚ F oven; bake until turkey Total fat 14 grams
no longer remains pink, about 17 to 20 minutes. Saturated fat 4 grams

23

SAUCY BEEF PASTA 1. Place 1/2 cup of water in saucepan. Cover and bring
to boil. Add green beans, lower heat, and simmer until
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
Water 1/2 cup 2. Place onions and ground beef in skillet. Cook over
Green beans, frozen 1/2 10-ounce package medium heat; stir occasionally. Cook until beef no longer
remains pink, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain fat off.
Onions, minced 1/2 cup
Lean ground beef 1 pound + 6 ounces 3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain.
Noodles, yolk-free, 4. Combine cold water and flour; stir until smooth. Add
enriched, uncooked 6-3/4 cups flour mixture and beef bouillon cubes to ground beef.
Cook, stirring frequently until mixture has thickened
Cold water 2 cups
and bouillon cubes have dissolved, about 4 minutes.
Beef bouillon 2 cubes
5. Add cooked green beans, cooked noodles, pepper,
Flour 1/3 cup
parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon to ground beef mixture; stir to combine.
Dry parsley flakes 1 teaspoon
6. Place beef mixture in 8- by 12-inch baking pan; cover and bake
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon in 350˚ F oven until thoroughly heated, about 15 minutes.
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
PER SERVING:
Calories 605
PREPARATION TIME: 25 MINUTES Total fat 22 grams
COOKING TIME: ABOUT 35 MINUTES Saturated fat 8 grams

24

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD
4 Servings, about 1/2 cup beef mixture, 1/2 cup 1. Cook ground beef and onions in a large skillet
lettuce and cheese mixture each until the beef no longer remains pink. Drain.
2. Stir chili powder, oregano, and cumin into beef
Onions, chopped 1/2 cup mixture; cook for 1 minute.
Lean ground beef 1 pound
3. Add beans, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Mix gently
Chili powder 1 tablespoon to combine.
Dry oregano 2 teaspoons
4. Combine lettuce and cheese in large serving
Ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon bowl. Portion lettuce and cheese onto 4 plates.
Canned kidney beans, red, drained 1 cup Add 1 cup of beef mixture on top of lettuce and
Canned chickpeas, drained 1 15-ounce can cheese.
Tomato, diced 1 medium
Note: Garbanzo bean is another name for
Lettuce 2 cups chickpea.
Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup
PER SERVING:
Calories 485
Total fat 22 grams
COOKING TIME: 10 TO 15 MINUTES

25

STIR-FRIED PORK AND VEGETABLES WITH RICE 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in skillet. Add broccoli,
carrots, onions, and garlic powder. Cook until
4 Servings of pork and vegetables, about 1/2 cup crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from
each. 4 Servings of cooked rice, about 2 cups each skillet. Add mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute and
set aside.
Chicken broth, reduced sodium 2 cups
Hot water 2 cups 3. Heat second tablespoon of oil in skillet. Add
pork; cook until pork no longer remains pink.
Rice, uncooked 2 cups
Drain liquid.
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons
4. Add soy sauce and stir until mixed; add
Broccoli cuts, frozen 2 cups
vegetables to pork mixture. Cook until heated,
Carrots, cleaned, sliced thinly 1 cup about 1 to 2 minutes.
Onions, minced 1/4 cup
5. Serve pork mixture over cooked rice.
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Canned mushrooms, drained 1/2 cup Note: Sodium level can be reduced from 799
Ground pork 1 pound + 7 ounces milligrams to 532 milligrams by reducing soy sauce
from 4 to 2 tablespoons.
Soy sauce 4 tablespoons
PER SERVING:
Calories 860
Total fat 33 grams
1. Heat broth and water to a boil in sauce pan; Cholesterol 108 milligrams
add rice and return to boil. Reduce heat to low Sodium 799 milligrams
and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.

26

BAKED COD WITH CHEESE
4 Servings, about 3 ounces each 1. Thaw cod according to package directions.
2. Prepare cod according to package directions.
Cod fillets, fresh or frozen 1 pound
3. After cod is fully cooked, sprinkle cheese on
Cheddar cheese, shredded 4 tablespoons
cod. Return cod to oven to melt cheese, about
3 to 5 minutes.
COOKING TIME: 15 MINUTES PER SERVING:
Calories 155
Total fat 5 grams

28

BAKED SPICY FISH
4 Servings, about 3 ounces each 1. Thaw frozen fish according to package
directions.
Cod fillets, fresh or frozen 1 pound 2. Preheat oven to 350˚ F.
Paprika 1/4 teaspoon
3. Separate fish into four fillets or pieces. Place fish
Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon in ungreased 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan.
Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon
4. Combine paprika, garlic and onion powder,
Pepper 1/8 teaspoon pepper, oregano, and thyme in small bowl.
Ground oregano 1/8 teaspoon Sprinkle seasoning mixture and lemon juice
Ground thyme 1/8 teaspoon evenly over fish. Drizzle margarine evenly over
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon fish.
Margarine, melted 1-1/2 tablespoons 5. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about
20 to 25 minutes.
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES PER SERVING:
COOKING TIME: 25 MINUTES Calories 140
Total fat 5 grams
Saturated fat 1 gram

29

SPANISH BAKED FISH
4 Servings, about 3 ounces each 1. Thaw frozen fish according to package
directions.
Perch fillets, fresh or frozen 1 pound 2. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Lightly grease baking
Tomato sauce 1 cup dish.
Onions, sliced 1/2 cup 3. Separate fish into four fillets or pieces. Arrange
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon fish in baking dish.
Chili powder 2 teaspoons 4. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour
Dried oregano flakes 1 teaspoon over fish.
Ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon 5. Bake until fish flakes easily with fork, about
10 to 20 minutes.
COOKING TIME: ABOUT 10 TO 20 MINUTES
PER SERVING:
Calories 135
Total fat 1 gram
Saturated fat Trace

30

TUNA MACARONI SALAD
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each 1. Place water in large saucepan and bring to boil.
Add macaroni and cook until tender, about 6 to
Elbow macaroni, uncooked 1 cup 8 minutes. Drain.
Canned tuna, water-pack, drained 2 6-ounce cans 2. Combine macaroni, tuna, eggs, celery, and
Eggs, hard cooked, finely diced 4 carrots in a large bowl.
Celery, chopped 1/4 cup 3. Stir together salad dressing, onion, and pepper.
Carrots, grated 3/4 cup Spoon dressing over salad; toss until evenly
Salad dressing, mayonnaise-type 1/2 cup combined.
Onion, minced 2 tablespoons 4. Chill until ready to serve.
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon
PER SERVING:
Calories 520
COOKING TIME: 8 TO 10 MINUTES Saturated fat 5 grams

31

TUNA PASTA SALAD
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Drain.
Macaroni, uncooked 2 cups 2. Drain tuna.
Tuna, canned, water-pack 2 6-1/2-ounce cans
3. Wash vegetables. Chop zucchini; slice carrots
Zucchini, chopped 1/2 cup into thin slices; dice onions.
Carrots, sliced 1/4 cup
4. Mix macaroni, tuna, and vegetables together in
Onions, diced 1/3 cup mixing bowl. Stir in salad dressing.
Salad dressing, mayonnaise-type1/4 cup
5. Chill until ready to serve.

Total fat 13 grams

32

BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS
4 Servings, about 3 ounces each 1. Remove skin and bone; cut thighs into bite-sized
pieces.
Chicken thighs, boneless, skinless 1-1/2 pounds 2. Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush by
Ready-to-eat cereal, cornflakes, crumbs 1 cup using a rolling pin.
Paprika 1 teaspoon 3. Add remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes.
Italian herb seasoning 1/2 teaspoon Close bag tightly and shake until blended.
Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon 4. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb
Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon mixture. Shake to coat evenly.

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES CONVENTIONAL METHOD
CONVENTIONAL COOKING TIME: 12 TO 14 MINUTES 1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F. Lightly grease a cooking
MICROWAVE COOKING TIME: 6 TO 8 MINUTES sheet.
2. Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they
are not touching.
3. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 14
minutes.

continued

34

MICROWAVE METHOD: Note: To remove bone from chicken thighs:
1. Lightly grease an 8- by 12-inch baking dish. 1. Place chicken on cutting board. Remove skin
2. Place chicken pieces on baking dish so they are from thighs.
not touching. Cover with waxed paper and cook 2. Turn chicken thighs over.
on high. 3. Cut around bone and remove it.
3. Rotate chicken every 2 to 3 minutes. Cook until
tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. PER SERVING:
Calories 175
Total fat 8 grams

35

CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES
4 Servings, about 1 cup each 3. Place frozen green beans, pepper, and cooked
onions in same skillet. Cover and cook over
Margarine 1-1/2 tablespoons medium-low heat until beans are tender, about
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon 5 minutes.
Onions, chopped 1/2 cup 4. Add chicken to vegetable mixture. Continue
Chicken thighs, cooking, stirring occasionally, until heated
boneless, skinless 1 pound + 4 ounces through, about 3 minutes.
Cut green beans, frozen 10-ounce package Note: To remove bone from chicken thighs:
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon 1. Place chicken on cutting board. Remove skin
from thighs.
PREPARATION TIME: 6 MINUTES 2. Turn chicken thighs over.
COOKING TIME: 25 MINUTES 3. Cut around bone and remove it.
1. Melt margarine in heavy skillet. Add garlic and PER SERVING:
onions; stir until blended. Cook over medium Calories 190
heat, until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove Total fat 11 grams
from skillet. Saturated fat 3 grams
2. Place chicken in the skillet. Cook over medium Cholesterol 57 grams
heat, until chicken is thoroughly done and no Sodium 109 milligrams
longer pink in color, about 12 minutes. Remove
chicken from skillet; keep warm.
36

OVEN CRISPY CHICKEN
4 Servings, about 4 ounces each 3. Lift chicken pieces from milk and reserve milk.
Coat chicken thoroughly with seasoned flour
Broiler fryer chicken, cut-up 1 1/2 pounds and place on a wire rack until all pieces have
Whole milk 1/4 cup been coated. Redip chicken pieces into reserved
Flour 1/2 cup milk.
Paprika 1 teaspoon 4. Place crushed cereal on plate. Place chicken
Pepper 1/2 teaspoon pieces on crushed cereal. Using 2 forks, turn
Ready-to-eat flake cereal, chicken pieces in crushed cereal to coat.
slightly crushed 1 cup 5. Place chicken on a foil-lined baking tray;
Vegetable oil 4 tablespoons drizzle oil over chicken.
6. Bake at 400˚ F, for 15 minutes. Turn chicken
pieces over; continue to bake until chicken is
thoroughly cooked and crust is crisp, about
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES
15 more minutes.
1. Remove skin and all visible fat from chicken. PER SERVING:
Place milk in large bowl. Add chicken pieces; Calories 350
turn to coat. Total fat 15 grams
2. Combine flour, paprika, and pepper on a plate. Saturated fat 4 grams

37

TURKEY-CABBAGE CASSEROLE
4 Servings, about 2 cups each 1. Place shredded cabbage in a lightly greased
2-quart casserole dish.
Cabbage, shredded 1 cup 2. In skillet cook turkey until browned and no
Ground turkey 1 pound longer pink in color. Add chopped onions; stir
Onions, chopped 1/2 cup occasionally and cook 3 minutes. Add uncooked
White rice, uncooked 1 cup rice to cooked turkey.
Tomato sauce 2 cups 3. Place turkey-rice mixture over cabbage in
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon casserole dish.
Ground oregano 1/2 teaspoon 4. Combine tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano.
Pour over cooked turkey.
PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES 5. Cover and bake at 350˚ F, about 1 hour.
PER SERVING:
Calories 380
Total fat 11 grams

38

TURKEY CHILI
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each 1. In large sauce pan, cook turkey and onions in
margarine until turkey is browned and no longer
Ground turkey 1 pound pink in color, about 9 minutes. Drain; return
Onion, minced 3/4 cup turkey and onions to pan.
Margarine 2 tablespoons 2. Add remaining ingredients except the cheese to
Water 3 cups turkey mixture; bring to boil, stirring frequently.
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes,
Chili powder 1 tablespoon stirring occasionally.
Dry parsley flakes 1 tablespoon 3. Uncover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring
Paprika 1 teaspoon occasionally.
Dry mustard 2 teaspoons 4. Serve over cooked macaroni.
Canned red kidney beans, drained 1 15-1/2-ounce can 5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cheese over each
Tomato paste 1 6-ounce can serving of chili.
Pearl barley 1/2 cup
PER SERVING:
Cheddar cheese, shredded 3/4 cup Calories 540
Total fat 26 grams
PREPARATION TIME: 30 MINUTES Saturated fat 9 grams
COOKING TIME: 70 MINUTES Cholesterol 104 milligrams

39

TURKEY STIRFRY
4 Servings, about 1/2 cup each 2. Combine broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch in
small bowl. Set aside.
Chicken bouillon cube 1 3. Heat oil in skillet over high heat. Add garlic and
Hot water 1/2 cup turkey. Cook, stirring, until turkey is thoroughly
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons cooked and no longer pink in color.
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon 4. Add carrots, zucchini, onion, and water to
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons cooked turkey. Cover and cook, stirring
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp,
Turkey, cubed 1 pound about 5 minutes. Uncover, bring turkey mixture
Carrots, thinly sliced 1-3/4 cups to boil. Cook until almost all liquid has
Zucchini, sliced 1 cup evaporated.
Onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup 5. Stir in cornstarch mixture. Bring to boil, stirring
Hot water 1/4 cup constantly until thickened.
Note: Serve over steamed rice.
Total fat 9 grams
1. Combine chicken bouillon cube and hot water Saturated fat 2 grams
to make broth; stir until dissolved. Cholesterol 44 milligrams

40

TURKEY PATTIES
4 Servings, 1 patty each 1. Mix ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, onions,
and mustard in large bowl. Shape into 4 patties,
Ground turkey 1 pound + 4 ounces about 1/2-inch thick.
Bread crumbs 1 cup 2. Melt margarine in large skillet over low heat.
Egg 1 Add patties and cook, turning once to brown
Green onions, chopped 1/4 cup other side. Cook until golden brown outside and
Prepared mustard 1 tablespoon white inside, about 10 minutes. Remove from
Margarine 1-1/2 tablespoons skillet and place onto plate.
Chicken broth 1/2 cup 3. Add chicken broth to skillet, and boil over high
heat until slightly thickened, about 1 to 2
minutes. Pour sauce over patties.
4. Serve on buns.
PER SERVING:
Calories 305
Total fat 18 grams

41

CHEESE-STUFFED POTATOES MICROWAVE METHOD:
1. Pierce potatoes by using fork prongs.
4 Servings, two potato halves each
2. Cover potatoes with waxed paper. Heat on high
Baking potatoes 4 (8 ounces each) until tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Lowfat cottage cheese 7/8 cup
Whole milk 2 tablespoons TO STUFF POTATOES:
Onion, minced 2 tablespoons 1. Slice each potato in half, lengthwise. Using a
Paprika 1/4 teaspoon spoon, scoop out pulp, leaving about 1/4-inch
thick shells, saving pulp.
2. Blend cheese, milk, and onion. Add potato pulp;
PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES mix until light and fluffy.
CONVENTIONAL COOKING TIME: 30 TO 45 MINUTES
MICROWAVE COOKING TIME: 5 TO 10 MINUTES 3. Fill potato halves with mixture. Sprinkle paprika
over potatoes.
1. Scrub potatoes and remove any blemishes. Note: Return to oven or microwave to reheat, for
a few minutes, if desired.
TO BAKE:
CONVENTIONAL METHOD: PER SERVING:
1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F. Calories 250
Total fat 1 gram
2. Place potatoes in oven and bake until tender, Saturated fat 1 gram
about 30 to 40 minutes. Cholesterol 5 milligrams

43

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each, plus 4 servings 1. Heat oil over medium heat in large sauce pan.
for another meal Add minced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic
powder. Cook until onions are tender, about 3
Vegetable oil 1 teaspoon to 5 minutes.
Onion, minced 1/2 cup 2. Sprinkle flour and oregano over vegetables; cook
Carrots, diced 1/2 cup about 1 minute.
Celery, sliced 1/2 cup 3. Stir in chicken broth and potatoes. Cover and
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
Flour 1/8 cup 4. Add chicken, milk, and noodles. Cover and
Dried oregano flakes 1/4 teaspoon simmer until noodles are tender, about 10
Chicken broth, reduced sodium 3 cups minutes.
Potatoes, peeled, diced 2 cups
PER SERVING:
Chicken, cooked, chopped 1/4 cup
Calories 205
Whole milk 1/2 cup Total fat 4 grams
Noodles, yolk-free, enriched, Saturated fat 1 grams
uncooked 1 cup Cholesterol 8 milligrams

45

POTATO SOUP
4 Servings, about 1 cup each, plus 4 servings for 1. Place onions and potatoes in sauce pan. Cover
another meal with water and bring to boil. Simmer until soft,
about 10 minutes. Drain.
Onion, chopped 3/4 cup (1 medium) 2. Melt margarine in saucepan. Add flour and stir
Potatoes, peeled, diced 4-1/2 cups until smooth. Heat to thicken.
Margarine 1 tablespoon 3. Add onions and potatoes to milk mixture, and
Flour 3 tablespoons heat to serving temperature.
Whole milk 1 quart
PER SERVING:
Calories 190
COOKING TIME: 15 MINUTES Saturated fat 3 grams

46

VEGETABLES AND DIPS

47

BAKED BEANS
4 Servings, about 3/4 cup each 1. In small (1 quart) casserole dish, combine beans,
catsup, and brown sugar.
Canned vegetarian beans 3 cups 2. Cover and bake at 350˚ F until bubbly, about
Catsup 1/4 cup minutes.
Brown sugar 2 tablespoons
PER SERVING:
Calories 220
PREPARATION TIME: 5 MINUTES Total fat 1 gram
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES Saturated fat Trace
Cholesterol 0

48

BAKED CRISPY POTATOES
4 Servings, about 1/2 cup each, plus 4 servings 1. Lightly coat a 7- by 12- by 1-inch pan with oil.
for snack 2. Wash potatoes; cut in half lengthwise.
Potatoes 4 pounds 3. Place cut sides of potatoes on the oiled pan; rub
potatoes in the oil; turn potatoes over so that
cut sides are facing up.
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
4. Mix cumin and red pepper together; sprinkle
Red pepper 1/4 teaspoon
over potatoes.
5. Bake at 400˚ F until potatoes are golden brown
PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES and tender, about 20 minutes.
PER SERVING:
Calories 170
Total fat 5 grams
Cholesterol 0

49

POTATO CAKES
4 Servings, 1 cake each 1. Mix mashed potatoes, egg, flour, and milk
thoroughly.
New potatoes, cooked, 2. Shape into flat cakes, about 1/2-inch thick.
peeled, mashed 2 cups
3. Heat oil in skillet.
Egg 1
4. Add potato cakes to hot skillet. Cook until
Flour 1 tablespoon
golden brown and thoroughly heated.
Whole milk 2 tablespoons
Vegetable oil 1/4 cup PER SERVING:
Calories 210
Total fat 15 grams

50

RANCH BEANS
4 Servings, about 1 cup each CONVENTIONAL METHOD:
1. Place all ingredients in saucepan and heat
Green pepper, chopped 1/4 cup thoroughly, about 10 minutes.
Canned vegetarian beans 1-3/4 cups
Canned kidney beans, red, drained 1-3/4 cups MICROWAVE METHOD:
Catsup 2 tablespoons 1. Place all ingredients in microwave-safe bowl.
Molasses 2 tablespoons Cover with waxed paper. Cook on high; stirring
Dried onion 1/2 teaspoon every 2 minutes; cook about 5 minutes.
PER SERVING:
COOKING TIME: 5 TO 10 MINUTES Total fat 1 gram
Saturated fat Trace
Cholesterol 0

51

SCALLOPED POTATOES
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each 1. Wash potatoes; peel and slice into thin slices.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of margarine in heavy, deep
Potatoes 2 pounds skillet. Remove skillet from heat; spread half of
Margarine 2 tablespoons potato slices in skillet.
Onions, sliced 1 cup 3. Cover potatoes with onions. Sprinkle half of
Flour 3 tablespoons flour and pepper over potato mixture.
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon 4. Add remaining potato slices, flour, and pepper.
Whole milk 2 cups Cut 1 tablespoon of margarine into small pieces
and place on top of potato mixture.
PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES 5. Pour milk over potato mixture; bring to boil
COOKING TIME: 15 MINUTES over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low,
cover, and cook until potatoes are tender, about
15 minutes.
PER SERVING:
Calories 305
Total fat 10 grams

52

SHOESTRING POTATOES
4 Servings, about 6 ounces each 1. Preheat oven to 450˚ F.
2. Wash potatoes; cut lengthwise into thin strips.
Potatoes 1-1/2 pounds
3. Combine remaining ingredients in plastic bag.
Put potatoes in bag; seal; shake to coat potatoes.
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
4. Arrange potatoes in single layer on baking sheet.
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon
5. Bake until crisp and golden, about 30 minutes.

Total fat 14 grams
Cholesterol 0

53

CHICKPEA DIP
4 Servings, about 3 tablespoons each, plus 4 1. Mash chickpeas in a small bowl until they are
servings for another meal or snack. smooth.
2. Add oil and lemon juice; stir to combine.
Canned chickpeas, drained 1 15-1/2-ounce can
3. Add chopped onions and salt.
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon 4. Serve on bread or crackers.
Onions, chopped 2 tablespoons Note: Garbanzo bean is another name for
Salt 1/2 teaspoon chickpea.
PER SERVING:
Total fat 4 grams
Saturated fat Trace
Cholesterol 0

54

MACARONI SALAD
4 Servings, 1-1/2 cups each 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Drain and cool.
Elbow macaroni, uncooked 12 ounces 2. Combine green pepper, salad dressing, and
Green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup spices.
Salad dressing, mayonnaise-type 1/4 cup 3. Add macaroni and toss lightly. Chill.
Pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon PER SERVING:
Calories 430
Total fat 13 grams
COOKING TIME: 8 TO 10 MINUTES Cholesterol 0

56

ORANGE GELATIN SALAD
4 Servings, 3/4 cup each 1. Place water in a saucepan; sprinkle gelatin over
water. Let stand 2 minutes.
Gelatin, unflavored 3 1/4-ounce packages 2. Heat gelatin mixture until it dissolves (mixture
Cold water 2-1/4 cups will be clear), about 3 to 4 minutes.
Orange juice, concentrate 3/4 cup 3. Remove from heat; add orange juice concentrate
and mix.
PREPARATION TIME: 5 MINUTES 4. Pour into 9- by 9-inch pan and refrigerate until
COOKING TIME: 3 TO 4 MINUTES firm, about 2 to 3 hours.
5. Cut into 1-inch squares.
PER SERVING:
Calories 100
Total fat Trace
Saturated fat Trace
Cholesterol 0

57

POTATO SALAD
4 Servings, 1-1/2 cups each 1. Wash potatoes; place in sauce pan. Cover with
water and bring to boil. Simmer until soft, about
Potatoes, washed, peeled 1 pound (4 medium) 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
Onion, diced 1 cup 2. Dice onion and chop celery; combine with pickle
Sweet pickle relish 1/4 cup relish.
Celery, chopped 1/2 cup 3. Add salad dressing to pickle mixture.
Salad dressing, 4. Cube potatoes and blend with dressing.
mayonnaise-type 1/2 cup
5. Cover and chill several hours.

Total fat 24 grams
Cholesterol 0

58

BAKED FRENCH TOAST
4 Servings, about 2 slices each 1. Lightly grease a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan.
Cut each slice of bread into 2 even strips.
White bread 8 1/2-inch-thick slices Arrange bread strips in pan.
Eggs 5 2. In large bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla
Whole milk 1-1/2 cups with an electric mixer on low speed until well-
Sugar 1/4 cup blended, about 5 minutes.
Vanilla 1/2 teaspoon 3. Pour egg mixture over bread strips; cover. Chill
4 to 24 hours.
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES 4. Preheat oven to 425˚ F. Bake until eggs are set
COOKING TIME: 30 TO 40 MINUTES and toast is lightly browned, about 30 to 40
minutes.
5. Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Topping.
PER SERVING:
Calories 460
Total fat 23 grams

60

COOKED RICE CEREAL
4 Servings, 1 cup each 1. Cook rice according to instructions on the
package.
White rice, uncooked 1-1/2 cups 2. Combine warm cooked rice, milk, sugar, and
1% lowfat milk 2 cups cinnamon. Stir and serve.
Sugar 1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon PER SERVING:
Calories 250
Total fat 2 grams
PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES Saturated fat 1 gram

61

CHOCOLATE RICE PUDDING
4 Servings, about 2/3 cup each, plus 4 servings for 1. Place milk, rice, and sugar in large saucepan.
another meal Simmer over medium heat; stir continuously.
2. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered until rice
Whole milk 1 quart is tender, about 25 minutes. Check to make sure
White rice, uncooked 2/3 cup rice doesn’t scorch. Add chocolate and stir until
Sugar 1/2 cup melted.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup 3. Beat eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, flour, and
Eggs 2 vanilla in medium bowl until smooth. Gradually
Evaporated whole milk 1/2 cup beat egg mixture into rice mixture.
Sugar 1/2 cup 4. Stir continuously; cook over medium heat until
Flour 1-1/2 tablespoons thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not allow
Vanilla 1 teaspoon pudding to boil.
5. Pour pudding into medium bowl. Cover and
chill.
PER SERVING:
Calories 325
Total fat 9 grams

63

OATMEAL COOKIES
4 Servings, 2 cookies each, plus 4 servings for 3. Slowly add egg; mix on medium speed 1 minute.
another meal or snack Gradually add applesauce and milk; mix on
Sugar 3/4 cup medium speed, 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl.
Margarine 2 tablespoons 4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda,
Egg 1 and cinnamon. Slowly add to applesauce
Canned applesauce 1/4 cup mixture; mix on low speed until blended, about
1% lowfat milk 2 tablespoons 2 minutes. Add oats and blend 30 seconds on
low speed. Scrape sides of bowl.
Flour 1 cup
Baking soda 1/4 teaspoon 5. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet, about
2 inches apart.
Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Quick rolled oats 1 cup + 2 tablespoons 6. Bake until lightly browned, about 13 to 15
minutes. Remove from baking sheet while still
warm. Cool on wire rack.
COOKING TIME: 13 TO 15 MINUTES EACH BATCH PER SERVING:
Calories 215
1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F and lightly grease cookie Total fat 4 grams
sheets. Saturated fat 1 gram
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium
speed to mix sugar and margarine. Mix until
well blended, about 3 minutes.

64

PEACH-APPLE CRISP
4 Servings, about 1/2 cup each, plus 4 servings for 1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Lightly grease 9- by
another meal 9- by 2-inch casserole dish.
2. Combine peaches, apples, vanilla, and cinnamon
Canned sliced peaches, in a bowl. Toss well and spread evenly in
light-syrup pack, drained 20 ounces greased casserole dish.
Apples, tart, peeled, sliced 2 medium 3. Combine flour and sugar in small bowl. Cut in
Vanilla 1/2 teaspoon margarine with two knives until the mixture
Ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon resembles coarse meal.
Flour 3/4 cup + 3 tablespoons 4. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over fruit.
Brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup 5. Bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about
Margarine, chilled 3 tablespoons 20 minutes.
PER SERVING:
Calories 175
Total fat 5 grams
Cholesterol 0

65

PEACH CAKE
8 Servings, about 2- by 2-inch piece each 1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Lightly grease 8- by
8-inch pan.
Canned peaches, light-syrup 2. Spread peaches in baking pan. Mix remaining
pack, drained and chopped 2 1/4 cups ingredients, except brown sugar and milk,
(29-ounce can) together in mixing bowl; spread over top of
Sugar 1/2 cup peaches.
Flour 1 cup 3. Bake until toothpick inserted into cake comes
Egg 1 out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Baking soda 1 teaspoon 4. For topping, combine brown sugar and milk in
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons small bowl. Drizzle mixture on top of cake;
Vanilla 1 teaspoon return cake to oven, and bake 2 to 3 minutes.
Brown sugar, firmly packed 2 tablespoons 5. Cut into 8 pieces
Whole milk 2 teaspoons
PER SERVING:
Calories 205
COOKING TIME: 30 TO 35 MINUTES Saturated fat 1 gram

66

RICE PUDDING
4 Servings, about 1/4 cups each, plus 4 servings for 1. In sauce pan, heat milk and water.
another meal or snack 2. Add rice, bring to boil, lower heat to simmer;
stir mixture every 10 minutes. Cook uncovered
Whole milk 1 cup until rice is tender, about 30 minutes.
Water 1 cup
3. In large bowl, mix eggs, 3/4 cup evaporated
Rice, uncooked 1 cup milk, vanilla, and sugar. Set aside.
Eggs 2
4. Add remaining 1/4 cup evaporated milk to rice
Evaporated milk 1 cup mixture.
Vanilla 1 teaspoon
5. Spoon 1 cup of rice mixture into egg mixture
Sugar 1/4 cup and stir. Pour egg-rice mixture into remaining
Ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon rice.
6. Heat pudding until it boils, stirring continuously.
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES Remove from heat, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
PER SERVING:
Calories 190
Total fat 5 grams

67

SUGAR COOKIES
4 Servings, 3 cookies each, plus 4 servings for 1. Preheat oven to 375˚ F.
another meal or snack 2. Mix margarine and powdered sugar together
thoroughly.
Margarine 1/3 cup
3. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until blended. Add
Powdered sugar 2/3 cup
dry ingredients and blend well.
Eggs 2
4. Shape dough into 24 one-inch balls and place on
Vanilla 1/2 teaspoon
ungreased cookie sheets. Crisscross balls by
Flour 1 cup using fork prongs.
Baking powder 1/2 teaspoon
5. Bake until lightly brown, about 10 minutes.
Baking soda 1/8 teaspoon
PER SERVING:
Calories 190
Total fat 10 grams
COOKING TIME: ABOUT 10 MINUTES EACH BATCH

68

FOOD LISTS

The following two food lists show you all of the • IMPORTANT: The food lists are not shopping
foods you would need to prepare each week of lists. Your shopping list will contain only those
sample menus on pages 14 to 17 for a family of four. items that you do not have on hand. Also,
sometimes you may need to buy more food than
the menu or recipe calls for because of the package
size.
• The food lists contain large amounts of nutritious,
low-cost foods such as potatoes, macaroni, and
rice. Foods with little or no nutritional value—such
as soft drinks, coffee, and tea—are not included.
• Depending on where you live and shop and the
season of the year, the cost of foods on the lists
will vary.

continued

69

WEEK 1: FOOD FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR
FRUITS AND Canned: BREADS, CEREALS, Ready-to-eat cereal
VEGETABLES Applesauce 2 oz AND OTHER GRAIN (flakes) 6 oz
Fresh: Peaches 1 lb 10 oz PRODUCTS Barley, pearl 4 oz
Apples (6 small) Pears 13 oz Bagels, plain, Flour, enriched l lb 8 oz
1 lb 8 oz Green beans 12 oz enriched (8) 1 lb Macaroni, enriched
Bananas (11 medium) Spinach 10 oz Bread crumbs 2 oz 1 lb 11 oz
2 lb 12 oz Tomato paste 6 oz Bread, white, Noodles, yolk-free,
Melon 1 lb Tomato sauce 1 lb 1 oz enriched 2.2 lb enriched 2 lb 3 oz
Oranges (26 small) Tomato soup 10.5 oz English muffins 8 Rice, enriched 2 lb 5 oz
5 lb 7 oz Bread, French,
Frozen:
Cabbage 4 oz enriched 8 oz MILK AND CHEESE
Orange juice,
Carrots 1 lb 4 oz Hamburger buns, Evaporated milk16 fl oz
concentrate
Celery 3 oz enriched 8 Milk, 1% lowfat
(8) 12-oz cans
Green pepper 3 oz Crackers, snack, 2-1/2 gal
Green beans 5 oz
Lettuce, leaf 4 oz low salt 4 oz Milk, whole 3 qt
Peas 5 oz
Onions 2 lb 8 oz Oatmeal, quick, Cheese, cheddar 8 oz
Potatoes 11 lb 14 oz rolled oats 3 oz
Zucchini 7 oz
continued

70

MEAT AND MEAT Beans, garbanzo OTHER FOOD ITEMS Dry mustard
ALTERNATES (chickpeas), canned (Small amounts are Gelatin, unflavored
Beef chuck roast 2.5 lb 10 oz used in preparing the Lemon juice, bottled
Beef, ground, lean 2.4 lb Eggs, large 15 recipes and other foods Onion powder
Chicken, fryer 1.5 lb in the menu, purchase Oregano
Fish FATS AND OILS as needed.) Paprika
Breaded portions, Margarine, stick 7 oz Baking powder Parsley flakes
frozen 1 lb Shortening 2 oz Baking soda Salt
Cod, frozen 1 lb Salad dressing, Beef bouillon cubes Soy sauce,
Tuna fish, chunk-style, mayonnaise-type 1 lb Black pepper, reduced sodium
water-pack 12 oz Vegetable oil 9 fl oz red pepper Sweet pickle relish
Turkey breast 2 lb 4 oz Catsup Vanilla
Turkey, ground 2 lb SUGARS AND SWEETS Chicken bouillon cubes Vinegar
Turkey ham (deli) 11 oz Sugar, brown 2 oz Chili powder
Beans, kidney, Sugar, granulated 1 lb Cinnamon
canned 1 lb 11 oz Chocolate pudding, Cornstarch
Beans, lima, dry 6 oz instant 3 oz Cumin
Beans, northern, Lemonade
canned 9 oz (ready-to-drink) 1 gal

continued

71

WEEK 2: FOOD FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR
FRUITS AND Canned: BREADS, CEREALS, Macaroni, enriched
VEGETABLES Oranges, mandarin AND OTHER GRAIN 1 lb 5 oz
Fresh: 13 oz PRODUCTS Noodles, yolk-free,
Apples (5 small) Peaches, light-syrup Bagels, plain, enriched 1 lb 2 oz
1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 10 oz enriched (4) 8 oz Popcorn, microwave,
Bananas (11 medium) Mushrooms 4 oz Bread crumbs 3 oz unpopped 3 oz
2 lb 12 oz Spaghetti sauce 26 oz Bread, French, Rice, enriched 3 lb 2 oz
Grapes 1 lb 8 oz Tomato sauce 8 oz enriched 4 oz Spaghetti, enriched
Melon 1 lb Bread, white, 11 oz
Frozen:
Oranges (22 small) enriched 2 lb
Orange juice,
4 lb 12 oz Bread, whole-wheat 1 lb MILK AND CHEESE
concentrate
Carrots 1 lb Hamburger buns, Evaporated milk 4 oz
(7) 12-oz cans
Celery 5 oz enriched 8 Milk, 1% lowfat 9 qt
Broccoli 6 oz
Green pepper 4 oz Rolls, dinner, enriched 4 Milk, whole 4 qt
French fries 11 oz
Lettuce, leaf 9 oz Ready-to-eat cereal: Cheese, cheddar 2 oz
Green beans 1 lb 7 oz
Onions 1 lb 4 oz Corn flakes 1 oz Cheese, cottage 7 oz
Peas 15 oz
Potatoes 10 lb 8 oz Toasted oats 10 oz Cheese, mozzarella 1 oz
Tomatoes 6 oz Flour, enriched l lb 7 oz
continued

72

MEAT AND MEAT Beans, kidney, Jelly 8 oz Chicken broth, reduced
ALTERNATES canned 15 oz Molasses 1 fl oz sodium
Beef, ground, Beans, vegetarian, Pancake syrup 2 oz Chili powder
lean 3 lb 15 oz canned 1 lb 9 oz Chocolate chips, Cinnamon
Chicken, Eggs, large 17 semi-sweet 2 oz Chocolate drink mix,
fryer 1 lb 13 oz Fruit drink 1 gal powdered
Chicken, thighs 2 lb 12 oz FATS AND OILS Fudgesicles, ice milk 4 Cumin
Fish (flounder, cod), Margarine, stick 15 oz Dried onion
frozen 2 lb Shortening 4 oz OTHER FOOD ITEMS Garlic powder
Tuna fish, chunk-style, Salad dressing, (Small amounts are Gelatin, unflavored
water pack 12 oz mayonnaise-type used in preparing the Italian herb seasoning
Pork, ground 1 lb 7 oz 6 fl oz recipes and other foods Lemon juice, bottled
Turkey, ground 1 lb Vegetable oil 9 fl oz in the menu, purchase Oregano
Turkey, ham 11 oz as needed.) Paprika
Beans, garbanzo SUGARS AND SWEETS Baking powder Salt
(chickpeas), Sugar, brown 1 oz Baking soda Soy sauce, reduced
canned 15 oz Sugar, powdered 3 oz Black pepper sodium
Sugar, granulated 9 oz Catsup Vanilla

73

RECIPE LIST
MAIN DISHES Poultry VEGETABLES BREADS AND
Beef and Pork Baked chicken nuggets 34 AND DIPS HOT CEREALS
Baked meatballs 20 Chicken and vegetables 36 Baked beans 48 Baked French toast 60
Beef pot roast 21 Oven crispy chicken 37 Baked crispy potatoes 49 Cooked rice cereal 61
Beef-noodle casserole 22 Turkey-cabbage Potato cakes 50
Pizza meat loaf 23 casserole 38 Ranch beans 51 DESSERTS
Saucy beef pasta 24 Turkey chili 39 Scalloped potatoes 52 Chocolate rice pudding 63
Southwestern salad 25 Turkey stirfry 40 Shoestring potatoes 53 Oatmeal cookies 64
Stir-fried pork and Turkey patties 41 Chickpea dip 54 Peach-apple crisp 65
vegetables with rice 26 Peach cake 66
Vegetarian
SALADS Rice pudding 67
Fish Cheese-stuffed potatoes 43
Macaroni 56 Sugar cookies 68
Baked cod with cheese 28
Orange gelatin 57
Baked spicy fish 29 SOUPS
Potato 58
Spanish baked fish 30 Chicken noodle 45
Tuna macaroni salad 31 Potato 46
Tuna pasta salad 32

74

HOW WERE THESE MENUS
AND RECIPES DEVELOPED?
The menus and recipes in this booklet show one
way to meet nutrition recommendations from
the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA
Food Guide Pyramid, and the 1989 Recommended
Dietary Allowances. These menus and recipes
specifically show ways you can cut back on fat,
sugars, and salt on a limited food budget.

The list of foods and amounts used for these menus
and recipes reflect the amount of food that could be
used for 1 week for a four-person family with two
adults and two children ages 6 to 11. Pregnant or
nursing women and others with special health
conditions may use these menus and recipes also, but
may need additional foods or supplements.

75

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of U.S. Department of Agriculture
the staff at the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
and Promotion in the development of this 1120 20th Street, N.W.
publication. We also wish to recognize the invaluable Suite 200, North Lobby
contributions of the Pennsylvania State University, Washington, DC 20036-3406
the contractor that developed and tested the menus,
food lists and recipes. Finally, we appreciate the This publication may be purchased in single copies
internal reviews conducted by the staff of the Food through the Government Printing Office at (202)
and Nutrition Service, the USDA Dietary Guidance 512-1800. Call for price.
Working Group, the DHHS Nutrition Policy Board
Some nutrition materials, including this publication, the
Committee on Dietary Guidance, and the external
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Food Guide
review conducted by the nutrition specialists with the
Pyramid booklet, may be accessed through the CNPP
University of Wyoming, University of Florida, and
website at www.usda.gov/cnpp
Colorado State University.
For additional advice on maintaining a healthful diet,
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NUTRITION you may contact your county extension home economist
Contact USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and (Cooperative Extension System), or a nutrition profess-
Promotion. The address is: ional in your local health department, hospital, Ameri-
can Red Cross, dietetic association, or private practice.

76

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family
status. (Not all bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication of program information
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

United States Department of Agriculture
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

May 2000
CNPP-11

Healthy, thrifty meals

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