Week of March 30, 2008

SUNDAY (Family) -- Make BALSAMIC-MARINATED FLANK STEAK for family day. Place 1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak in a resealable plastic bag with 1/2 cup balsamic salad dressing; turn to coat. Refrigerate 6 to 24 hours. Remove steak; discard marinade. Grill, uncovered, 17 to 21 minutes for medium-rare to medium. Carve crosswise into thin slices and serve.

Alongside, add BEAN AND BARLEY SALAD (see recipe), steamed FRESH BROCCOLI and CRUSTY ROLLS. Buy a LEMON MERINGUE PIE for dessert.

PLAN AHEAD: Save enough pie for Monday.

SHOPPING LIST: flank steak, balsamic salad dressing, quick-cooking barley, canned navy beans, fresh cilantro, tomatoes, green onions, canned corn, avocado, celery, walnuts, walnut or olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, fresh broccoli, crusty rolls, lemon meringue pie.

MONDAY (Budget) -- Try something new and be frugal at the same time with PERUVIAN QUINOA PORK STEW (see recipe). Serve the unusual stew ...