deep freeze

A CROP OF HIP FROZEN FOOD ENTRIES EMERGING FROM THE DEEP FREEZE MAY MAKE CONVERTS OF EVEN STALWART FOODIES

Most foodie types take a dim view of frozen entrees. No wonder, after years of niblet corn and Salisbury steak on a tin plate, or airline-size portions of rubbery chicken divan. But now, a crop of hip new entrees is emerging from the deep freeze.

The advantages of frozen dinners? A well-designed frozen entree may save you from the perils of take-out Chinese or fat-laden drive-through burgers. Freezing does little to damage the nutrient profile of most foods. And paired with a green salad and fresh fruit, a frozen entree can be downright nutritious.

Try these superior selections, and you'll wonder why you ever slaved over a hot stove.

INDIAN: Indian food is all about the sauce, and sauces freeze well, especially when they're laced with intense, exotic spices. And because Indian food is so resplendent with these heady sauces, vegetarian varieties abound. Serve your selection hot out of the oven with chai tea, hot naan-Indian flat bread, also available in the freezer section-and begin chanting "Om."

THAI: Like Indian, Thai food is all about the sauce-usually pungent and flavorful curries and coconut blends. And because these sauces aren't based on butter and cream, they're a little lighter and fresher, and usually dairy free. You'll find an impressive selection of frozen Thai entrees, from lemongrass and basil chicken to classics like pad Thai. Garnish with chopped cilantro and basil, and serve with hot or iced lemongrass tea.

PIZZA: If ever variety existed, it's in the frozen pizza aisle. You'll find wheat- and gluten-free pizzas with crusts crafted from corn, rice, or spelt; dairy-free versions topped with soy or rice cheese, or no cheese at all. There's a whole array of gourmet pizzas, topped with roasted vegetables, barbecued chicken, pesto, feta-you get the picture. Add a big green salad and break out the Yahtzee-instant pizza night!

VEGETARIAN: These savory slections range from simple pasta dishes, like baked ziti, to the blatantly gourmet, like risotto portobello di Milano. You'll find lots of organic options here, as well as vegan varieties. As for frozen veggie burgers, the selections are impressive. They come fashioned from soy, wheat gluten, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and brown rice. They're also available wheat and soy free. Throw one on the grill, top it with guacamole or sauteed mushrooms, and serve with sweet potato fries and a salad of baby greens.

KIDS: Here's the great thing about pint-size diners: If the frozen pasta or potatoes are a bit mushy, they don't care, as long as there's a picture of Elmo on the package, or the food is shaped like dinosaurs. Some selections include a whole meal complete with side dishes arranged in compartments, which kids love. Never mind that the broccoli will likely stay on the plate (or be fed to the dog), it's a good way to make the point that vegetables are food too. You'll find a nice selection of gluten- and dairy-free favorites, like mac and cheese, and organic meat dishes.

[Sidebar]

ETHNIC GOURMET'S PAD THAI WITH SHRIMP made with succulent shrimp and savory veggies, noodles, and sauce; and PALAK PANEER with spinach and cubes of homemade cheese.

AMY'S frozen gourmet organic rice flour crust pizzas in CHEESE and SPINACH. The spinach version is dairy and gluten free.

EARTH'S BEST'S SESAME STREET MINI CHEESE RAVIOLI with organic durum wheat and ricotta cheese is an excellent source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.