Foods in a flash.

Fast, healthy meals from your freezer

Do the words "frozen foods" conjure up images of tinfoil trays with brownish-gray meatloaf and mushy potatoes? If so, let your freezer door open wide to the whole new world of natural frozen foods. They're organic, lower in fat and sodium, and downright sophisticated. Here's a peek at new frozen foods.

CREATIVE WAYS WITH FROZEN FOODS

The contents of the average freezer look something like this: a handful of ice cubes, half a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a few freezer-burned chicken breasts and a forgotten bag of frozen peas. Sound familiar? If so, it's time to get creative with the polar regions of your fridge. Some suggestions:

* Stock a variety of veggies to fortify any meal with quick color and nutrients. Add them to soups and casseroles, or steam them and toss with a handful of fresh herbs and olive oil for fast, flavorful side dishes.

* Keep a supply of frozen berries to toss into smoothies or on cereal. Freeze grapes and chunks of melon for refreshing, nutrient-packed snacks. For an alternative to ice cream, peel bananas, roll them in chopped walnuts and freeze.

* A few healthy frozen desserts can make your freezer more fun and can satisfy late-night cravings. Look for lower-fat versions of premium ice cream made with natural sweeteners and organic milk or milk substitutes. Store a natural frozen cake or pie for festivities, and make a special meal more festive by serving cordial glasses of gelato or sorbet between courses.