The Freezer Aisle Is Beckoning

The winter months can be tough for many reasons, one of which is the lack of diversity found in the produce section at the grocery store — can you say "root vegetables galore"? Man cannot, and should not, exist on parsnips alone, especially when just a few aisles over, frozen foods picked at the peak of freshness and the height of ripeness are plentiful. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't indulge in the best of summer's produce bounty. And we're not just talking fruit for your smoothies; in the freezer section, you'll find a vast array of quality ingredients, prepped and packaged with convenience in mind. A trip down this magical aisle also leads to a wide world of ethnic cuisine, with meals that are perfectly portioned and ready at a moment's notice; no more trekking out in the snow for that curry dish you've been craving. Here's a roundup of chef-inspired recipes, made easy by starting with a variety of frozen foods, brought to you by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association.

Guiltless dessert — is there such a thing? If there is, it's definitely the Pavlova, a traditional Russian dessert that's made from meringue and topped with frozen berries that are always in season. Try this mini version for a bite-size dessert that really satisfies your sweet tooth while being easy on your New Year's resolutions.

Think Italian wedding soup meets pasta fagioli when contemplating this sure-to-please wintertime recipe. And let's be honest, the convenience of frozen meatballs plus melted, mouthwatering cheese in a broth-y bowl really just can't be bad.

No wok? No worries. Any pan will do when working with these prepackaged stir-fry staples. Add some fresh ginger and soy sauce, and you've got a quick and easy dinner — no passport required!