I think that if you have frozen vegetables on hand, you might as well try to roast them as cook them any other way -- I would thaw them and blot off as much water as possible, then toss with olive oil and kosher salt and roast at high heat. What have you got to lose, if you've already got the frozen vegetables? I still buy frozen peas and corn, though -- and chopped spinach for recipes.

I keep frozen peas, green beans and corn in the freezer all the time. Corn, is from the farmers market, that I freeze myself. I chop green, red and yellow peppers for winter use too, but also as a time saver. It's nice to be able to grab what I need, already chopped. To go with our New Years ham tomorrow, I'll be making creamed red potatoes and peas. The peas will be from the freezer, no other choice, we have to have our "peas for prosperity"! Another favorite here is peas and peanuts. All that is, is frozen peas with about an equal amout of salted redskin peanuts and a little mayo to bind. You don't cook the peas, just rinse in a colander under cold running water. This is a local favorite from a very nice resturant that has been in business for about 40 years. Just thinking about it is making me hungry for some... Frozen corn I sometimes doctor with a little hvy cream and a pinch of sugar. Brussels sprouts are another veg that I pick up frozen in the winter, especially when fresh is really expensive or when I'm just plain lazy. Plain with butter is fine, but make a very tasty side dish with B sprouts, maple syrup and bacon. Add a chopped apple if you have one that needs to be used. Yummy! Nancy

I have made the 2 following crock pot recipes on several occasions. Last weekend both recipes were used for our annual neighborhood party. Both entrees were made at 7 houses. The 56 attendees gave both rave reviews. Chicken Merlot with Mushrooms Slow cooked and savory, this dish is perfect for any night of the week, and is sure to become a staple in your home.–Shelli McWilliam of Salem, Oregon TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. Cook: 4-5 hours on low YIELD:5 servings Ingredients * 3/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms * 1 large onion, chopped * 2 garlic cloves, minced * 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs * 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste * 3/4 cup chicken broth * 1/4 cup merlot or additional chicken broth * 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca * 2 teaspoons sugar * 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon pepper * 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese * Hot cooked pasta, optional Directions * 1. Place the mushrooms, onion and garlic in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with chicken. * 2. In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, broth, wine, tapioca, sugar, basil, salt and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender. * 3. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with pasta if desired Sesame Pork Ribs Recipe No one ever believes how little effort it takes to make these tender, juicy ribs. The flavor of the lightly sweet and tangy sauce penetrates through the meat as the ribs simmer in the slow cooker. -Sandy Alexander, Fayetteville, North Carolina TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 4-5 hours on low YIELD:6 servings Ingredients * 3/4 cup packed brown sugar * 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce * 1/2 cup ketchup * 1/4 cup honey * 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar * 3 garlic cloves, minced * 1 teaspoon salt * 1 teaspoon ground ginger * 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes * 5 pounds bone-in country-style pork ribs * 1 medium onion, sliced * 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted * 2 tablespoons chopped green onions Directions * 1. In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Add ribs and turn to coat. Place the onion in a 5-qt. slow cooker; top with ribs * 2. and sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meat is tender. * 3. Place ribs on a serving platter; sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Yield: 5 servings.

Amazingly, I just got a call from Costco on my vm, telling me that their records show I purchased a product in the recall (frozen organic peas). I don't use them often and think it was quite a while ago that I bought them, but of course had just fed them to my grandson and his little playmates on Tuesday! Well, they are all still standing, thank goodness. I really hate being tracked by technology for any reason, but I have to say I was relieved and happy to receive this call. I purchased them so long ago, I didn't imagine they were part of the recall. Yay, Costco!!