GOOD TASTES.

CHICKEN ENTREES

Foster Farms recently introduced a line of single-serve fresh chicken entrees called Simply Fresh. Each 13-ounce package comes with a fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast and various vegetables, sides and sauces -- and takes just 5 minutes to steam-cook in a microwave oven (due to Smart Steam, a proprietary steam pressure microwave cooking technology that allows food to cook evenly and quickly). An additional two minutes standing time is required before eating. Available in three flavors -- Mushroom Marsala Chicken, Herb Chicken and Chicken Bruschetta -- total fat ranges from 4.5 to 9 grams per entree (none contain any trans fat) and calories from 260 to 370 each. All tasted fresh and were a breeze to prepare, but our favorite was the Bruschetta with herb-rubbed chicken topped with chopped tomatoes and accompanied with wild rice pilaf and fresh carrot slices and green beans. It had excellent flavor, the vegetables were colorful and crisp, and the chicken was moist and tender. We'd definitely buy. The Herb Chicken was disappointing only because of an odd, unpleasant spice flavor. I'd suggest they reconfigure the spice mixture for more universal appeal. The Marsala with asparagus, mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce was delicious (a tad salty for my taste) but lacked eye appeal, which a sprinkling of finely chopped greens like parsley would most likely improve. Look for them with a retail price of $8.49 per two-entree pack in the refrigerator section at select Costco locations, including Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Northridge and Burbank.

-- Natalie Haughton

SALAD SPRITZERS

Unilever has introduced Wish-Bone Salad Spritzers to its Wish-Bone dressings line. The Spritzer vinaigrette dressings come packaged in 7-ounce spray bottles and are available in three flavors -- Balsamic Breeze Vinaigrette Dressing; Italian Vinaigrette Dressing and Red Wine Mist Cabernet Vinaigrette. Each bottle, with 1 calorie per spray, is designed to dress 26 (1-cup) salads, each with 10 sprays (a 1-cup serving, as noted on the bottle) containing 1 gram fat. The first three ingredients listed on the bottle of balsamic vinaigrette are water, balsamic vinegar and high fructose corn syrup. I thought the idea was lame -- I couldn't even taste several sprays of balsamic vinaigrette on an individual salad serving. I'd prefer a drizzle of balsamic or a squeeze of lemon juice on my salad any day, if I'm counting calories, as they have much more -- and better -- flavor. While the concept may be good for some, it doesn't work for me. See what you think. Suggested retail price is $2.89 per bottle.

-- N.H.

SALMON STEAKS

Bumble Bee has introduced already cooked, Prime Fillet Pink Salmon Steaks in 4-ounce easy-open, vacuum-sealed foil pouches. Available in two flavors -- Teriyaki or Lemon & Dill -- you simply heat them in the microwave oven (covered for 30 seconds), on the stove-top in a nonstick skillet (1 to 2 minutes per side) or in a preheated 350-degree oven, covered, 10 minutes. Each pouch makes 1 serving and contains 150 to 160 calories and 3 to 4.5 grams fat. Suggested retail price is $2.99 per pouch.

-- N.H.

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(1) no caption (Simply Fresh)

(2) no caption (Wish Bone Salad Spritzers)