The Hamakua Springs Country Farm"You Say Tomato" recipe contest is in search of your best tomato recipes in three categories: entree, salad and preserves/condiments. First-place awards are $350 in Makana Card gift certificates redeemable at Foodland and Sack 'N Save stores; three prizes will be given in each category for a value of $2,700. The top three winners will receive a personal tour of Hamakua Springs farm in Pepe'ekeo on the Big Island (airfare and ground transportation provided for off-island winners).

Deadline for entries is Jan. 31, and complete rules are posted at www.hamakuasprings.com. The contest is open to Hawai'i residents, and ingredients must be widely available.

FINE TIME ON MAUI

READY-TO-EAT MEALS YOU CAN PICK UP, TAKE HOME

Prepared-foods stores have been slow to get started in the Islands. On the cutting edge is Maui's two-month-old John Paul Fine Foods, 81 Makawao Place, Pukalani; (808) 572-7100. Owner John Paul said he opened the store he wanted to shop in: "Here on Maui, especially Upcountry, you plan your menu and then you go all over the island shopping, and then you come home and revise your menu because you can't find what you need. So this was really the market I was looking for because I love to entertain."

John Paul offers both "Comfort Foods" (chicken pot pie, lasagna, shepherd's pie) and "Gourmet Fare" (osso buco, crab cakes, smoked shrimp). The comfort-foods line is stocked daily while the gourmet line changes. Cheese and charcuterie offerings also are available. And there's a deli, too.