Here are my thoughts on the Times Free Press holiday recipe contest. They’re three good reasons to send your recipe in.

1. For starters, it’s a really good publication. While recipes aren’t tested, it’s one way to get hundreds of time-honored recipes, the kind that appear in community cookbooks, some of all the cooks’ favorites.

2. Another thing: People need new recipes when the publication is released near the holidays. That’s a given. I get tired of the same old party fare year after year.

3. Finally, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll win one of the four $100 gift grocery store gift certificates. I’m trying to decide between Bi-Lo and Publix. We’ve gone with Bi-Lo for years, so Publix might be a nice change of pace. However, at the present, there is just one Publix open. By the holidays, though, there should be at least one more and maybe two. So, which gift certificate would you like to win. E-mail and let me know. And, heed this advice to give you a better chance of winning: Send in something different that isn’t too difficult and uses trendy ingredients. Those are the kind of recipes that seem to win most often from year to year.

Good luck. E-mail me your recipes and mark them as “holiday recipe contest.” Be sure to include your name, hometown and phone number.