No more "hidden" grocery price increases: Some manufacturers are hacking off large-enough chunks that the decrease is visible to the naked eye. National brands of "premium" ice cream, including Dreyer's and Breyers, for example, reduced packages from 1.75 quarts (56 ounces) to 1.5 quarts (48 ounces). That's two 1/2-cup servings — a whopping 14 percent — less. (So far, Blue Bunny and some store brands have not followed suit.)

- McClatchy-Tribune News Service

MAUI COOKBOOK

CHEAP EATS INCLUDED

More from the Neighbor Island front: "Taste of Maui," a cookbook ($18.95, hardcover) from the Maui Culinary Academy at Maui Community College, offers recipes from 'ahi poke to twists on tradition — lemongrass creme brulee, anyone? Academy graduates, instructors and friends in the business contributed to the book, which features many dishes served in the student-run Pa'ina Food Court and Leis Family Class Act Restaurant, noted by The San Francisco Chronicle as serving up the "best cheap eats on Maui"; 808-984-3225 or www.mauiculinary.com/academy.

FINAL WORD

"Every night we eat in the dining room with candles and fabric napkins. I believe in treating any meal with your family — not just holidays — as a special occasion, because hanging out with the people you love is a special occasion."

Deborah Norville , "Inside Edition" anchorwoman, in this month's Family Circle