Cookies, cooking, coffee

A food lover's guide to the Triangle and beyond

The East Regional Library in Knightdale is hosting a holiday cookie contest.

Adults and teenagers interested in competing should call 217-5300 by Monday to register. And those interested in eating should show up at the library at 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

On that day, each contestant will be bring two dozen cookies, which will be tasted by a panel of judges. The judges will choose winners in the categories of taste, creativity, appearance and presentation. Then the public can taste the cookies and choose a crowd favorite. Contestants need to deliver their cookies by 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

Cook like a chef

A Southern Season has a pair of cooking classes next month that will surely banish the taste of turkey.

Suvir Saran, a chef/co-owner of Devi, a highly regarded Indian restaurant in New York, will teach two classes.

The first class is slated for 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and will pull from his new cookbook, "American Masala: 125 New Classics from My Home Kitchen."

The second, at 6 p.m. Dec. 4, will be based on his other cookbook, "Indian Home Cooking: A Fresh Introduction to Indian Food with more than 150 recipes."

Each class costs $50. To make a reservation, call 929-7133 or go to www.southernseason.com.

Coffee for a cause

Counter Culture Coffee in Durham has released a holiday coffee blend that will help fund a development project in Sumatra. Proceeds will benefit a new coffee school for farmers; the roaster works with farmers to develop their skills and enhance their incomes. Counter Culture Coffee can be purchased at Whole Foods Markets, Weaver Street Markets, A Southern Season, Helios, Parker and Otis, Foster's Market locations and other local cafes and markets who sell Counter Culture Coffee. Or go to www.counterculturecoffee.com.