It's book-signing time for authors eager to capture holiday sales. Kaui Philpotts, author of "Party Hawai'i" (Mutual, hardcover, $27.95), will appear at the Honolulu Academy of Arts shop, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday; besides being a writer and entertaining expert, she's an academy docent.

I'll be signing my new book, "Entertaining Island Style" (Island Heritage, closed spiral, $15.95) at noon Saturday at Borders, Waikele, and at 2 p.m. that day at Borders, Ward Centre. The first book, "The Island Plate," is still available online (www.honoluluadvertiser.com) for $20; if you want them signed, bring them down to Borders.

— Wanda A. Adams

RECIPE CONTEST

DEVISE A DISH THAT PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON TOMATOES

The growers of Hamakua Springs tomatoes are hosting a best-tomato-recipe contest, with original recipes due Jan. 30. Categories are preserves/condiments, entrees, soups/bisques. Top prize is $350; $300 second place; $250 third place. The first cut will be made on the basis of the recipe; five from each category will be prepared by chefs Allan Okuda and Sandy Barr, and their students from Hawai'i Community College Food Services. Rules and details: www.hamakuasprings.com. Judges: chef Alan Wong; HCC chancellor Rockne Freitas; UH Board of Regents member Marlene Hapai; food writers Sonia Martinez, Joan Namkoong and Audrey Wilson; HCC continuing education director Randy Nunokawa — and me.

— Wanda A. Adams