Something's cooking in the area

Need some holiday meal ideas?

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Calumet City Post 8141 will present their annual holiday cooking demonstration and a yummy sampling buffet from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $25 and include a recipe booklet featuring demonstrated dishes, the sampling buffet, wine and other beverages. Door prizes will also be featured. Chef Kathy Simkus will take the helm during the demonstration and showcase a variety of dishes in addition to giving cooking tips and shopping advice. FYI: To RSVP, contact Kathy Simkus at (708) 439-9071.

Don't forget to bake those winning cookies

The Downtown Hammond Council is still seeking entries for its annual cookie contest.

The Downtown Hammond Council will present "A Christmas Story" Holiday Cookie Baking Contest Saturday in downtown Hammond at Hohman, Sibley and Fayette. The contest is part of the 5th annual Holiday Kick-off Celebration: A Tribute to "A Christmas Story." The entire holiday event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. while cookie contest judging runs from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at First Midwest Bank. Winner will be announced at 3:45 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Contestants should bring a copy of their recipes with their cookies. Categories are: Best Old Fashioned/Traditional; Best No Bake/Texture; and Creative Use of Ingredients.

If you pre-register by today, entry fee is $5 per batch. Fee will be $10 on day of contest. Entries may be included in two categories. For rules and more information, visit www.downtownhammond.org.

Toast to holidays with beer/wine event

Don't miss Theatre at the Center's "Beer & Wine Tasting and Theatre" event today. The event will take place at the center, 1040 Ridge Road, in Munster, in conjunction with TAC's latest production "Plaid Tidings."

Tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. Please join me at this fun gathering where I'll chat with attendees about entertaining ideas for the season. Hors' d'oeuvres will also be served to complement featured spirits. Performance of the musical production follows at 8 p.m. Cost is $15 for the tasting in addition to theater ticket.  FYI: (219) 836-3255.