Market holiday schedule

The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation has announced that the following farmers’ markets will be closed during the holidays:

» Kailua Farmers’ Market: Closed tomorrow

» Kapiolani Community College Farmers’ Market: Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

MORSELS

Class unlocks magic of squash

Learn how to use one of the world’s healthiest foods, winter squash, in five delicious ways during a cooking class conducted by Leslie Ashburn of Macrobiotic Hawaii. It will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Baby aWEARness store in Manoa Marketplace.

Pumpkin Wedges with Sage, Indian Spiced Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pasta, Pumpkin with White Beans and Pumpkin Mousse will be featured.

Another cooking class, on Dec. 12, will concentrate on fermented foods.

Classes are $40. Call 398-2695 or visit www.macrobiotichawaii.com.

New book details palate of Maui

The latest in a series of "What Hawaii Likes to Eat" cookbooks comes from chef Tylus Pang who, with the help of Gail Ainsworth, has put together "What Maui Likes to Eat."

Recipes include Ginger Hoisin Hibachi Rack of Haleakala Lamb, Poi Waffle Dogs, and Gingered Coconut and Poha Berry Ginger Fingerprint Cookies. There are also recipes from such guest chefs as Hali’imaile General Store’s Bev Gannon.

Upcoming book signings:

» Noon Sunday: Borders Books & Music, Maui Marketplace
» 11 a.m. Dec. 5: Costco Iwilei
» Noon Dec. 11: Costco Maui
» 2 p.m. Dec. 19: Barnes & Noble, Lahaina

Eat healthfully during holidays

HMSA is sponsoring free workshops on food safety and calorie awareness to help folks get through the holiday season without compromising their health.

Dates and times: 12:15 p.m. next Wednesday, Windward YMCA, 1200 Kailua Road; 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Mililani YMCA, 95-1190 Hikikaulia St.; and 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Nuuanu YMCA, 1440 Pali Highway.

Call 432-9220.

Innovative chef shares vegan tips

Mark Reinfeld, founding chef of the Blossoming Lotus Restaurant on Kauai, returns to Hawaii to offer a 10-day intensive class on the art of vegan and raw food preparation.

Reinfeld, who has more than 20 years of experience preparing creative vegan and raw foods, is the author of four cookbooks on the subject.

The hands-on training will take place in a private home in Honolulu beginning Jan. 10. Each day of the training is devoted to a specific type of food preparation, with the last three days focused exclusively on raw foods.

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 to 14 and 17 to 21. Cost is $1,500 per person ($1,200 kamaaina). Call (808) 822-0820 or visit veganfusion.com.

Big Isle winners are bee’s knees

The Big Island Beekeepers Association recently held its first Hawaiian Honey Challenge in Hilo, and the results are in:

» Overall winner: Jenny Bach of Papa’aloa’s Bee Love Apiaries. Her honey from fruit, citrus and palm flowers in lower Puna outpaced all other competitors in judging based on aroma, appearance, taste and texture.
» Liquid honey: Miki Macs’ Francis and Joyce Takahashi of Lihue. Their honey from macadamia nut, citrus and tropical blossoms was harvested in Kalaheo.
» Peoples’ Choice: Liquid lehua and dragon fruit honey from Shawn Harris of Hawaiian Acres’ Wao Kele Farm.

There were 33 entries from 14 commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.