STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One day soon, the deadline will come -- Feb. 20 is the final day to enter the Advance's annual Cookbook contest. So, et your recipes ready to send them into us and we can put together a collection of what's cooking in Staten Island's kitchens.

Last year, the Advance rolled out a way to think about the Cookbook, then a 43-year-old tradition highlighting the borough's best home cooks -- plus a few from off the island. The contest has become a seasonal one built upon your inspiration with the seasons, with your garden, as the chilly weather sets in and as the traditions in your family have dictated.

The 2017 competition has a strong visual component and we ask that you submit your entries (use the form below) along with an image of your creation. You can do that with your phone, by sharing Facebook or Instagram images, or sending in a print. If you're a home cook looking to break out as a pro or a food blogger hoping to garner more of a following on social media, this could be a great opportunity.

And we're not just talking about food -- this contest wants your drink recipes as well.

On a foggy night when a hot toddy seems appropriate, jot down the formula. When Thanksgiving leftovers turn into a spectacular casserole, send in the steps. And when that need to cook inspires a great feast, turn your hobby into a chance to win $1,000. Turn the elixir into $500. Those are some of the prizes we are offering in the 2017 contest.

The

features no set categories -- we want to see what you come up with in these next few months.

Each week, we'll toss out an ingredient that could motivate a recipe submission. So, pay mind to the articles set to come around the Cookbook. The contest ends on Feb. 20, 2017.

Here's what to expect: Although it is not mandatory, you are encouraged to send photos to accompany your dish and our new online entry makes that easy to do (you can also email them to silvestri@siadvance.com).

Submitted recipes will be published online within a few days of entry. Six lucky cooks from each season will be chosen as finalists. One person also will be chosen as a "Cocktail" champ per season.

The Grand Prize winner of the cooking contest will win $1,000 in cash from the Advance and all finalists will receive swag from our sponsors. The cocktail category finalist will win $500 and is open to professional mixologists as well.

The contest, due to the cocktail portion, is open to all cooks who are 21 years and older.

The Cookbook Taste-off event, slated for Sunday, March 19, 2017, from noon to 5 p.m. In the past it has been a Saturday morning event. However, as it has developed in recent years with new sponsors and a booze component, the Taste-off seemed more fitting for a weekend afternoon. The Advance and judges will determine final winners at that event.

We encourage you to be creative and send in original recipes, as well as passed down family recipes that have not yet been published.

Once you enter all the required information below, press submit in the entry box. After completing the form, your page will refresh so be sure to scroll back down and make sure you received a confirmation message!

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Are you getting excited yet? We are!

Have questions? Send them to silvestri@siadvance.com and you'll have your burning food and Cookbook queries answered.