Leave it to Martha. I should have known the quintessential domestic diva would come through when I needed some holiday inspiration, especially a little holiday inspiration of the green and red variety

That’s right — it’s time for The Star’s annual holiday cookie contest.

I love seeing all the great recipes that come in each year, and I always wonder what the trends will be.

Will we see bar cookies or cut-outs? Recipes with unusual flavor combinations or a return to tradition? Cookies to dunk in milk or ones to wow the guests at a holiday party?

All of the above, most likely. But I was at a loss lately when I went looking for some interesting cookies to try ahead of time. My recipe box is filled with the go-to favorites the family loves: sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip.

I tend to prefer cookies on the savory side, with herbs and a bit of spice, so I started there. But a recipe for a cheddar-pepper- paprika cookie reminded us more of Goldfish crackers, nice for a cocktail nibble, but not what you’d call a cookie.

That’s when I turned to Martha, and last year’s release, “Martha Stewart’s Cookies” (Clarkson Potter, $24.95), provided plenty of inspiration. In fact, her Lime Meltaways just might find their way into the recipe box with the regulars.

After a summer of making mojitos and caipirinhas, I’ve become enamored of the fragrant flavor of limes, and Martha’s little meltaways, flavored with lime juice and zest, were a sweet reminder of summer evenings on the front porch.

And that’s the best part of a cookie recipe, or any dish really, the memories it evokes, the season it brings to mind.

So sort through your recipe box and find your own seasonal favorite. We’re looking for cookies with great taste, good looks and that special “holiday quality.”

Here’s how to enter

To submit an entry — one per person, please — go to www.indystar.com/recipes. Or mail your entry on 81/2-by-11-inch paper to Holiday Cookie Contest, Tina Swarens, The Indianapolis Star, P.O. Box 145, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0145. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number and any anecdotes on the cookie’s history.

We’ll accept entries today through Nov. 6; finalists will be notified by Nov. 13. But be ready to bake — all finalists must drop off three dozen cookies to The Star’s Downtown office by 10 a.m. Nov. 30 for judging later that day.

Look for the winning recipes in Taste in December.