vegan shreds winner and upcoming classes at natural gourmet institute

"We love Galaxy Vegan Shreds, but we're too tired to stay up to hear who the winner is. Tell us tomorrow."

The Big Cheese
First, while Pablo and Bossa Nova nap on the Red Couch, I'll cut right to the chase. The lucky winner of the coupon for a free bag of Galaxy Vegan Shreds is....[drumroll!].....KT Buns! Congrats, girl. Email me with you address so we can send your prize. Thanks to all who entered, and check back again for more upcoming contests.

Classes at the Natural Gourmet Institute
Hey NYC, NJ and Philly peeps [or anyone who wants to make the trek to the Big Apple!], I'll be teaching two food media courses at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York this summer. I hope to see you there; these weekend classes are going to be a blast! Register online or call 212.645.5170, ext 4. Descriptions below are from the NGI catalog.

Spice Up Your Food Writing
Sunday, July 15, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Food writing is big business. Whether you want to pen a cookbook, perk up your blog, or refresh your restaurant’s menu, this class will help you spice up your culinary descriptions and compost tired writing habits. Through discussion and in-class exercises, author/blogger Dynise Balcavage will guide you through the basic tenets of impactful food writing in a variety of genres – from essays, articles and reviews to cookbooks and memoirs. She’ll also offer tips on finding your voice, writing book proposals and query letters, and how and where to market your work. Bring a notebook, pen and an appetite for writing.

Cooking Up a Food Blog
Saturday, September 8, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

These days, it seems like every foodie has a blog. Always wanted to start your own, but have no idea where to begin? Popular blogger and cookbook author Dynise Balcavage will show you how in this fun, hands-on class. She’ll guide you through the basics – from how to design and launch a blog from scratch, to “translating” your culinary creations and opinions into cool, readable posts that foodies will “eat up.” She’ll also share pointers on photography, food styling, writing, gaining readers, and how to keep fresh ideas coming, day after day. In-class exercises will help you identify and express your own individual style and voice, both visually and in writing. You’ll leave with all the information – and inspiration – you will need to start your own delicious culinary blog from scratch. Bring your laptop and your imagination.

Lastly, I'm going on vacation to a yet-undisclosed, exotic location. [Boy, do I need one.] When I return in late June, you will hopefully be greeted with a blog post chock-full of yummy vegan food porn from ____????  Enjoy the summer sun!