Vancouver’s top food classes to enjoy between now and the holidays

California’s Prop 37 bill may not have passed this time but there are a few things we can do to protect ourselves from the dangers of genetically modified (GMO) foods:

1. Check out this comprehensive and very long list of GMO products. Shocking isn’t it?

2. If you’re Canadian and would like to see mandatory GMO labeling in Canada, sign this petition.

3. Take back your control by going to some of these AMAZING food classes and a book launch between now and the holidays. You will be so inspired by the splendid teachers and the rewards of making your own organic food that you’ll just have to write and tell me so!

VANCOUVER’S TOP FOOD CLASSES

zimt artisan chocolate making | Local Zimt organic, raw and vegan chocolates stand out in quality and taste but why not set an example for the holidays and learn how to make the good stuff for loved ones and colleagues. Or make a chocaholic very happy by gifting them a class taught by Zimt founder Emma.

Every Thursday until Dec 13, 2012 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | North Vancouver | $40 | DETAILS

alternative baking | Chef Andrea Potter’s classes are the town’s best kept secret! Explore alternatives to wheat flour, white sugar and dairy in this session and learn how to make: brown rice and pumpkin seed cookies sweetened with maple syrup; kamut and spelt molasses ginger cake with poached pears, sweetened with whole sugar and pumpkin muffins sweetened with coconut sugar

Sunday, Nov 18, 2012 | 1pm – 4pm | Woodland Smokehouse and Commissary | $55 | DETAILS

raw food for the beauty class and food sampling | Indigo’s Lovena Galyide will show you how to achieve lasting beauty with proper nutrition. Learn how to make any nut milk, sample fermented coconut kefir and yoghurt with fruit salad and get introduced to the basic equipment and supplies used in a raw food kitchen.

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 | 6pm – 8pm | Indigo Food Cafe | $65 | DETAILS

sprouted nut milks workshop | If you want just a taste of Chef Andrea Potter’s classes, go to this one hour session. You’ll understand the benefits of sprouting nuts and seeds, learn how to do it for yourself and make three delicious kinds of milk: chocolate-hemp, strawberry almond sesame and hazelnut vanilla.

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012 | 7pm – 8pm | The Soap Dispensary | $20 | DETAILS

Aaron Ash talk and book signing | Aaron Ash of Gorilla Food, Vancouver’s popular organic raw vegan restaurant has released his first cook book Gorilla Food, Living and Eating Organic, Vegan and Raw. I haven’t yet seen it but recipes include a raw lasagna with zucchini noodles, kale and a walnut cheese, raw pizzas, fruit pies and chocolate desserts.

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012 | 7pm – 8:30pm | Banyen Books and Sound | FREE with Gorilla snacks | DETAILS

Thursday, Nov 29, 2012 | 7pm – 8pm | Official Gorilla Food Book Launch Party TBA

Saturday, Dec 1, 2012 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Sarah’s Place in Victoria, BC | DETAILS

artisan bread baking with Florin Moldovan | Learn how to bake bread for holiday potlucks, office parties or to knead away winter blues. Artisan baker Florin Moldovan will describe the science behind the perfect loaf, the grains that form it and some of the cultural lore of baking bread. Florin believes strongly in organic, sustainable and naturally leavened baking.

Nov 21 and Dec 12, 2012 | 6pm – 9pm | UBC Farm Centre | $35 | DETAILS

raw naked chocolate dessert class | Come on. It’s the holidays! Indulge in the bliss of raw cacao, cacao butter and maca with Indigo’s Lovena Galyide. Menu: raw chocolate ganache cake (to take home) and maca ice cream sandwiches.

Monday, Nov 26, 2012 | 6pm – 8pm | Indigo Food Cafe | $65 | DETAILS

healthy holiday sweets workshop with Chef Andrea Potter | Make healthy versions of your favourite holiday treats and bring home three beautiful gift boxes full of these sweets to enjoy or share as gifts. Menu: raw chocolate cashew truffles, blissful nut and date balls, spicy ginger snaps (made with organic butter and spelt flour) and multigrain chai spice shortbread cookies. All treats are free of wheat and refined sugar with dairy-free options.

Sunday, Dec 2, 2012 | 1pm – 4pm | Woodland Smokehouse and Commissary | $80 | DETAILS