Veg Fest comes to the U

One of the country's largest food festivals dedicated to healthful living and vegan/vegetarian diets is Oct. 29 and 30 at Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota. Twin Cities Veg Fest (tcvegfest.com) features hundreds of local exhibitors in what's billed as "a family-friendly celebration of food, fitness and fun." Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event offers plant-based food for sampling, cooking demonstrations, presentations by well-known chefs and educational booths for tips on incorporating more vegetables into your diet. Keynote speaker is Marco Antonio Regil, an internationally celebrated motivational speaker and Latin American personality. A global animal rights advocate, Regel has toured the world promoting animal welfare and will share his thoughts on the important issues facing animals today.

MOA debuts Culinary Fest

The Mall of America is hosting its first Culinary Fest, going on now and concluding Nov. 11 with a Chef Challenge pairing chefs from MOA restaurants with military veterans in an MRE (military ready-to-eat) cooking competition in the rotunda. Among the other events, from Nov. 1-4, four restaurants will host Wine & Canvas events with $35 tickets providing canvas, paint and supplies. Restaurant Week specials will be available at a number of venues from Oct. 31-Nov. 5. VomFASS Taste Academy is offering classes through Nov. 10 on using its oils, vinegars and spices in healthful dishes. Guests also can learn about liqueurs, wines and spirits in tasting classes. For details about each of these events, visit mallofamerica.com/dining/culinary-fest.

Maiden Minnesota turns 10

The 10th annual Maiden Minnesota event returns to celebrate Minnesota-based, women-owned companies in its one-of-a-kind, boutique-like shopping event. Among the food vendors are Amelia & Holly's Treats, Groveland Confections and Isadore Nut Co. The event is from 2-9 p.m. Nov. 4 at Loews Minneapolis Hotel, 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. Tickets are $20 in advance online, $30 at the door and include one drink ticket; $5 from each ticket goes to Dress for Success Twin Cities, a local nonprofit working to promote economic independence for disadvantaged women by providing professional attire. For tickets, visit MaidenMinnesota.com.

Make some marmalade?

Mississippi Market Co-op is hosting an array of fall cooking classes and events at its three locations in St. Paul. Among them: "Making Marmalade," a hands-on class on Nov. 5, and "Thanksgiving Pies," another hands-on class Nov. 13, which means you get to bring home what you make. "Cooking With Co-op Basics: Soup From Scratch" is a demo and tasting class on feeding a family of four for under $10. For details on location, price, instructor and dates, visit msmarket.coop.

Oops

The recipe for Sheet Pan Lemon-Thyme Chicken last week incorrectly mentioned honey in the directions. Ignore that. It should not be part of the recipe. However, there's extra salt and pepper that needs attention and that should be whisked into the oil.

KIM ODE