ASI hosts Dynamite Night

The American Swedish Institute's Cocktails at the Castle series returns on May 15 with Dynamite Night, the third year as one of the biggest "be there or be square" events in town. This year, the ASI takes its cue from its latest exhibition, Nobel Creations, honoring Alfred Nobel who, among other achievements, invented dynamite. "Get ready to discover the worlds of chemistry, physiology or medicine, peace, literature and economics in some fiery, fun, and unexpected ways," organizers say. The evening, from 7-11 p.m., includes live music, a fashion show, food and cocktails from Fika, bonfires, fire dancers and much more. Advance tickets are on sale at www.asimn.org and range in price from $15 for general public admission to $45 for VIP options. And if you bike to the event, check in your helmet to receive $1 off drinks all night.

A different shade of orange

This just in from the Los Angeles Times: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese will stop using the artificial preservatives and synthetic colors that give the cheese sauce its signature orange neon hue. The change begins next January, when all of the product made in the U.S. will be colored with natural ingredients, including paprika, annatto and turmeric. The move comes two years after a Change.org petition asked the company to remove artificial dyes from its macaroni and cheese. The petition had more than 365,000 signatures, but Kraft is attributing the change to hearing directly from families. In 2014, Kraft removed the synthetic colors from its Mac & Cheese Boxed Shapes and also reduced the saturated fat by 25 percent, and lowered the sodium by 100 mg.

Mill City Market opens Saturday

The Mill City Farmers Market opens its 10th season on May 9 in the train shed and on the plaza next to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a 10 a.m. cooking demonstration featuring market chefs Heather Hartman and Jenny Breen with their daughters in honor of Mother's Day. Emily Larson of the Wedge Community Co-op will also be in the kitchen, offering helpful tips about buying in bulk.

Travelzoo sale for Le Cordon Bleu classes

As we indicated last week, Travelzoo is teaming up with Le Cordon Bleu schools across the country to offer a sale price on classroom opportunities over the next nine months. Locally, the classes will be at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, 1315 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights. To clarify, most one-day classes cost $99 or $125, but if purchased through Travelzoo by May 13, the cost is $59 for one person, and $109 for two people. Visit www.travelzoo.com for all the details. Sale ends May 13. To view the local workshop calendar, visit www.bleuribbonkitchen.com.

The Mill City Farmers Market will start its 10th season.

STAFF REPORTS