In This Issue
Sunny Days
V in the News
What's Hot on VegNews.com
Event Showcase
Lyman v. Niman
All-American Incrediburger
Product Review
VN Book Club
Wedding Giveaway
VN Store
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We can't hide our love for Ginnifer Goodwin, amazing vegan weddings, the best online bakeries, and so much more!

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We've left those April showers behind and are fully loving the pre-summer sunshine headed our way. Sure, the warm weather is helping our moods, but there's something else on our minds. While we're still reeling from our love-filled May+June issue, we can't help but show our excitement for what's next: VegNews' 10th Anniversary Issue! We're celebrating 10 amazing years by releasing our largest issue ever, jam-packed with features you won't want to miss. Can you say memorable moments, major vegan superstars, and more recipes than you can handle? We can—but that's all we're saying for now! In the meantime, keep your curiosity sated with this happy little edition.

India's Canvas Switch
In a compassionate and eco-friendly move, India's Central Board of School Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination have passed a proposal in favor of amending the country's previous school dress code, which required all students to wear leather shoes. Spearheaded by politician Maneka Gandhi, the new policy would allow families to choose a durable, more comfortable, cruelty-free canvas alternative. Awaiting ministry approval, the proposal has received a positive response, and many schools have made the switch.

Meat-Free Mario
Earlier this month, well-known Iron Chef star and restaurateur Mario Batali announced his support for Meat-Free Mondays. Batali, who owns 14 restaurants across the US, plans to add two vegetarian entrées to the menu every Monday, including pastas and pizzas, which will be clearly marked with "MM." The initiative, which aims for people to ditch meat at least one day a week, struck a chord with Batali, who acknowledges that cutting back on meat is not only better for health, but the planet, as well.

You know what's hip? The internets. Here are our top five picks for hot VegNews.com stories you should probably check out right about now.

1. Eco-Chic Decorating Give your home a mean, green makeover with these stylish tips.

2. DIY Dim Sum Craving congee? Skip the restaurant and host your own dim sum party, pot stickers included.

3. Veg Summer Camps VN presents the ultimate guide to veg-friendly summer camps, for kids and adults alike.

4. Coconut Curry Biscuits Indian-inspired flavors jazz up home-style biscuits for a fast, fresh-baked treat.

5. VegJobs On the prowl for the perfect veg-friendly employer? VN has the latest listings right here!

+Bonus! This Week's Giveaway: American Vegan Kitchen

Veggie Prom
Strong cocktails, complimentary vegan desserts, and a classic photo booth to document the whole experience—enjoy it all at Veggie Prom on May 14 in Brooklyn, NY. Bust out your best formal wear or thrift-store finds and get ready to dance the night away at this benefit for Mercy For Animals. Sponsored by the all-vegan cooking competition Veggie Conquest, it promises to be a night you'll never forget.

NOLA Veggie Fest
Ready to celebrate veganism Big Easy style? Sunday, May 16, fill up on delicious vegan food, meet new friends, and hear motivating speakers at the second annual, VN-sponsored New Orleans Veggie Fest. Notable speakers include CNN's Jane Velez-Mitchell, Vegan Outreach co-founder Jack Norris, Farm Sanctuary's Gene Baur, and Josh Hooten of Herbivore Clothing.

Veggie Pride Parade
May 16 is the day to show fellow New Yorkers—and the world—that you’re veg and proud by walking in the third annual Veggie Pride Parade. Enjoy live music and march with like-minded people at this spirited parade, complete with influential veg speakers and a costume contest.

Worldfest
Don't miss this year's Worldfest in Lake Balboa, Calif., on May 16. This massive solar-powered festival features live music, inspirational speakers, fabulous vendors, and plenty of delicious veg food. Looking for that special companion animal? On-site adoptions will also be available at this eco-friendly, VN-sponsored event.

Chicago Green Festival
Green Festival, the world's largest sustainability event, comes to Chicago May 22–23, touting innovative speakers, workshops, organic veg food, and much more. Chat with more than 350 local and national eco-friendly businesses, and learn about everything from urban agriculture to green parenting. For the eco-conscious veg, this VN-sponsored event is a must.

Earth Island Institute + VegNews Magazine present...
Lyman vs. Niman: Can You Be a Good Environmentalist and Still Eat Meat?
A riveting debate with Howard Lyman and Nicolette Niman

Never before has the issue of eating meat been so hotly contested in the environmental movement. At this public debate, Nicolette Hahn Niman—a Marin rancher and author of Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms—will argue that we can eat meat in an ecologically sustainable way. Howard Lyman—a fourth-generation former cattle rancher and author of Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won't Eat Meat—will disagree. Join us for what promises to be a lively and provocative conversation.

Thursday, May 20 @ 7pm
The David Brower Center
Berkeley, Calif.

Advance tickets = $10
RSVP at earthisland.org. There are only a few spots left!

All-American Incrediburger

What You Need:
1-1/3 cups hot water
1 cup texturized vegetable protein granules (TVP)
1/4 cup onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon of your favorite spice blend
2 teaspoons instant tapioca
1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1-1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
Olive oil
6 burger buns, sliced and toasted
Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, condiments

What You Do:
1. In a large bowl, combine hot water with texturized vegetable protein to rehydrate, about 10 minutes. Prepare a steamer and tear off six 12-inch squares of foil.

2. When TVP is rehydrated, add onion, garlic powder, onion powder, spice blend, tapioca, paprika, salt, white pepper, black pepper, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, liquid smoke, vital wheat gluten, and vegetable broth. Mix well, and knead for about 4 minutes to make sure the mixture is combined and the gluten is activated. Squeeze the mixture together to work the ingredients throughout.

3. Divide the mixture into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a burger, about 4 inches across, and place in the center of a piece of foil. Fold the foil over each burger to make a packet. The foil should not be tight against the burger, to allow for expansion. Transfer to the steamer and steam 1 hour. Remove from the steamer and unwrap carefully. Transfer the burgers to a plate and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Preheat the grill. Brush burgers with olive oil and place on the grill. Grill about 5 minutes, or until brown. Brush the top with oil and turn over to cook the other side, about 5 minutes. Serve on buns with toppings of choice.

Baking great brownies can sometimes make us feel a bit like Goldilocks searching for the perfect porridge—too dry, not chocolaty enough, or just missing that je ne sais quoi we crave. Thankfully, The Inspired Cookie has branched out from its gluten-free cookie-making factory and added the Bliss Brownie to its delicious offerings. Rich, dense, and extra-fudgey, this chocolate-chunk beauty had our staff asking with full mouths, “Are you sure this is gluten-free?” Delicious without the pesky allergens—or animal products—each individually wrapped treat tastes just right.

Dust off your library cards: VegNews is launching its first ever book club! We will be reading and discussing both fiction and non-fiction works, hosting discussions, and chatting with superstar authors. We'll read one book per month with a new discussion each week, and build your knowledge of the lifestyle we all know and love! The first three titles will be announced soon, so get ready to start reading come June 1!

Celebrating our 10th annual wedding feature in the latest issue means one thing: We've seen a lot of vegan weddings over the years, and this year's couples didn't let any detail go unnoticed. From glamorous Central Park ceremonies to taqueria bashes, this year's weddings were completely unforgettable. Along with their feature in the magazine, each couple received a mini-care package, including a box of decadent chocolates from The Chocolate Shoe Box and a wedding-cake scented soy candle from A Scent of Scandal. Living vicariously through our very happy couples? We have one extra set waiting to go home with a lucky reader! Just let us know: What's your dream wedding cake flavor? To enter, send your answer to newsletter@vegnews.com. Good luck!

When it comes to the best veg goods, we know a thing or two. At the VN store you'll find not only our favorite vegan gear, from must-have lip balms to the best vegan candy bars, but also stellar gift packs, limited edition issues, and top veg books. The best part? Shipping is always free! Whether you're shopping for yourself or the perfect gift, we have just what you need.

Satisfy your between-issues cravings with this complimentary supplement, featuring exclusive product reviews, musician, artist and event spotlights, slammin’ recipes, giveaways, plus the lowdown on how vegetarianism is bettering the world—one delicious bite at a time.

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