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A Virtual Vegan by Melanie McDonald

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with my trusted and delicious vegan recipes. There's a spot waiting in the AVV community just for you and I'll even send you a free e-cookbook!

Featured Post

Vegan Brothy Rice Bowls!

Hi there, Reader These new brothy rice bowls got an immediate stamp of approval from everyone the first time I made them. They are almost like a cross between a soup and a salad, and so perfect for spring because they're both cozy and super fresh! GET THE RECIPE šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER The highlights: Ready in the time it takes the rice to cook. No more than 25 to 30 mins start to finish! Luscious, super-flavourful broth (that also happens to be really easy). Fluffy rice. Sticky, caramelized vegan...

Hi there, Reader If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me for a smoothie recipe without banana, I'd be rich. And honestly? Even though I love bananas, I completely understand. Sometimes, when you're adding other fruits to your smoothie, you want them to take centre stage and not be overpowered by banana flavour. And sometimes, you might not have any bananas, let alone one in the freezer for a smoothie. So when you're in that situation, I've got you! Here are all of the banana-free...

Hi there, Reader By popular demand - A healthy banana bread recipe! Made with whole wheat flour and dates, it's really moist and perfectly sweet even without any added sugar. I've been really enjoying slices of this for breakfast with a spread of almond or peanut butter! GET THE RECIPE šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER More Healthy Easy Recipes: Healthy Pancakes For One GET THE RECIPE Healthy No-Bake Bars GET THE RECIPE Tried a recipe and loved it? I’d be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star rating and a...

Hi there, Reader These are my favourite brunch recipes for Easter (or any time this spring). Tried, true, tested, and loved by vegans and non-vegans alike! Vegan French Toast šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER THE best Vegan French Toast! Soft, sweet, and golden with a texture just like the real thing. It's made quickly and easily with vegan staples in under 15 minutes. A real Easter morning showstopper! GET THE RECIPE Vegan Hot Cross Buns šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER Soft, fluffy, and fragrant Vegan Hot Cross Buns. An...

Friends, hello. It's that time again...Where is the year going? I hope it's been a good month for you! Spring has well and truly sprung here, signified by my lovely nodding daffodils, and Charlie, who this past week has started his daily check of our fig trees for fruit, even though they have barely come out of dormancy. Who needs a groundhog when he's around? 🤭 Now let's take a look at some of March's highlights! TOP RECIPES IN MARCH šŸ† These recipes have found their way into your kitchens...

Hi there, Reader In case you're starting to think about your Easter lineup, I thought I'd share the recipes that were most popular on my website last Easter weekend. I hope it gives you some meal (and treat) planning inspiration! Hot Cross Buns šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER Soft, fluffy, fruity, and fragrant! Perfect warm from the oven or toasted, then slathered in vegan butter! River says, "I made these for Easter and they turned out PERFECTLY. Your instructions were perfect, and they are wonderfully...

Hi there, Reader It's officially Spring, and I don't want to say "we made it," but, like, I feel like we kinda made it? To celebrate the arrival of warmer days (hopefully very soon), here are some bright, tasty, springy, yet still cozy meals to bring some brightness and comfort into your life! Saucy Skillet Tofu šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER Delicious pan-fried tofu and zucchini smothered in a tangy, buttery, lemony, herby sauce. One pan, quick to make, and so good with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes....

Hi there, Reader Quick and easy Kidney Bean Soup! Made with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and ready in 30 minutes. This one's lovely as is, but even better with some toppings like avocado, cilantro, shredded vegan cheese, or tortilla chips! GET THE RECIPE šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER More Kidney Bean Recipes: Kidney Bean Burger "Fantastic. Easy to make and simple ingredients I had on hand. These were great!" - Erin. GET THE RECIPE Kidney Bean Salad "Absolutely delicious,...

Hi there, Reader This is a golden oldie from the archives, but I feel like it's worth a reshare because I absolutely love the recipe! These are my Dilly Smashed Baby Potatoes with Creamy Horseradish (or mustard) Dipping Sauce. They are superbly crispy, golden and delicious and make a really great appetizer or side. If you've never tried smashing potatoes before, it's a game-changer, and now is your chance! GET THE RECIPE šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER More Appetizers: Stuffed Cucumber Cups GET THE RECIPE...

Hi there, Reader St Patrick's Day is coming up very soon, so I thought I'd send you a little reminder about these popular Irish-themed recipes on AVV! Vegan Irish Stew šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER Loaded with chunky, sweet, tender vegetables, your choice of vegan beef or mushrooms, and Guinness to give the gravy an incredibly rich, deep, delicious flavour! GET THE RECIPE Vegan Soda Bread šŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER Hearty, rustic and ridiculously easy to make with no yeast, no kneading, and no complicated shaping. My...