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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

NEW - Make Ahead Brunch!

Hi there, Reader My vegan French toast casserole is a hugely popular recipe, and over the years, I've had so many people ask me for a savoury version. Well, I've finally done it. My new Vegan Strata is here just in time for Christmas and New Year's brunch! I love this because you can assemble it the night before, then bake it in the morning. So convenient and absolutely delicious! GET THE RECIPE 📌 PIN FOR LATER Note that stale bread is best for this strata, but if you only have fresh, check...

Hi there, Reader Today we're putting the "snap" in gingersnaps! These deliciously festive cookies are thin and crispy, full of buttery ginger flavour, and rolled in sparkly sugar for the perfect crunchy gingersnap texture. Ready in only 30 minutes (no chilling) and made from pantry staples. They can easily be made ahead too. Directions are included. GET THE RECIPE 📌 PIN FOR LATER More Festive Cookies: Vegan Molasses Cookies Crackly, chewy, perfectly spiced, with buttery, spiced, ginger...

Hi there, Reader Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?! Okay, probably not yet, but I'm sure you're starting to think about your Christmas lineup, so I thought I'd share my most popular Christmas recipes to give you some inspiration! 1 - Vegan Christmas Pudding 📌 PIN FOR LATER Top of the list is my Vegan Christmas Pudding. This is such a well-loved recipe! It's dark, rich, fruity, moist & boozy & so much lighter than the dense, heavy puddings you might have tried in the past! GET THE RECIPE...

Hi there, Reader If you've been on the hunt for a really good sugar cookie recipe, I've got you covered! These buttery cut-out cookies don't spread while baking, so they will keep their sharp, defined edges, and with tender, slightly chewy edges, thick, soft but not too soft centres, and foolproof cookie icing, they are just perfect for the holidays! GET THE RECIPE! Here's what some of you have had to say about them: "Wow! I’m so impressed. This is the best sugar cookie cut-out recipe we’ve...

Hi there, Reader I made this tomato soup for dinner recently and gave it a few little tweaks to make it even better, so I thought I should share it with you again in case you haven't made it for ages, or haven't made it at all <gasp>. If it's a fave of yours, don't worry, because nothing much has changed. I've just reduced the water to make it even thicker and creamier, and simplified the method a little. I know grilled cheese is always the go-to accompaniment for tomato soup, but at the risk...

Hi there, Reader My go-to apple oatmeal! No peeling or chopping, and ready in about 10 minutes. I love to serve this with some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best) and brown sugar. So yummy! GET THE RECIPE More Oatmeal: Coconut Milk Oatmeal GET THE RECIPE Peanut Butter Oatmeal GET THE RECIPE Tried a recipe and loved it? I’d be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star rating and a quick comment on the recipe post. Just tap the stars at the top of the recipe post! ❤️ Your feedback helps...

Hi there, Reader Life feels a lot sometimes. It's like you're constantly running from thing to thing to thing to thing, and it can be super overwhelming. So here are some deliciously simple, doable meals that barely require any thinking, prep, or time. Weeknight lifesavers if you will, but still cozy and delicious, because we all kind of need that in the depths of November and December, right?! One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese 📌 PIN FOR LATER Everything (yes, everything, even the spaghetti!) goes...

Hi there, Reader It's that time again...I hope it's been a good month for you! Let's take a look at the recipes that were most loved, reviewed, shared, and devoured in November! NOVEMBER'S TOP RECIPES 🏆 These recipes have found their way into your kitchens and your family meals, and that’s just the absolute best feeling! Most Popular On Google 📌 PIN FOR LATER RECIPE 👉 Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Most Popular on Pinterest 📌 PIN FOR LATER RECIPE 👉 Cranberry Orange Muffins Most Popular On...

Hi there, Reader Ditch the packet and make your own easy Vegan Gravy in 5 minutes flat. It's cheap, quick, simple, flavorful, and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry! GET THE RECIPE! Here's what some of you have had to say about it: "Superb. Now my 'go-to' vegan gravy. Simple, easy, quick to make and delicious. And SO much better than commercial alternatives." - H. "I have made a lot of vegan gravies in my time, and this one ranks right up there. Easy, staple ingredients....

To My AVV Community, I would like to take a moment to address something important with all of you. In the past week, it has become apparent that I need to issue a formal apology. It has been brought to my attention through countless messages, comments, and texts from friends, family, and readers that I have once again outdone myself with my 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. I'm writing this to inform you that I know and wholeheartedly agree. To the shoppers of gift guides past, I apologize for...