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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

A Summer Reader Fave πŸ’―

Hi there, Reader My Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is a Starbucks knock-off and my go-to coffee drink every summer. It's also a real reader favourite! This recipe makes one coffee drink, but lots of extra brown sugar syrup, so you can stash leftovers in a jar in the fridge for future use. Reader Cecelia says: "So delicious and easy to make! The syrup is even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. Great recipe!" Reader Tara says: "Another excellent recipe!! Teen says it’s...

Hi there, Reader I've been making these grilled potato packets for years, but for some reason have never thought to share them. Then, while prepping them yet again this past weekend, I suddenly decided to snap some pics on my phone and write up the recipe. So it's not the usual polished pictures with my camera and photography lights, but I didn't want to delay the recipe, as the weather is so good right now, and I'm sure lots of you are making the most of outside grilling. I know we are!...

Hi there, Reader There is no need to stand in front of the fridge wondering what to make for dinner...These five well-loved dinners make summer weeknights feel really good! Skillet Tofu with Zucchini πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER A great way to use zucchini. Delicious served with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes and is ready in under 30 minutes. GET THE RECIPE Tomato Fritters πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER These Tomato Fritters are really quick and easy. Ready in less than 15 minutes! I love them with a crisp salad and a...

Hi there, Reader The softest, fluffiest sponge flecked with juicy fresh peach pieces, and a crunchy, golden sugar and flaked almond-encrusted top. No peaches? This would work just as well with nectarines, and I think it would also be really delicious with plums! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE! More Peach Recipes: Single Serve Peach Crumble An easy Vegan Peach Crumble for one made with just a handful of ingredients in as little as 5 minutes. Oven, microwave, or air fryer friendly. GET THE RECIPE...

Hi there, Reader Jumping straight in today because I'm writing this late and I need my bed...It's been a day... Yes, Chester needed surgery again. He's about as impressed as I am. These recipes have found their way into your kitchens and your family meals, and that’s just the absolute best feeling! #10 - SOURDOUGH STARTER "Thank you! Thank you! Finally a recipe that is no waste. I tried one before several years back and gave up because it was messy and time-consuming. Your recipe is clean and...

Hi there, Reader New today - A simple, mellow, and nutritious Pear Smoothie that can easily be prepped ahead and stored in the freezer. It's a great recipe for using up a lonely overripe pear languishing in the fruit bowl and contains 18 grams of plant protein (and no bananas). CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE! More Popular Fruity Smoothies: Apple Oatmeal Smoothie - A Virtual Vegan Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie - A Virtual Vegan Ginger Peach Smoothie - A Virtual Vegan Mango Banana...

Hi there, Reader We are just over halfway through the year, and I thought it might be fun to look at what new recipes of 2025 have been most popular so far. Count down with me in reverse order! #5 Black Bean Soup πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER "Yummy as expected! Thanks Mel!" - Mandy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ GET THE RECIPE #4 Peanut Butter Oatmeal πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER "Made this Peanut Butter Oatmeal for breakfast this morning, absolutely delicious! Made as directed, it was so easy! I love having a new breakfast item, this...

Hi there, Reader When you need dinner on the table fast, this One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is here for you. Everything (spaghetti and "meat" sauce) is cooked in one pot on the stovetop and is ready in 20 minutes! I shared the Instant Pot version of this recipe a couple of weeks ago, and today is for the Instant Pot-less people! πŸ€— CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE! More Quick Dinners: Broccoli Almond Soup Smoky Spiced Chickpeas In Tomato Sauce Easy Green Bean Potato Curry Cherry Tomato Sauce If...

Hi there, Reader The easiest sorbet! Grab a bag of frozen berries (any variety) and a few drops of liquid of choice (dairy-free milk, canned coconut milk, lime juice, orange juice, water, vodka, or gin 😜), a drop of maple syrup or agave if you're not sweet enough already, and you're good to go! SO quick, SO easy, SO delish, and great for dessert or breakfast! CLICK FOR THE RECIPE! πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER More Frozen Desserts: Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bars Strawberry Popsicles Mango Banana Ice...

Hi there, Reader 28 grams of protein in one smoothie with no protein powder, thanks to a not-so-secret ingredient. There's a clue. Can you spot it? πŸ€“ Is it a weird addition? I can see why you might think so, but I've been using it in my smoothies for years. It makes them so filling and creamy! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE! More smoothies that I have in regular rotation: Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Smoothie Creamy Banana Smoothie Carrot Cake Smoothie Sweet Potato Smoothie If you make this recipe,...