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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!

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The Best Of April Is Here! πŸ’œ

Friends, hello. I hope it's been a good month for you! I try to keep it real, so I won't lie - It hasn't been great for me. I was diagnosed with RA a few months ago, and the symptoms of that and the medication I've been started on (low-dose chemo πŸ˜–), to try to get it into remission, are really putting me through the wringer. On the plus side, the sun is back, my garden is in bloom, my doggos are still super cute (current view below), and there's a new recipe coming on Friday that I'm really...

Hi there, Reader I have a major love for tahini and for using it in recipes. I can't resist the depth, richness, and gorgeous bittersweet nuttiness it gives. Today I've pulled together 3 of my favourite recipes that use tahini, and if you've never made tahini yourself, I'm also including my tahini recipe. It's even nicer when made at home! How To Make Tahini πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER All you need is 1 ingredient (sesame seeds), a food processor, and about 10 minutes. You will be rewarded with the most...

Hi there, Reader Ok, hear me out. This is the sandwich combo you didn't know you needed. Peanut butter and sriracha, with LOADS of cool crunchy cucumber, lettuce, a little thinly sliced red or green onion, and loads of salt and pepper. It's SO GOOD! I didn't toast the bread because it was really freshly baked (this recipe), and I can't resist soft, squishy bread, but if you do toast it, do yourself a favour and rub it with a raw garlic clove before you start building your sandwich. πŸ˜‰ GET THE...

Hi there, Reader This recipe deserves way more attention than it gets. Don't just take it from me.... GET THE RECIPE πŸ“Œ PIN FOR LATER More Cookies: Lemon Cookies "So good, me and my husband are obsessed!! It’s a perfect recipe, one of the best cookies I’ve ever had, vegan or otherwise! GET THE RECIPE Sugar Cookies "Wow! I’m so impressed. This is the best sugar cookie cut-out recipe we’ve tried. It’s going to be the only recipe I use from now on." GET THE RECIPE Tried a recipe and loved it? I’d...

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 πŸ“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 πŸ“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 πŸ“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 πŸ“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 πŸ† 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 πŸ“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...