Hi there, Reader

It's that time of the month again and it's officially fall. I love this time of year when summer produce is still around but things are also starting to feel a little cozy.

I've been working on some great fall recipes that I can't wait to start sharing. There are 2 pumpkin ones that I'm particularly excited about. One savoury and one sweet. They'll be winging their way to you soon but until then, let's take a look back at some of this month's highlights on AVV!

SEPTEMBER'S MOST POPULAR RECIPE 🏆

VEGAN BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

This recipe is the most popular by far this month thanks to the angry wife of a newsletter subscriber! 🤭

The recipe got sent to someone who signed up for my newsletter and after it was sent I got this reply in my inbox:

If you follow me on social media you'll know I have a wicked sense of humour and when I get funny/rude emails or comments I often share them (with any personal info like name etc removed of course).

Well, I shared this one on Threads, and it went viral. The consensus is I should rename them Home-Wrecker Muffins and if Google wouldn't hate me I totally would! 😆

Here's what some of you have had to say about the recipe:

Kathleen says: "These muffins are our new family favorite…I’ve made them three times in the past two weeks! Your recipe is so easy to follow and it just never fails." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cee says: "Dear Mel, THANK YOU! I just tried your recipe and I am so grateful to finally have found a recipe that tastes like a fluffy vegan muffin (not gummy or dense like many other failed recipes). These are delicious and this will be my new go-to recipe for blueberry muffins. Thanks again!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kelsey says: "Wow, I think the best muffins I ever made! Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfect amount of sweetness and excellent flavour. I will definitely be making again and so easy I can make with my toddler!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for clandestine vegan recipe-loving spouses, or divorces/breakups that happen as a result of fights over the last muffin.

RECIPES PUBLISHED/UPDATED IN SEPTEMBER 🏆

(in case you missed them the 1st time around)

THINGS I'M LOVING ❤️

Hardbite chips are my fave and their seasonal turkey stuffing flavour is vegan! (In fact, all flavours except the honey dijon are confirmed vegan 😉).

I'm also loving the California-based Parmela Creamery Cheese. It's cashew-based (unlike most) and comes in loads of different varieties. (Note that once opened it doesn't seem to last as long as other vegan cheeses so be sure to use it up pretty quickly).

⭐️ FAVE READER REVIEWS ⭐️

For a chance to have your comment featured, rate & leave feedback on the recipes you love on my website!

ELOTE PASTA SALAD

"This was FABULOUS!! I could literally eat it every day. So creative and delicious! Thank you!!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Tracy.

COCONUT BASMATI RICE

"This rice is absolutely fantastic...I later learned that those I had invited to dinner were raving to their friends about it! I'm not kidding! It also had the added benefit of excellently complimenting the curry I made. It has a great flavour, but it's not overpowering. This will definitely become a staple of my cooking. Thanks!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Ali.

HEALTHY PIE CRUST

"After 50+ years of cooking/baking I never thought I would use a vegan pastry recipe. It was brilliant and did exactly what you said it would do.
I am lucky to live in a country with summers of 30+ every day for 3-4 months. This pastry doesn't have the problems associated with traditional pastry recipes. I'm sold and never going back." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Roger.

CHICKPEA LENTIL CURRY

"Amazing!! I've made this 4 x & each time it's totally scrumptious, and packed with flavor. It's become a weekly regular in our meal planning. The fragrance as it cooks is heavenly and rich with curry! I make it exactly to Mel's recipe. Thank you Mel for sharing this epicurean delight!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Paula.