Let's start with breakfast.

When you visit my home, I will feed you. The most joyful aspect of vegan cooking - and, indeed, any culinary adventure - is sharing it with others. My ideal day starts with a hearty breakfast; and it becomes even more special when I have friends to cook for - it sparks my creativity in the kitchen. Friends & family deserve to be treated to something extraordinary, and what could be more enticing than a vegan twist on a classic American breakfast? Picture fluffy tofu scramble, crispy sweet potato hash, and raspberry jam spread over toasted bread. Throw a grapefruit mimosa in there for fun!

Ideas for a classic American breakfast vegan style.

• Pancakes: Fluffy vegan pancakes made with almond milk and topped with maple syrup, fresh fruits, or vegan whipped cream. Daring? Try peanut butter and maple syrup - skip the vegan butter! (My personal favorite).

• Tofu Scramble: A savory mix of crumbled tofu, turmeric, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. To mimic traditional scrambled eggs even further - add black salt! Just be careful about adding too much table salt along with it.

• Vegan Sausages: Serve store-bought or homemade plant-based sausages for a hearty addition to the meal. Check out a recipe for homemade vegan sausages here.

• Roasted potatoes: Crispy and golden brown potatoes - just cracked salt and pepper - are a must-have on my breakfast table. Can't decide between russet and sweet potato? Do both together!

• Fruit Salad: A bowl of seasonal fruits to balance the savory dishes and provide a burst of color. If you wanna get crazy - make a chia seed parfait instead!

• Vegan Toast: Avocado toast topped with cherry tomatoes, radishes, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor. Nuts and seeds of your choosing are also a great pairing.

Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

When hosting guests, it's important to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here are some tips:

• Set the Table: But don't go too wild. I have a new mantra - let your friends see your mess. It'll bring a casual vibe and give them permission to relax a little, too. Pile the plates, utensils, and cloth napkins next to the buffet spread at the stove - tell friends to dig in! Add some fresh flowers and pinch salt to the table. We're laughing, we're relaxing, we're eating.

• Background Music: Play some of your favorite music, low in the background. Enhance the ambiance and encourage conversation. A personal favorite? Khruangbin.

• Engage Your Guests: Encourage guests to help in the kitchen, making the experience interactive and fun. People love to congregate in the kitchen anyway, don't they?!

Conclusion

The first best thing about cooking? Eating. The second best thing? Sharing! Let it be a mini celebration every time. Find yourself in a pinch because you've invited guests for brunch and one of them is vegan? Following this link to find my recipe for a classic vegan breakfast. Want to wow your omnivore besties? Look no further. Why not make breakfast for dinner? It's tasty, satisfying, and a great way to show your pals that plant-based eating can actually be delicious. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Xo Abbie.