ABOUT ME
Hey, thanks for stopping by! I’m Nicole, better known as Nikki Vegan on YouTube. I’m also the author of 30 Vegan Breakfasts and co-host of the weekly YouTube talk show The Vegan View.
ABOUT THIS BLOG:
I created this blog to serve as a one stop shop for all of the recipes I share on my YouTube channel Nikki Vegan. I’ll be posting my weekly recipes here so you can easily access them whenever you like.
If you’re new to my little corner of the internet, welcome! I’m happy to have you here. As I’m sure you’ve gathered, I am vegan and have been since 2016. I never thought I would be vegan – I really thought vegans were restrictive and missing out on some of life’s greatest pleasures (read: cheese 🧀) but now I truly love the vegan lifestyle and know for sure that switching to a plant-based diet is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
To learn more about why I’m vegan you can watch this YouTube video but NO, you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to join in on the fun here. My goal with this blog, and everything I do, is to showcase how delicious, easy, and practical eating more plants can be. It’s is not about perfection, deprivation, or following rules, it’s about eating well and enjoying really good food in a way that is doable and fun despite your busy schedule. My recipes are fast and easy “everyday food.” Stuff you can make for yourself on a cozy night in with minimal effort, but also delicious enough to serve to guests on the good plates whenever the occasion arises. I’m here to help you eat better in your REAL life – the one you actually live…not the “ideal life” where you have unlimited time to prepare all of your meals and can do so with the very fanciest of ingredients.
I do live in LA, but you don’t have to live in a big city to make my recipes. I use ordinary, everyday ingredients like oats, bananas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and almonds, and want to stress that a healthy vegan diet doesn’t have to be made up of pricey superfood powders or other luxury ingredients. It’s just about eating more plants and finding new ways to make them taste good.
Practical. Doable. Simple, and most of all, delicious. That’s what a whole food plant based diet is for me, and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you on this blog.
ABOUT ME:
I live in Los Angeles and have since 2007 – except for the year I lived in NYC when I was 25.
I started cooking when I was four! The first thing I learned to make was scrambled eggs. My specialty became making them “without brown spots” aka without burning them.
I’m first generation American, and was raised by my Norwegian Mom and Grandma in southern Florida.
Growing up, I both LOVED and dreaded Norwegian food. On the one hand, I found Norwegian dishes cozy and comforting – especially my Grandma’s waffles, perfectly spiced with cardamom and topped with strawberry jam. But I also wanted to eat the “normal” foods that my American friends were eating ( I wanted to fit in) so we had our fair share of burgers and mac and cheese too.
Realizing that my friends ate differently than we did is partially what lead me to cooking and exploring the remarkably different cuisines of the world. By the age of twelve I had an extensive cookbook collection and I have vivid memories of Saturday mornings spent curled up and cozy, reading recipes from far away places like Italy or Greece in my well-loved, annotated, dogeared cookbooks. I still have many of them today.
But my love of cooking – simple, everyday cooking – really came from helping my Grandma in the kitchen. She taught me not to waste anything, to make the most of what you have, and to keep things simple; lessons that would extend far beyond the countless meals we created together.
Before YouTube became my primary focus, I was working as a freelance writer in NYC. I’ve published roughly 100 online and print articles with topics spanning multiple genres. I often wrote TV and Web reviews while working for The New York Observer, but many of my pieces also covered subjects such as Local News and Events, Style and Fashion Trends, and most memorably, interviewing Gloria Steinem and Katie Couric on the red carpet at The Women’s Media Awards (still a surreal experience that I am profoundly grateful for!)
My happy place: The farmer’s market
The one food I’ll never tire of: Oatmeal
My hope is that sharing these recipes will help you get excited about the plants on your plate, and help remind you that even something as simple as sitting down to a great meal can help us see that “there’s something good in every day.”
Eating well punctuates my day with little moments of happiness and I’m excited to help you create those moments of bliss in your life too.
Hope you love my blog! Now let’s get cookin!
Nicole ✨
Nikki, I have only found you this week and AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE DONE SO! I am watching your uTube videos as I “put on and take off my face” each day! I have only recently taken this plant-based way of eating seriously. After watching FORKS OVER KNIVES, FED UP among others and immersing myself in Doctors, McDougall, Colin Campbell and others, I now know this is the lifestyle of eating I will enjoy the rest of my days on earth! I am interested in your e-book; may it be printed on my printer? You are absolute a joy to watch and THEE BEST I’VE SEEN! We are practically neighbors—up the road to Central CA—Clovis, which is next to Fresno. Thank you Nikki and do continue with your sharing of a healthier way of eating that truly adds joy to one’s life. A term that I think I coined in talking about LEFT-OVERS—change that to PLANNED-OVERS! It just sounds more appealing.
This is set up so beautifully.
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Aw thank you for such a nice comment! I’m so glad that you found my blog and YouTube videos 🙂 Hope you enjoy them and please feel free to let me know if you have questions or video requests!
Hi Nikki,
I wanted to leave a comment on the tator tot casserole, it was amazing! I increased the veg to one cup each and used thyme instead of dill. We loved the vegan version of a family favorite. Thank you for your awesome recipes.
Hugs, Erin
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I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for making my recipe and for taking the time to let me know that you enjoyed it 🙂 This made me so happy
Love the photo you chose😉 congrats on the blog- so excited for what’s to come!
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Thanks Stacie!! That’s nice of you to say 🙂 I’m happy that you’re excited!
awwww I’ve been following you on youtube reguarlarly and i am Super excited to know you started your blog!! congrats on it!..I love your recipies and your videos and used to always think i wish she started a Blog so its easier to find recipies!. so glad you did:)
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Aw thank you!! I’m so happy to hear that you’re excited about my blog! That means SO much to me 🙂
Hi Nikki! so happy for you! People say blogs are one step away from a book, eh eh? ;0) it makes so much sense you are a writer as you are always so eloquent in your videos. It is also nice to read a bit more about you, i swear i always thought you lived in NY! I will browse more but as a suggestion on content… Not sure how complicated it could be but here it goes: Would you post like a compilation of those golden tips that you always give? I think your awesome money and time saving tips are what sets you apart from others… And i add my vote to others: your photography has taken gigantic leaps forward! At one point i thought you hired like a pro to shadow you, but it was all you and your hard work. Anyway, love your down to earth honest candid (sometimes goofy) content! so happy and proud for you! Ps.- im also working on improving my writing through stories in my blog! i guess one has to start somewhere and just jump in the water and keep swimming… no matter what…
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Ugh my heart could explode! That was so nice to read. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. And thank you for the feedback, I love the idea of including tips and tricks here on the blog. I’ll keep that in mind. And you’re right about writing! My advice is to write as often as you can, read a lot (that majorly effects my work) and find someone to help you edit because having a second or even third, fourth, or fifth opinion on a piece can really help you learn 🙂 Good luck!
I’ve been following you for only a short time on YouTube and Instagram, and I’m super excited about this blog now too. I’ve been adding more and more plants into my diet thanks to your recipes. I’m eager to check out the content here. Cheers to your new blog!
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Thank you Gina! That’s so nice to hear!! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 Made my day
I’ve been watching your videos on YouTube for a while and really enjoy them. I am so thankful you’ve started this blog so that the recipes are easier to access. You have so many talents! Writing, cooking, photography and creating helpful videos for the rest of us. You’ve really helped me to progress in learning how to be vegan. (I need all the help I can get lol). Thanks for all your hard work -it has been a real blessing. (BTW – I’m obsessed with your white bean guacamole!)
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Ugh Cindy, this was SO nice to read!! Thank you thank you thank you for taking the time to leave me such an encouraging message, it really means a lot 🙂 I’m glad my content has helped you on your vegan journey. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you need help specific with recipes! I’m happy to help!
I am *SO* happy that you have a blog! This will now be my go-to cookbook… long time follower on YouTube – I loooove what you’ve done over here. So excited for what’s to come! Thank you for all that you do <3
Nicole,
I have been following you on YouTube for probably a year now and have began watching the Vegan View as well. I am not vegan but I have become interested in eating more plants. Different types of squash and greens have now become a staple in our home. I also share your love for oats! Thank you for what you do and inspiring someone like me to think about nourishing myself with food. I have struggled with an eating disorder since I was a teenager (now 33) and the mind set that you have in approaching food is something that inspires me. I am praying that one day I too can have a healthy relationship with it. With much love…
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing
this site. I am hoping to see the same high-grade content by you
later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities
has encouraged me to get my very own website now 😉
Nicole Vranjican’s philosophy when it comes to a plant-based or vegan diet is “practical, doable, simple, and delicious.” Since going vegan in 2016, she has amassed an extensive following on YouTube, where she shares her advice and creative recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
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Aw thank you! That means a lot to me 🙂 I hope you love my recipes!
I like it when folks get together and share ideas.
Great site, continue the good work!
I cannot thank you enough for the article post.Really thank you! Want more.
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My pleasure! I’m so happy you liked it 😊 Hope you’re having a nice day!
The truth in your eyes reflects compassion for life, simply ineffable. Hope that smile of yours keep inspiring everyone around till the end.
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Aw that’s so kind of you to say! Thanks for the nice compliment. Hope you’re having a good day ☀️
Just finished your online cooking course, LOVED it!! Enjoy all your content you share, keep up the great work.
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Aw thank you Lynda!! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed my course! That makes me so happy 😊 Let me know if you try any of the recipes in the class!
Thanks for posting, i found a few grammatical errors in the post but I kept on reading because I enjoyed your narrative style of writing.
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lol thanks for your patience! Wish I had a copy editor! One day 😊
I appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
How did you make your site look this cool. Email me if you can and share your wisdom. Id be appreciative!
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Hey, thank you! I used a template from http://www.pipdig.com. Love them!
Damn, awesome website. I actually came across this on Bing, and I am happy I did. I will definately be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the posts here and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.
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Aw this was so nice, thank you! I’m really happy that you found my blog. Hope you enjoy my recipes! 😊
advice. I appreciate you taking time to share such valuable information. I had no clue on some of the things you mentioned earlier, thanks!
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Aw thank you! 😊😊
Hello. Great job. I did not expect this this week. This is a great story. Thanks!
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Thank you!! 😊😊 Glad you enjoyed this post!
It’s laborious to search out educated people on this subject, but you sound like you already know what you’re speaking about! Thanks
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Thank you! Hope you enjoy my blog!
Omg this is one of the best article i have even been tru I am bookmarking this right now! wating for more updats http://www.piano.m106.com
I tried pumpkin pancake, it was very nice. Kids and husband didn’t find the main ingredient pumpkin and oat. They liked it !!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
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Hi Seena 😊 I’m so glad that you and your family enjoyed my pumpkin pancakes recipe! Thank you for letting me know!
I was searching on the net for some info since yesterday night and I at last found this! This is a great webpage by the way, but it looks a little difficult to read from my android phone.
Thanks again for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Hi, this an awesome article dude. Thnx Unfortunately I’m having problem with ur rss . Fail to subscribe to it. Does anybody having identical rss issue? Anyone who knows please respond. Thanks in advance
Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article but what can I say I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
But yeah Many thanks for taking the time to converse this, I feel strongly about it and in fact like learning more on this topic. If probable, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Thank you for your post.
wow, awesome blog. Great.
I think that is an fascinating point, it made me think a bit. Thanks for sparking my thinking cap. Sometimes I get so much in a rut that I just believe like a record.
This is certainly fascinating How much time do you spend updating this blog every day? I think the second paragraph pretty much says everything.
There is a skillet you cook with and you used it form the banana pancakes. Its a cast iron skillet with low sides. What is it called exactly? I want to get one for myself.
Love your posts and recipes btw.
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Hey Sandi! Here’s the grill pan https://go.magik.ly/ml/1i4nw/ and thank you so much! I’m really glad you like my recipes 🙂 Hope you’re having a good day!
Hi Nikki! Just an update that I’ve been playing ALL your Youtube videos on shuffle lately. I find the content inspiring, informative, helpful, and entertaining. And suit me whether I need fun, cheering up, or useful information. It has replaced other mindless content I was spending time on, not getting value from. I get value from you! Keep it up.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us.
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Hi Nikki!
My wife and I watched your YouTube channel. Totally enjoyed you and your recipes! Erin mentioned you as well. From Eat move rest. My two favorite vegan chefs!
PS. I like the ease of your recipes as well!
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Thank you!! That’s so nice to hear!
Saved as a favorite, I love your web site.