Why Everyone Needs to Visit Belize

Why Everyone Needs to Visit Belize

How many places have you traveled to that you can truly say are environmentally friendly? I’m talking domestically and internationally? I can say out of my travels I can count on one hand the number of countries that are truly environmentally and eco-friendly (and I have traveled to over 35 countries at this point). Some …

Vegan Mac and Cheese (Indian Spiced, Protein Packed!)

Vegan Mac and Cheese (Indian Spiced, Protein Packed!)

I don’t think there’s an American classic that I like better than good ole’ Mac and Cheese. Well, corn bread is a close second. But since I’ve been actively trying to go vegan, I haven’t really eaten Mac and Cheese at all! And… I MISS IT!! As I’m exploring vegan cheeses, I’m evaluating their taste, …

Fun Announcements!

Fun Announcements!

Chef Priyanka readers! Some of you may have noticed that I have been working on a few different things lately, mainly developing sponsored content and most recently freelancing for the Staten Island Advance! I’ll be doing a series of ‘Indian Twists on Italian Classics!’ As you all know, I’m born and bred in Staten Island, …

Chipotle Pumpkin ‘Torta’

Chipotle Pumpkin ‘Torta’

I visit my sister and brother-in-law frequently in Miami and there’s a really good food scene there. Especially the Latin American food. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for a vegetarian to indulge in all of the Latin offerings because their staples are pork, beef, and the like. I have tasted enough dishes though to pick up on …

Mini Eggplant Pizzas

Mini Eggplant Pizzas

Mini Eggplant Pizzas: 1 medium Italian eggplant – cut into 1/8 inch thick rounds 1 small fresh mozzarella ball – cut into thin slices 1 bag baby spinach 1 serrano/jalapeno chili – minced 1 fresh lemon – sliced in half 1 28oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes 1/2 large white onion – diced 4-5 cloves …

Rosemary-Garlic Ricotta Toast

Rosemary-Garlic Ricotta Toast

What’s all the rage about these toasts?! They’re popping up in every restaurant, on every blog, on every instagram account. Ok, I’ll tell you what the rage is. They’re much easier to eat than a regular sandwich, healthy, and have endless possibilities! I had a three-day weekend (thank you Presidents!), so I decided to make …

Mini Italian Grilled Cheese

Mini Italian Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is usually thought of as a something one used to eat as a kid. But more and more I’m seeing this gourmet grilled cheeses – trucks, shops, etc. Melt Shop and Murrays Cheese Bar are a few popular places. I feel that these places are good, but honestly quite mediocre for that they …

Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn

The first time I ever ate charred corn on the cob with spicy Mexican mayo and crumbled queso fresco was in Acapulco, Mexico nearly 10 years ago. Ever since then I’ve been in love. I’ve made several Mexican Street Corn versions since then, but I must say this was probably one of the best variations …

Open Faced Crispy Eggplant Sandwich

Open Faced Crispy Eggplant Sandwich

I love eggplant parm, but just like any other foodies, I find it to be a bit boring. My mom makes these delicious thin and crispy eggplant cutlets once in a while, which remind me of eggplant parm. So I decided to use those and whip up something that was similar to an eggplant parm, …

Oil n’ Garlic Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions & Parmesan

Oil n’ Garlic Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions & Parmesan

I think if someone asked me what my favorite simple pasta dish was I’d probably say Oil n’ Garlic (or vodka or pesto or pink sauce, etc etc..EVERYTHING). No, but really – I love Oil n’Garlic pasta. It’s garlicky, and smooth and when topped with parmigiana cheese -adds just the right amount of salt. One …