While most are dubious to mussels they are not as scary as they look; they are healthy, savory, tender, and sweet. These two succulent recipes are sure to satisfy mussel newbies and all-time lovers. Sayani’s recipes are easy to make and alter without sacrificing flavors. Mussels are sure to become your newest favorite dish.

Although small, finger foods make a great impression at parties where you want to showcase wine or cocktails. The convenience of the recipes below is that they can all be made ahead, modified to suit your taste (or the contents of your refrigerator), and the recipes can be doubled without hurting the prep time too much. Personally, I like appetizers because of their informal nature and easy clean up too.

While plantains are more famous in the tropical areas of the world, they are widely available at your local supermarket and pretty inexpensive too. The starchy nature of these fruits from the genus Musa will remind you of potatoes, and plantains can often be substituted for them in recipes. Latin America has invented numerous side dishes with plantains, and if you ever venture out to a Mexican restaurant, be sure to get their caramelized plantains with a side of fresh cream, or tostones, which are double fried plantain patties. My …

Manchurian Chicken

With over 1 billion people in India, it’s not surprising how abundant and varying Indian cuisine is. After my visit there this summer it’s apparent that every district of India has invented their own type of samosa, their own chicken tikka masala, all with varying degrees of spice.

Now that we live in Colorado, people tend to ask Michael and I what we miss about New Jersey. Without hesitation, the first thing that leaps from my lips is. . .the PIZZA.

Manchurian Chicken
By Sayani Das Chaudhuri
I am a carbohydrivore. I will never give up my carbohydrates, whether it’s in the form of rice, noodles, and of course, breads of ANY kind. Baking is a wonderful respite from teary eyes from chopping too many onions, and cutting your fingers while chopping said onions. I’m very new to baking, about a month or two in, but I’ve compiled a list of favorite recipes that are perfect to bring to a potluck dinner, or even to munch on late at night. Late night snacking …

Every time I visit a new city, I always try their Mexican food. And I’m not talking about On the Border or Chipotle, I’m talking about authentic Mexican food, where the corn tortillas are made from scratch and your enchiladas are smothered in queso fresco. While making carne asada or shredded pork belly can be laborious at home, tacos are perfect if you have 10 or 15 minutes to spare and want something savory to pair with those Negro Modelos or margaritas.

I spent the past 11 days on vacation in San Francisco, Napa Valley, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. Our itinerary was ambitious, I will confess, but it was completely feasible, and I will tell you why and how that was possible, from one young tourist who values food , drinks, and fun way more than sightseeing.
Being a savy traveler is not easy, especially when you decide to plan the trip out yourself rather than opting for an all inclusive third world country vacation. Although all …

by Sayani Chaudhuri. Check out her blog for more epicurean delights!

While most will tell you to get a good nights’ sleep before an exam, lets be real—we thrive on those all-nighters, and the statistics will not prove us otherwise. And to help us survive the grueling nights spent at the local 24 hour coffee shop/dorm/library, I think it’s safe to say that everyone (even you, green tea drinkers) uses stimulants in order keep us alert and sharp