Y’all know me by now right? Ok, good. That means you know that I always always conduct a year end review on my ‘accomplishments.’ Why? Certainly not to brag or make anyone feel bad, but to reflect on how far I’ve come with the work I’ve put in. I’ve been working for YEARS on Chef Priyanka, and only recently have some of the milestones been accomplished. I am doing everything 100% independently – I have no connections, there is zero nepotism – I’ve built my network, brand, platform, and credibility in the space from the ground up. And I hope to inspire others with my journey.

Saying this year was a challenge is an understatement – my family and I along with many people around the world have suffered tremendous losses, including the loss of our beloved maternal grandmother (my Aai) in Ankali, Belgaum, India. Life abruptly cut short due to COVID. But while this year has created so much suffering & grief, there was also much good & much creation (and I certainly don’t mean babies). I personally used this year as a challenge to myself – a challenge to not get down on myself, from not being able to travel, explore new cultures for culinary inspiration, not film campaigns on set or normally tend to my on-camera work or work in kitchens to create pop up experiences in NYC. Instead, I used this year as a challenge – to continue creating original recipes, all while living independently & cooking only for myself. I developed hundreds of recipes, crossed many major milestones (for me) and continued to learn and grow in the culinary and media worlds. So I couldn’t let this year go by without sharing this with you all.

YOU ALL all have supported me immensely and this is such a fantastic community that has kept me going. And kept me inspired. I hope that I’ve been able to inspire you and keep you hungry, interested, and most importantly entertained and educated about all the amazing things you can cook and create, all while saving the environment and animals💛 So here goes! Give yourself a pat on the back – take the time to reflect on what you’ve done this year, and what you can do in 2021!

12 MAJOR MILESTONES FOR CHEF PRIYANKA:

1️⃣ Jan 2020: My 1st international campaign with Visit Portugal, Contiki and Tastemade Travel!

2️⃣ April 2020: I was on the premier episode of Quibi’s Dishmantled with Tituss Burgess, Antoni and Dany Levy. And I WON the show!!

3️⃣ April 2020: I launched my first self-produced, self edited, self-shot, SELF EVERYTHING digital cooking series “Cook With Chef Pri at 3” on IGTV, where I share a brand new original vegan recipe every Sunday at 3pm EST!

4️⃣ May 2020: I was interviewed by Kristen Rogers and featured in CNN! This was my largest editorial feature, after Staten Island Advance, GQ and others!

5️⃣ July 2020: My first original hosted show (yes, I’m the HOST) – Dish It Healthy – aired on Tastemade Streaming Network and Food Network Kitchen!

6️⃣ September 2020: I had my first major daytime appearance on the TODAY Show! I was featured in a 4-5 minute segment called “Make Ahead Monday” where I shared how to turn cauliflower into 3 original dishes – all vegan, all original!

7️⃣ September 2020: I was in my first major brand campaign for Coca-Cola called “Sip & Scan” among celebrities, athletes, NASCAR drivers and chefs like Robert Irvine of Food Network and Chef Kwame!

8️⃣ October 2020: I signed my first book deal with Tiller Press of Simon & Schuster – one of the largest publishers in the world, to publish my debut vegan cookbook: The Modern Tiffin!!!!

9️⃣ October 2020: I was in my first major campaign for Tastemade x Amazon Prime, featured on the series “Like A Chef,” where I showed viewers how to recreate one of my favorite dishes – Indian Stuffed Eggplants in a Peanut Gravy.

🔟 November 2020: My cookbook deal was announced on Publishers Marketplace, but is the trusted source globally for all authors, journalists, agents, and publishers. And guess what – multiple publishers were interested in my proposal, so my cookbook went into auction! The announcement was made on November 16th, which is the same date as my parents wedding anniversary! How cool is that?!

1️⃣1️⃣ December 2020: I had my first feature on the Food Network Instagram flagship account for the holidays to nearly 11 million people, sharing my recipe for a Vegan Green Chutney Candy Cane, inspired by Food Network’s Pizza Candy Cane! It has almost 2 million views and 50,000 likes!

1️⃣2️⃣: December 2020: And finally, I completed my entire cookbook manuscript for my debut vegan cookbook – The Modern Tiffin – on December 21st and submitted to my editor for her review! There will be a TON of rounds of editing, but this a huge step towards progress and completion of the book!

Needless to say, there was a TON of hard work put into this year. And also, keep in mind that I hold a full time job at Twitter and try to exceed expectations in both of my careers. I hope 2021 and beyond bring better healthy, prosperity, creativity, positivity and success for all. Keep hustling and treat everyone with kindness. Peas Out!