How to make gumbo? Try this recipe from TNT Rooftop Inn's Chef Priscilla Gator

Chef Priscilla Gator is the executive chef at TNT Rooftop Restaurant, 5405 W. Madison St., toasttab.com

Born in Ghana, Gator's passion for cooking started in her childhood where she spent much time in the kitchen with her grandmother, whom she describes as "a talented baker who delighted our neighborhood with her creations."

Gator moved to the U.S. when she was 8 and eventually pursued a career in healthcare. During the pandemic, however, she decided to follow her dream of being a chef and enrolled at Kendall College. The chef is also owner of Priscilla's Kitchen Catering and the Co-Founder of The Women Up Movement (a nonprofit based in Bridgeport, Connecticut). Her culinary journey has taken her across the country where each day her "love for cooking grows."

Chef Gator shares one of her favorite holiday recipes:

"As we get ready to close out the year, families and communities will gather to celebrate Kwanzaa, a beautiful holiday that honors African heritage and emphasizes the value of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility. At the heart of this celebration lies a powerful theme: 'Umoja,' or unity, which serves as a reminder of the strength found in togetherness. Food transcends race, geography, language and is a common ground for people to share experiences, culture and traditions.

"Growing up in Ghana, some of my fondest memories are of gathering around a large bowl of banku or fufu, sharing meals with my cousins and older brother. This communal practice is deeply ingrained in Ghanaian culture, where eating together symbolizes love and happiness.

"I chose my gumbo recipe because it evokes the delicious okra stew my grandmother would spend countless hours preparing for us, reminding me of those cherished moments.

"Gumbo is a rich and hearty stew that originated in Louisiana. It serves as a profound culinary symbol of unity. Its roots trace back to West African, French, Spanish and Indigenous Peoples' cooking. These diverse influences help to create a dish that signifies the melting pot of cultures and backgrounds.

"Gumbo, traditionally prepared and served in large pots, invites friends and family to gather around the table, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This spirit of togetherness resonates deeply with the tight-knit family we have at TNT Rooftop Restaurant. Working here has reinforced the importance of setting aside our differences to pursue a common goal. In our kitchen, the focus shifts from individual aspirations to the collective effort of the team. Our mission is to serve quality food crafted with love, and this sense of unity has not only shaped me as a chef but has also contributed to my growth as an individual.

"As I reflect on the values of Kwanzaa, I recognize that it is this shared commitment to each other and our craft that truly nourishes both our bodies and our spirits."