Jessica Brooks

Connect What is your signature dish?

The dish that makes me feel most connected to my family is Chicken Bob, a Southern comfort dish made with rice, chicken, and boiled eggs. Growing up, it was more than just a meal; It was a tradition that brought everyone together. Now that I live away from my family, cooking Chicken Bob helps me stay connected to my roots, my memories, and the people I love. Every time I make it, it feels like bringing a piece of home into my kitchen.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My biggest cooking inspiration is my immediate family. Growing up, my sister introduced me to Spanish dishes full of flavor and tradition. My mom taught me how to make homemade pasta and baked goods from scratch, turning cooking into quality time together. My dad and I bonded over preparing everything from lamb chops and steak to clams and pasta. Each of them shaped the way I cook and showed me that food is about more than a meal;it's about family, culture, and connection.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m working toward becoming a CRNA, and I would use $25,000 to help fund my schooling and ease my student loan burden so I can focus on advancing in critical care nursing. I’m currently saving every step of the way to get there. When I’m not working or studying, I’m in the kitchen cooking and baking it’s my creative outlet and how I decompress. This prize would support my biggest goal while still allowing me to keep doing what I love.