Jake Cohen: A Culinary Journey of Change and Identity
Jake Cohen, a name that has become synonymous with modern Jewish cooking, is experiencing a transformative chapter in his life. Since wrapping up filming for his first television show, "Jake Makes it Easy," on A&E’s Home.Made.Nation, Cohen has navigated significant personal changes, including the end of his six-year marriage. In a candid interview, he shared, “Since we recorded, I have split with my husband. I am currently single.” This new phase has led him from his familiar Queens neighborhood to the vibrant streets of Manhattan, where he now shares a home with fellow Nice Jewish Boys: EGOT-winning songwriter Benj Pasek and comedian Alex Edelman.
A New Culinary Platform
"Jake Makes it Easy" is more than just a cooking show; it’s a platform for Cohen to reach a broader audience. With a substantial following of 2.5 million across Instagram and TikTok, Cohen is eager to introduce his effervescent personality and culinary skills to cable viewers who may not yet know him. “The most exciting thing about this is that it is going to be on cable and speaks to a different audience of people that are just as passionate about cooking and passionate about food,” he explained. His goal is clear: to inspire new fans to fall in love with his recipes.
Embracing Jewish Identity
While the series trailer does not overtly highlight Cohen’s Jewish identity, he makes it a point to embrace it in the first episode. Adorned with a prominent Star of David necklace, he shares personal anecdotes about his travels to Israel and his connection to his husband’s Iraqi Jewish family. The recipes he presents, such as Iraqi salmon and date brownies, reflect the rich culinary heritage he has come to cherish. Cohen credits his husband’s Mizrahi family for expanding his culinary repertoire, stating that these Middle Eastern recipes have become integral to his identity and storytelling.
Life in the City
As Cohen adjusts to his new single life, he finds joy in exploring New York City on his Citi Bike, frequenting beloved eateries like Gertie’s, Laser Wolf, and Katz’s Deli. These culinary adventures not only nourish his body but also inspire his creativity as he works on his third cookbook, set to release next year. “It is time to inspire a generation of home cooks who not just love to cook but love to entertain,” he said, emphasizing his mission to equip others with the skills to host effortlessly.
Cooking with Purpose
In each episode of "Jake Makes it Easy," Cohen guides viewers through the art of pairing main courses and desserts that complement each other, ensuring they are special enough for entertaining. While some recipes draw from his Jewish background, others reflect a broader culinary landscape. Dishes like balsamic and soy brisket, baked gnocchi, and a unique take on chicken soup showcase his versatility as a chef. One standout recipe is a creative twist on matzah brittle, using Tate’s cookies instead, which Cohen describes as “the most incredible thing I have ever made in my life.”
Community and Connection
Cohen’s cooking transcends mere sustenance; it embodies a sense of community and connection. His roommate, Alex Edelman, praises him as “one of the great chefs on planet Earth,” highlighting how Cohen infuses his cooking with personality and generosity. “His cooking is full of personality and generosity and community,” Edelman remarked, noting that Cohen respects tradition while also innovating within it.
Redefining Tradition
Cohen’s approach to Jewish cooking is both respectful and modern. He devotes significant time to challah in his cookbooks, yet he creatively reinterprets it in the show, using the dough for challah-wrapped hot dogs and monkey bread. “There’s a lot of intimacy that comes with foods that are a living, breathing thing,” he explained, emphasizing his desire to make Jewish cuisine accessible to everyone, not just those within the community.
Authenticity in a Changing World
In light of recent global events, including the rise in antisemitism following the Hamas attacks on Israel, Cohen remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity. “I am 100 percent more committed to being authentically myself publicly,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges but refusing to let them dictate his identity. “I am making a show about entertaining, and it is still so inherently Jewish even if it is not an exclusively Jewish cooking show.”
A Future Full of Possibilities
With the first season of his show completed and his cookbook nearing publication, Cohen is busy cooking and creating. He recently prepared a brunch for Erin Lichy from "Real Housewives of New York" and has been active in political canvassing with his roommates. Looking ahead, he expresses a desire to return to Israel for an extended visit, humorously noting, “I’m in a house-guest era. I need someone to give me their apartment for a month.”
In this dynamic phase of his life, Jake Cohen continues to blend his culinary passion with his Jewish identity, inviting audiences to join him on a flavorful journey that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
