Episode 313 Jake Cohen
Jake Cohen
The Art of Noshing: Building Community, Connection, and Culinary Joy with Jake Cohen
Jake Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author, a bright new star in the culinary world, and, as he famously puts it, a "nice Jewish boy" from New York City. His journey into food began not just with a love for eating, but with a deep appreciation for the rituals of hospitality. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Jake honed his skills in some of New York’s best restaurants, including DANIEL and ABC Kitchen. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay not in the high-pressure environment of fine dining lines, but in the storytelling and connection found in food media. This pivot led him to influential roles as the Food Editor of Tasting Table, the Food Critic for Time Out New York, and the Editorial Director of the Feedfeed.
Jake Cohen and Jeanne Pepper at the PeppTalks Studios November 20th 2025
It was the publication of his debut cookbook, Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, that truly launched Jake into the cultural zeitgeist. In this bestselling collection, Jake reinvented the food of his Ashkenazi heritage and beautifully blended it with the Persian-Iraqi traditions of his husband, Alex. The book wasn't just a collection of recipes; it was a love letter to modern identity, proving that tradition can be fluid, inclusive, and incredibly delicious. By modernizing classics—like his famous braided challah—Jake opened the door for a new generation to embrace their heritage with pride and creativity.
Building on that success, Jake released his sophomore book, I Could Nosh, in 2023. This book shifts the focus to the art of "noshing"—eating enthusiastically and often between meals. But for Jake, noshing is more than just snacking; it is a lifestyle of radical hospitality. It is about keeping the fridge stocked for friends, managing stress through the rhythm of cooking, and ensuring that no one ever leaves his home hungry. His recipes, from "schmears" to savory tarts, are designed to facilitate gathering, emphasizing that the act of feeding others is one of the highest forms of care.
Beyond the kitchen, Jake is a powerful advocate for community and mental wellness through food. He serves as a board member for OneTable, a non-profit that empowers people to envision and host their own Shabbat dinners. For Jake, Shabbat is a non-negotiable act of self-care—a time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with loved ones. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he has used his platform to create safe, inclusive spaces at the table, proving that food is the ultimate vessel for breaking down barriers and building lasting relationships.
Today, Jake continues to expand his "urban kibbutz" in New York City. He is the host of Jake Makes It Easy on A&E’s Home.Made.Nation, where he invites viewers into his kitchen to demystify the cooking process. Whether he is braiding dough on TikTok for his millions of followers or advocating for food equity with organizations like God’s Love We Deliver, Jake Cohen approaches every dish with a dash of chutzpah and a massive amount of heart, reminding us all that life is simply better when we break bread together.
Books by Jake Cohen:
📚 Jew-ish: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch (2021)
A New York Times Bestseller. This debut cookbook celebrates modern Jewish identity with over 100 recipes that blend Ashkenazi traditions with the Persian-Iraqi flavors of Jake's husband's family.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
🥯 I Could Nosh: Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day (2023)
A New York Times Bestseller. This follow-up focuses on the art of "noshing" and hospitality, featuring recipes designed for gathering, snacking, and feeding the people you love.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
🍷 Dinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration
A fun, unfussy collection of recipes and menus designed to take the stress out of hosting, proving you don't need to be perfect to be a great host.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Website: www.wakeandjake.com
TV Show: Jake Makes It Easy (A&E / Home.Made.Nation)
Social Media: Follow for recipes & challah braiding on Instagram/TikTok: @jakecohen
Organization Work: Learn more about his work with OneTable.
Disclaimer: The guest appearance of Jake Cohen on Episode 313 of PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper is solely for the purpose of sharing his personal journey and expertise. The host and production team do not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any products, recipes, books (Jew-ish, I Could Nosh), or services discussed.
Non-Affiliation Notice: We wish to clarify that we have no financial relationship with the guest. PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper does not receive any monetary compensation, affiliate commissions, or royalties from the sale, distribution, or use of Mr. Cohen’s merchandise, publications, or media content.
EPISODE 313: Modern Traditions & The Healing Power of the Table
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guests: Jake Cohen
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers
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DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at Producers@PepptalkswithJeanne.com #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward
