Season 1 Plot
In each half hour episode, "Jake Makes it Easy" provides viewers a step-by-step process for creating a main course and dessert that incorporate aspects from classic dishes and unique flavors all while keeping it simple. Having worked in some of New York City's top restaurants and test kitchens, Jake brings his impressive culinary background and love of hosting to create inspired meals fit for any table. With dishes including everything from balsamic and soy brisket, challah monkey bread, and Iraqi salmon to date brownies, baked gnocchi and soup-less chicken soup, Jake weaves together his heritage and stories of food and family to create unforgettable meals every guest will love.
Jake Makes It Easy Season 1 aired on October 28th, 2024.
Season 1 Episodes
1. Iraqi Salmon and Date Brownies
Jake makes two of his favorite super simple crowd-pleasers. First, Iraqi roast salmon slathered in a caramelized onion and tomato sauce that is packed with spice. This main dish is paired with a decadent fudgy date brownie.
2. Spinach Feta Pie and Baklava
Pulling from his travels, Jake puts his twist on Boreka hand pies. Filled with tender white beans, spinach, and feta, this recipe can work as a side dish or is hearty enough to be the main course. Paired with a simple yet elegant baklava, it will make you wonder why you don't make it more often.
3. Turk-ish Leek Burgers and Peach Crumb Bars
Jake is inspired by two dishes he learned from his mother-in-law and grandmother. The first is a Turk-ish leek burger inspired by Turkish meatballs. For dessert, it's a variation of his grandmother's cake with peach crumb bars. Two updated versions of classic dishes.
4. Lamb Meatballs with Herby Couscous and Cardamom Snickerdoodles
Jake makes his sweet and savory lamb meatballs with pearled couscous. It's a recipe so versatile you can use nearly any ingredient you have on hand. It isn't a one-pan dish, but it might as well be. Paired with cinnamon and cardamom snickerdoodles that have a slight hint of citrus, it's a meal that will make guests keep coming back for more.
5. Baked Gnocchi & Jammy Olive Oil Cake
For tonight's dinner party, Jake is making two of his simplest, most beloved recipes. You'll only need one bowl to make his moist, jammy olive oil cake and one sheet pan to create his baked gnocchi that's packed with eggplant and cherry tomatoes.
6. Everything Bagel Galette and Upside Down Banana Bread
Bagels get elevated from an easy breakfast dish to a perfect anytime meal with this everything bagel galette with heirloom tomatoes. The spin on a well-known favorite is combined with a chocolate-filled upside-down banana bread.