Elise Jesse

8 years in local television as a sports reporter and 5 years as a writer for Sports Illustrated covering the NFL with an emphasis on the Cincinnati Bengals
Recipient of an Ohio Valley Emmy Award in broadcast journalism
Creator of @ejscookin, a FoodTok account with almost 90K followers

Experience

Elise is a home chef, recipe developer and food influencer. She enjoys experimenting with different flavors and techniques and sharing the results with her thousands (and thousands) of followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Her cooking experience spans decades, beginning in her Grandma Jan's kitchen, where she watched in awe as everyday meals became events complete with individual desserts. Elise helped her mother re-create recipes from Taste of Home in the '80s and '90s, and now she takes pride in sharing the joy of cooking with her own family.

Outside Taste of Home, Elise is chasing after her young daughter and son and attending University of Cincinnati basketball games in support of her husband. You can also find her tending to the family's "pizza garden" or watching '90s movies.

Education

Mount Saint Joseph University, bachelor's in psychology with a minor in communication studies

Taste of Home Editorial Policies

Taste of Home

Articles & Recipes

Elise Jesse’s Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats

If you're craving the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want something a little lighter for summer, these Philly cheesesteak zucchini boats are the answer. I make them with tender slices of NY strip steak and sauteed bell peppers, onions and mushrooms, all tucked into roasted zucchini halves and topped with melted provolone. It's a healthy twist on the sandwich we know and love, without sacrificing flavor. This dish is hearty, satisfying and weeknight-friendly. —Elise Jesse, Cincinnati, Ohio

Elise Jesse’s Summer Shark-A-Rita

Get ready to dive into the deep end of flavor with a Shark-A-Rita! It’s the ultimate cocktail for Shark Week. This ocean-inspired twist on the classic margarita blends bold citrus, a splash of tropical sweetness and an eye-catching blue hue. Garnish the colorful cocktail with gummy sharks and a mini umbrella—it's sure to make waves at your next party. —Elise Jesse, Cincinnati, Ohio

Elise Jesse’s Chicken Tower

This Mediterranean chicken tower is simple to make but delivers bold, restaurant-worthy flavor. The marinade comes together in minutes using pantry staples and fresh herbs, and the yogurt dressing can be made ahead of time. The dish is stacked high like a centerpiece so it's perfect for dinner parties, allowing guests to carve as much or as little as they’d like. To fill out the meal, serve the chicken over rice, in wraps or with roasted veggies. —Elise Jesse, Cincinnati, Ohio