My Cooking Philosophy
My philosophy is deeply rooted in simplicity and accessibility, aimed at transforming the kitchen into a space of joy and exploration rather than a daunting battlefield. I have a profound love for one-pot meals and dishes that can be whipped up in 30 minutes, ensuring that cooking becomes a delightful experience rather than a time-consuming chore. My mission traverses beyond the boundaries of ordinary cooking; it is to unravel the complexities of gourmet recipes from around the globe and present them in a simplified manner, making gourmet cooking a reachable goal for every home cook.
My culinary journey is marked by a penchant for Italian and Chinese cuisines, but my palate does not stop there; it is eclectic and ever-evolving. I relish the opportunity to explore and recreate a myriad of recipes from all corners of the world, offering a diverse and vibrant culinary experience to my readers. Each recipe is a gateway to a new culture, a new flavor, and a new way of experiencing food, and I am thrilled to be your guide on this delicious adventure.
A Journey of Passion and Learning
Since the inception of my blog in 2011, my life has been a continuous culinary journey, completely immersed in the world of food. This immersion has been a gateway to refining my culinary skills and deepening my knowledge of various cuisines and cooking techniques. My days are filled with constant research, experimentation, and culinary explorations, allowing me to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every recipe I create.
Every recipe I share is a reflection of my dedication to the culinary arts and my passion for sharing my culinary discoveries with the world. The countless hours spent in the kitchen, the meticulous attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of perfection ensure that every dish you try is foolproof, flavorful, and enjoyable. My commitment is to provide you with reliable and delicious recipes, allowing you to explore new flavors and create memorable culinary experiences in your own kitchen.
From Codes to Cookware
Before embarking on this flavorful journey, I was immersed in the world of technology as a software developer—a career I thoroughly enjoyed and had passionately aspired to since my younger years. It was a realm of endless possibilities and continuous learning, and I relished every moment spent in coding and developing software solutions. However, deep within, I always sensed that it wasn’t my forever path. There was a lingering yearning for a second career, a pursuit that would allow me to pour my heart and soul into, and resonate more profoundly with my inner self.
This blog materialized that vision, becoming a canvas for my culinary creations and a platform where I could excel, innovate, and share my love for food with the world. It allowed me to connect with fellow food enthusiasts, exchange culinary insights, and spread the joy of cooking. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a space where passion meets creativity, and diverse palates unite in their love for food.
Celebrating My Roots
Being born in Romania, I hold a special place in my heart for Romanian recipes, many of which are treasures from my mom and mother-in-law. I take pride in simplifying these traditional dishes, making them a hit among my Romanian readers in North America who appreciate the ease and authenticity.
My Cookbooks
For those who share my love for quick and easy cooking, I’ve authored two cookbooks, “30 Minute One Pot Meals” and “The Big Book Of Jo’s Quick And Easy Meals,” offering a plethora of easy, restaurant-quality recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
Let’s Cook Together!
I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, explore diverse cuisines, and bring joy to your kitchen with every recipe. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find something to suit your taste and skills. Let’s make cooking an everyday celebration!
What you’ll find here
Fun Facts About Me
Born In Romania
Born in Romania, Transylvania to be exact and moved here when I was a child.
Meet Han Solo
We have a 3 year old Aussie Doodle and his name is Han Solo!
My Favorite Food
My favorite food is anything Italian, but most of all a good homemade lasagna.
Software Developer
In my life before blogging, my full time gig was as a Software Developer.
My Cookbooks!
Check out my two cookbooks with hundreds of easy restaurant-quality recipes perfect for busy weeknights to feed you and your family.
Reader Favorites
No Knead Bread
The easiest No Knead Bread! You guessed it, no kneading required! 4 simple ingredients, all baked in a Dutch Oven resulting in a bread that is simply perfection! Hands down the best bread you’ll ever eat!
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
These Cinnabons Cinnamon Rolls are a cinnabon copycat recipe and about the closest you’ll get to the real thing. Super easy to make.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
This Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is a force to be reckoned with! Simple and deliciously baked chicken with a mustard, honey glaze – this dish is definitely going to be a top-contender in your weekly recipe planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Made You Start Your Blog?
It was actually my husband’s idea. I had a lot of recipes from my mother and mother in law on notebooks that I always lost, and whenever I needed one I could never find it. The blog was actually a means of storing my recipes so I never lose them again. This turned into a hobby, the hobby turned into a passion and the passion turned into this blog that I love. The rest is history!
How Can I Support You?
Just keep doing what you’re doing. Come visit my blog, check out my recipes and have some fun in the kitchen!
I Love Your Recipes! Do You Have A Cookbook?
Thank you! Yes, I have 2 cookbooks! You can find out more information about them and how to order them here.
I Have A Recipe Question. Can You Help?
The best way to get your question answered is to actually comment on the recipe page with your question. I try to answer all the questions myself. You could try emailing me, but sometimes emails go to spam so I might miss your emails and your questions can go unanswered.
How Do I Print A Recipe?
There is a print button at the top of each post and at the top of each recipe card.
Is Blogging Your Full Time Gig?
Yes! I’ve been blogging full time now since 2015 and I love everything about it. It’s super crazy busy at times but I love every minute of it.
I’m A New Blogger…Can You Give Me Some Advice?
My best advice to you is love what you do, and be consistent. It’s not easy and it’s not going to happen overnight, but if you keep working hard at it, it will happen.
Can I Use One Of Your Photos On My Website?
Sure, I don’t mind as long as you credit my blog.
Looking To Collaborate?
We love to partner with brands we love and that are a fit with our readers. If you’d like to work together, please contact us at info@jocooks.com.
Hi Jo … Retired Aussie food lover here and I just wanted to say how much I enjoy browsing around your website. I’ve tried many of your recipes and have loved every dish that I’ve created. Sometimes I change things around a bit, add an ingredient here or take away an ingredient there, but that’s what I love about your recipes …. they’re always so adaptable! Thank you and keep up the awesome work!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve enjoyed my recipes and have made them your own. Cooking is all about adapting and experimenting, so I’m thrilled you find my recipes flexible. Cheers to many more delicious meals! 🍴🇦🇺
Hi Jo. Just red your german red cabbage recipe. You said that you learned it from a friend. Does this friend have a recipe for herring salad made with beets. My mother made it often but no one has her recipe and she passed eight years ago.
Thanks.
I’ll have to ask her. Her husband was German but he passed away a few years ago, so I’m not sure she has it, but I’ll find out.
Can you release an apple cider recipe for the holiday season?
I’ll see if I can fit in my calendar. 😉
Can you make the “Sex in a Pan” the day before and freeze it for the next day?
Absolutely, you can make “Sex in a Pan” the day before and freeze it for the next day. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or at room temperature for quicker results. The texture and flavors should remain pretty much the same. For more tips like this, be sure to check the post itself! Enjoy!
, can you use regular cake mix like lemon or yellow cake mix with the lemon bars instead of angel food?
Great question! The angel food cake mix is unique in that it already has egg whites and other leavening agents in the mix. That’s what gives these lemon bars their signature light and airy texture. Using a regular cake mix like lemon or yellow would result in a denser and possibly less airy bar. That being said, if you don’t mind a different texture, feel free to experiment with other cake mixes! Just follow the directions on the box for additional ingredients like eggs or oil that the regular mixes may require. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try! 🍋🍰
Hello, Jo!
I’m wanting to let you know one of your links appears incorrect: The healthy recipes ‘browse all’ link on your homepage actually leads to Christmas cookie recipes! Now, I do adore a good cookie, but sometimes I need a little inspiration for something to balance out the sweets! 😉
Lovely website you have though. Every recipe I have tried has been fantastic! Thank you!
LOL Thanks for catching that, all fixed now.
Hi,
You moved here from Transylvania as a child. Where is ‘here’?
How far and wide are your supporters? Personally I’m in Liverpool England so do sometimes have to google some of your terminologies.
Hi there! It’s great to hear from you all the way from Liverpool, England! By ‘here’, I mean Calgary, Canada. It’s wonderful to know that my recipes have reached you across the pond. Your support is truly appreciated and it’s fantastic to see the love for my recipes reaching so many corners of the globe.
where can I see the video re: instant pot bread?
Sorry but I don’t have an instant pot bread recipe.
Hi Jo~ I’ve been a user of your recipes for ~4 years. You like the same tastes as I do and I always know going into it that I can trust any recipe of yours. Thank you for putting in the work. I’m just beginning to plan a trip to Romania with my husband. I know you’re not a travel blogger but do you have any particular favorite spots that we shouldn’t miss? Whether something as small as a favorite local restaurant or a great store or a park or anything, I’d love to hear it. Love to you! Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Firstly, thank you so much for your trust and continued support over the years. I’m thrilled to know you’ve enjoyed the recipes!
About your upcoming trip to Romania, that’s fantastic! It’s a beautiful country with so much to offer. However, I should mention that it’s been quite a while since my last visit, so the restaurants or local spots I used to frequent may have changed or even no longer be in operation.
However, I will say that you should definitely explore the old towns in cities like Brasov and Sibiu, visit Bran Castle (often associated with Dracula), and don’t miss the stunning landscapes of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains. Romania is also well-known for its monasteries, especially those in the Moldova region, like the painted monasteries in Bucovina.
As for food, make sure to try some traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale, mici, and papanasi. Have a wonderful trip and I hope you fall in love with Romania just as much as I am.
How do I read your blog?
Hello, thanks for your interest in my blog! Reading my blog is simple:
Navigating the Blog: You can start by visiting the homepage of my website, where you’ll see my most recent posts. From there, you can explore different categories or recipes by using the menu at the top of the page.
Search: If you’re looking for something specific, use the search bar usually located at the top or bottom of the blog. Just type in what you’re looking for and press enter.
Categories: You can also browse my blog by category. Categories are often listed in the menu or the sidebar. Just click on a category that interests you to see all the posts under that topic.
Subscribe: If you want to make sure you don’t miss any posts, you can also subscribe to my blog. There’s usually a place to enter your email on the homepage. Once you’re subscribed, new posts will be delivered directly to your inbox!
Love these blogs, super helpful
Just happened upon your blog and enjoy it very much. Wanted to say Thank You!
Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Hi Jo! Nice to meet you. My name is also.. Jo ☺️ my husband is Cantonese and I have been looking for a good chow fun recipe all over and stumbled upon your blog. Your recipe is my favorite!! Wondering how you got into Cantonese cooking or where you learned it from! -Much love, Jo
Hi Jo! All self taught here, I love all Asian food, so years ago I started cooking it myself and have never looked back since. I learned from watching the food network, surfing the web and just a lot of trial and error. 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the recipe. 🙂
I just came across this website on Pinterest and I find this absolutely fabulous and I haven’t even begun to explore what a pleasure it is to know that there are some Cooks out there who actually care about the actual people and what they eat and what they enjoy.
Hello! I’m over the moon to hear that you’ve found Jo Cooks and that you’re excited to explore the recipes. It’s absolutely true, the joy of cooking isn’t just about the food, but the people we share it with. It’s all about creating dishes that not only nourish our bodies, but also bring joy to our tables. I aim to create recipes that are accessible, enjoyable, and delicious, so it’s fantastic to hear that you appreciate this approach. Thank you so much for your kind words, and I hope you find many recipes here that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Happy cooking!
Recently bought an Air Fryer and am thoroughly enjoying it at age 90. Will you be publishing recipes, etc for this very popular Kitchen Appliance?
Hello! I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you’re exploring the world of air frying at 90, that’s fantastic! You’re absolutely right, air fryers have become quite the popular kitchen gadget. I do indeed have recipes tailored specifically for the air fryer. You can find all of them in my Air Fryer category. I hope you find these recipes helpful and delicious. Enjoy your culinary adventures with your new air fryer! 😊
Balsamic Pork Scallopini Over Creamy Noodles…bought ingredients on Sunday but the recipe is no longer available. What happened?
I had deleted a long time ago, but I brought it back since you’re asking for it. Here you go: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/balsamic-pork-scallopini/
Thank you very much for responding. This definitely won’t be your only recipe I try. So many of them look great.