Last updated on March 27th, 2018 at 02:58 pm
Hey there! I’m Joanna Cismaru, Jo for short, and I am the brains behind my food blog Jo Cooks. I’m a writer, photographer, cookbook author and most importantly, I’m the cook that prepares all these scrumptious recipes that you can find here. My husband Remo, is the other force behind this blog. He’s the taste tester, IT genius, accountant extraordinaire and last but not least, my biggest supporter and pillar of strength.
We also have a new pup, a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd and his name is Indiana Jones. He’s the cutest dog alive, yes I know I’m biased, and he’s super active and keeps us laughing all day long. Many times you’ll see me share pictures of him and his shenanigans. I also have a personal assistant, Nicole who is amazing and loves food as much as I do. Together we make up the Jo Cooks team.
As long as I can remember I’ve always loved to cook and putz around in the kitchen. I’m seriously passionate about food and I do consider myself a foodie! I love all food and I will always try everything at least once, well maybe except bugs. I won’t try bugs and cats or dogs! But everything else goes.
I am totally self-taught and have no formal culinary training but I have been cooking for over 20 years. I’ve learned from my mistakes because there have been mess-ups in the kitchen, but I think that’s what makes us stronger and better at what we do. I love Julia Child’s style of cooking but I love to simplify meals, so that they are more attainable for the everyday cook.
MY PREVIOUS CAREER
In my previous career, I worked in the IT world doing software development, and while I enjoyed it, it was quite stressful. To relieve some of that stress, I always turned to cooking and baking, thus discovering my latest passion, and so this new “so-called” career evolved.
Lemon Chicken Piccata – a simple yet super impressive chicken piccata in a tasty lemon, butter and capers sauce. Perfect with pasta for a quick and delicious dinner.
WHAT THE BLOG IS ABOUT
People ask me all the time, what sort of food I cook and blog about. The truth is, everything. I cook anything and everything, and well, we eat everything, and if my husband and I can’t eat everything, there are plenty of friends, family or neighbors who love to help us out. I, most of all, love simple recipes with few everyday ingredients that you can either find in your pantry, or are easy to find at your local grocery store.
I am totally self-taught when it comes to cooking, though I have to thank my mom for teaching me the basics. I must say that I enjoy baking more than cooking so you will find quite a few baking recipes here. While I’m not a fancy baker I do love my breads and rolls and the occasional cake or pastry.
I was born in Romania, Transylvania to be exact. My family moved here when I was just a child. While I can honestly say I’ve never met a vampire, I do love my garlic. Here you will also find some of my favorite Romanian recipes that have been passed down to me from my mom and mother in law.
MY COOKBOOK
If you love my recipes and would like more of my creations, you can find my cookbook 30 Minute One Pot Meals available to order.
You can order my “30-Minute One-Pot Meals” book at:
Okay, it’s been driving me crazy – who is NICOLE BEAULIEU? And, why does she answer for you? Do you have an alias? Do you need an alibi? lol
I’ve been perusing your meatball recipes and have combined a couple (Safeway has lean ground beef on sale – $2.77/lb), so I made some meatballs (about 30), 4 hamburger patties and a meatloaf and put them in the freezer. I won’t be able to comment on yours, but plan on making your Romanian ones one day – though I did shred a cooked potato to add to mine, and I put in some dried dill, so you are an influence. Thanks for that!
Lol, she’s my wonderful assistant! Do let me know how your meatballs turn out!
Hi Jo, I’m wondering… I’m new to your site and noticed you’re in Calgary. I too lived in Calgary for 11 yrs and found my old family baking recipes (childhood in Toronto) didn’t work well in Calgary due to the altitude I always presumed. I’m now at sea level (Victoria) and wonder if your recipes will work here. Do you know? Will I have to adjust?
High altitude that will really affect baking is around 2400-3600m. Calgary is at 1040m, so no adjustments will have to be made for sea level.
My girlfriend pinned one of your recipes (Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole) recently and so I surprised her by making it for her. It was delicious! Looking forward to trying many more of your recipes.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Thanks so much, Scott! So happy you guys liked it!
Just found you! I look ford to trying all your beautiful recipes,thank you for being here!
Thanks, Andrea!! Hope you try some of the recipes!
Looks like I found this site just in time for planning Christmas dinner, my wife is originally from Romania and friends from Romania are coming here for Christmas this year.
Do let me know how you like the recipes you try!
Thanks Jo for the many great recipes that you post.
It’s my pleasure, Chris!