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Home About Jo
Joanna Cismaru 2022 blogger Jo Cooks
Welcome!

About Jo

Welcome to Jo Cooks where you’ll find delicious, tried-and-tested recipes for every occasion made with every day ingredients! They all come complete with step-by-step photo tutorials, videos and detailed instructions, all to help you succeed in your kitchen.

Jo Cooks has been around since 2011 and it started out as a place for me to store my recipes that I’ve collected over the years from friends and family. Here you’ll find hundreds and hundreds of delicious recipes, so make sure to check out the Recipes section and browse all your favorites!

What you’ll find here

chicken tikka masala in a plate with rice and garnished with cilantro.

Instant Pot

cream of mushroom soup garnished with sauteed mushrooms in a white bowl.

Soups And Stews

overhead shot of chicken jambalaya penne in a skillet with a serving spoon in it

30 Minutes or Less

creamy chicken marsala pasta in a white platter.

Pasta

A reuben sandwich cut in half and stacked with the centers exposed

Sandwiches

overhead shot of roasted baby potatoes on a baking sheet.

Side Dishes


Fun Facts About Me

bran castle

Born In Romania

Born in Romania, Transylvania to be exact and moved here when I was a child.

han solo

Meet Han Solo

We have a 3 year old Aussie Doodle and his name is Han Solo!

beef lasagna

My Favorite Food

My favorite food is anything Italian, but most of all a good homemade lasagna.

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Software Developer

In my life before blogging, my full time gig was as a Software Developer.

cookbook collage
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks!

Check out my two cookbooks with hundreds of easy restaurant-quality recipes perfect for busy weeknights to feed you and your family.

Read More
a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
Dinner Favorites

Explore 5-Star Recipes

Get Recipes
baked ranch chicken in a casserole dish fresh out of the oven.

Baked Ranch Chicken

salisbury steak meatballs with gravy in a skillet garnished with parsley.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Reader Favorites

no knead bread on cooling rack.

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!

Get the recipe
side view shot of a cinnamon bun with a bite taken out of it on a plate

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.

Get the recipe
oven baked chicken thighs in a pan

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!

Get the recipe

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.

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Work with us

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.

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1.2K Comments
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Elisabeth Anderson
Elisabeth Anderson
Posted: 1 day ago

You mentioned Baked Shrimp with the Fettucine Alfredo recipe. I am curious what your baked shrimp includes?

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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Elisabeth Anderson
Posted: 1 day ago

The recipe was actually linked, here you go: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/oven-baked-shrimp/

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Hilda Raftery
Hilda Raftery
Posted: 3 days ago

I have been following you on Instagram for some time and today came across the Romanian Meatball Soup. My parents were from Transylvania, too! Siebenburger Sachsen. My mother and grandmother made LOTS of soup, especially sour soups, and this was a favorite. I’m so glad you posted the link for the dried lovage! The flavor is so distinct, it makes the soup. Can’t wait to make it!!

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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Hilda Raftery
Posted: 3 days ago

Yes, it’s definitely a unique herb that has such a great flavor. Let me know how you like the soup!

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Susan Willhoite
Susan Willhoite
Posted: 6 days ago

Can I please get the free cook book I just posted my chicken but the form the the cookbook would not go through.

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Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Susan Willhoite
Posted: 6 days ago

Did you try to subscribe and you couldn’t do it?

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Reply
Patty
Patty
Posted: 12 days ago

Love All your Delicious Recipes!!! It doesn’t matter if it’s appetizer, soups party favorites, everyone loves to eat at our house. Thank You 🤗 Happy and Healthy New Year 🥳

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Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Patty
Posted: 12 days ago

Happy New Year To you and your family as well! Glad you’re enjoying my recipes!

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Dave Thrower
Dave Thrower
Posted: 1 month ago

I love your Recipes, Tips and Tricks. My Family enjoys the things I cook and are always wanting to know what new recipes I will make next. They think I am being nice but do not realize that now I have them in my power.

1
Reply
Joann Boyce
Joann Boyce
Posted: 1 month ago

Thank you for sharing. I love your recipes and can’t wait to get your book. So happy to find this website while searching what to do with leftover turkey.

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Reply
Rachel Munoz
Rachel Munoz
Posted: 1 month ago

This is the cooking site I’ve always wanted. I’m so happy to have found it. I can’t wait to try everything. I have always loved food and cooking but have needed a boost lately. This has reinspired me! Thank you.

3
Reply
Susan Turner
Susan Turner
Posted: 2 months ago

I just stumbled upon your site by searching for a recipe for buffalo chicken quesadilla. I cannot wait to dive into this catalog of recipes that DO look scrumptious!

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Reply
Michelle Pelletier
Michelle Pelletier
Posted: 2 months ago

Love your Blog and story I am looking forward to ordering your Cook Book to keep forever.

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Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Michelle Pelletier
Posted: 2 months ago

Thank you, Michelle! 🙂

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Kirsten
Kirsten
Posted: 2 months ago

Jo, I just want to thank you! I stumbled upon your artisan bread recipe probably 3 years ago. It was my first attempt at making “real bread” versus a quick bread. I bake HUNDREDS of those loaves a year and give almost all of it away! I give to our local libraries, police and fire stations, families (I’m a teacher), friends, our dog groomer, the vet clinic, for Christmas and birthday gifts…everyone loves it! I always give you credit and others have tried your recipe but say it’s never as good as when I bake it for them. I have bought 4 Dutch ovens (Cuisenart) and my poor little oven shelf can barely hold 4 at once, but it works! I also advise a cooking and baking club for my high school students. We’ve been running for three years.

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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Kirsten
Posted: 2 months ago

Thanks for your comment, Kristen! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe. 🙂

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Heather Harvey
Heather Harvey
Posted: 2 months ago

HelloJo, I loved reading your story on how to make the lemon and blueberry bread/cake. Your sense of humor is amazing and makes me want to get that stuff out and bake it! But not today.
May I suggest to Keith, being a widow, most meals that I cook from recipes, I divide into portions have one for my dinner and freeze the rest for days when you don’t feel like cooking ! Sorry about your doggie ……. p.s. I live in South Africa.

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Erin Mcdonald
Erin Mcdonald
Posted: 3 months ago

Hi Jo, I’m having trouble with the bottom of my pies being soggy? do you have any tips on getting a crispy base ?
Many thanks , E.Mcdonald

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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Erin Mcdonald
Posted: 3 months ago

Yeah, you can always brush the bottom crust with egg white then bake it for 5 to 10 minutes before adding your filling.

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Tim
Tim
Posted: 3 months ago

I am marinating the chicken right now (for the Honey Soy Drumsticks) as I type and will try them tomorrow! It looks delicious! I just have a question that you may or may not be able to answer: I have an Induction Stove. Might you be able to recommend a good set of pots and pans for such? I AM not a great cook but I try.

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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Tim
Posted: 3 months ago

Hi Tim! I have an induction stovetop too so I can recommend some that I use. I love all Le Creuset pots and pans, though they can be expensive, all cast iron skillets will work on induction and I have some AllClad skillets and pots that I love, but be careful because not all are induction friendly, make sure you read the description.

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Stephanie
Stephanie
Posted: 4 months ago

Hi Jo
Recently signed up to receive your emails. I too love yo bake and cook. Will eat almost anything (But bugs) I always say I will try anything once twice if I like it! Super excited to start trying some of your recipes. Especially the pumpkin scones! I have made cherry almond scones for a long time as most of my friends and family love them bit I LOVE pumpkin so can’t wait to try them out!

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Keith Payler
Keith Payler
Posted: 4 months ago

Hi Jo. I too am from SW Ontario transplanted to Ottawa area, but still a Tigers, Lions and Red Wings fan. I recently was widowed from my wife of 55 years who was a great cook and kept my well fed. I do like your site and signed up for more recipes, I plan on trying your Asian beef bites this week maybe with Thai rice noddles and green beans. Looking forward to a good meal.
One of the issues I have is that most recipes that I make are way too much for one meal and I end up with too much leftovers I expect other single cooks have the same problem, can your recipes be halved and still OK.

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Admin
Reply to  Keith Payler
Posted: 4 months ago

Hi Keith! Yes, absolutely! Actually in the recipe card itself, if you hover over the number of servings (assuming you’re on a mobile phone) you can change the number of servings to what you want, so if the recipe says 4 servings, you can slide it to the left to 2 servings let’s say, and the ingredient amounts in the recipe card will automatically change accordingly. Happy to hear you’re enjoying my recipes!

1
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