Founder & Recipe Creator at Cookstonio

Hello, I’m Susan Mejia, the heart, hands, and hungry soul behind Cookstonio where every dish tells a story.
My culinary journey began in a modest New Jersey kitchen filled with the aromas of simmering tomato sauce, freshly baked bread, and the laughter of family meals. Standing on a stool beside my grandmother, I learned that good food isn’t just about ingredients it’s about intuition, patience, and love. She taught me to season by feeling, not measuring, and that philosophy still guides me today.


Over the past 15+ years, I’ve evolved from a home cook into a recipe developer, food writer, and culinary storyteller. Through countless experiments, family dinners, and shared meals, I’ve built Cookstonio into a space that celebrates approachable, delicious home cooking for busy families and passionate food lovers alike.

My Culinary Philosophy

Cooking is more than a daily task — it’s an act of creativity, comfort, and connection.
At Cookstonio, my mission is simple: to make cooking joyful and accessible. I believe that great recipes don’t need to be complicated; they just need heart. Whether you’re learning to make your first casserole or crafting a gourmet Sunday dinner, I want to give you the tools, guidance, and confidence to succeed.

Every recipe you’ll find here has been tested, tasted, and refined in my own kitchen. From hearty soups and cozy casseroles to refreshing salads and quick weeknight dinners, my goal is to bring real flavor and warmth to your table.

Experience & Expertise

  • Over 15 years of hands-on cooking, testing, and recipe development
  • Background in home-style cuisine, comfort food, and family-friendly meals
  • Expertise in seasonal cooking, canning, and food preservation
  • Special focus on wild game, seafood, homemade condiments, and classic comfort recipes
  • Experienced in food styling and recipe writing for digital and print platforms

I’m also a firm believer in sustainability and local sourcing supporting farmers’ markets, minimizing food waste, and teaching others how to preserve seasonal abundance through canning, pickling, and freezing.

The Story Behind Cookstonio

I founded Cookstonio to share more than recipes to share stories, memories, and techniques that inspire confidence in the kitchen.
Every dish featured here has a meaning:

  • The Sunday roast that gathers the whole family.
  • The blueberry jam that captures summer in a jar.
  • The chicken casserole that comforts on a cold evening.

Cookstonio is a reminder that food is not just nourishment; it’s connection to our past, our loved ones, and ourselves.

What You’ll Find on Cookstonio

  • Step-by-step recipes tested in my home kitchen
  • Practical cooking guides for all skill levels
  • Canning & preservation tutorials for homemade longevity
  • Family meal planning tips for busy lifestyles
  • Ingredient spotlights exploring seasonal produce and global flavors
  • Creative twists on traditional favorites because food should always be fun

Each recipe is written with clarity, tested multiple times, and accompanied by cooking insights that explain the why behind every step empowering you to cook confidently without guesswork.

Community & Recognition

My recipes have been featured in:

  • Community cookbooks and family recipe collections
  • Popular food blogs and home cooking networks
  • Culinary forums focused on comfort food and sustainable cooking

I actively collaborate with culinary creators, home cooks, and food educators to share new ideas, techniques, and stories that bring people together through the love of food.

Let’s Connect

Cooking is a journey best shared. I love hearing from readers — your stories, your family traditions, or your creative spins on my recipes. Whether you’re experimenting with canning, trying out a new pasta dish, or looking for weeknight dinner inspiration, I’m here to share the joy of homemade cooking with you.

📧 Email: susan@cookstonio.com
📍 Based in: Vineland, New Jersey

Follow my daily kitchen adventures:

Cookstonio isn’t just a food blog it’s a living collection of memories, flavors, and experiences meant to inspire your own culinary journey.
My greatest joy is knowing that a recipe from my kitchen can become part of yours.
So pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let’s cook something unforgettable one recipe at a time.

Simple Cooking, Made for You

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