Welcome to
Ellen Cooks
About Us
Canadian comfort food with a Chinese heart.
Hi, I’m Ellen — welcome to my kitchen!
This website is truly a family project, built around food, tradition, and the joy of creating recipes worth sharing. What started as a small collection of favorite family meals has grown into something much bigger, and I’m so happy you’re here.
My Story
I became part of my family in a very special way. I was adopted from Lianjiang, China, and from the very beginning, food became one of the strongest ways we connected.
One of the first meals my parents shared with me was Cantonese corn soup, during the trip to China when I officially joined our family. I don’t remember that moment myself, but I’ve heard the story so many times over the years that it feels like part of me. It was warm, simple, and comforting — and it became one of those early memories my parents held onto as our family began. Even now, it’s a reminder that food has always been at the heart of our story.
Growing up in Canada, my life has always been a blend of cultures. I’ve been surrounded by classic North American comfort food, while also feeling deeply connected to the flavors and traditions of my Chinese roots. That mix has shaped how I cook today — familiar, comforting recipes with inspiration pulled from the flavors I’ve always been curious about.
Me and my mom in the kitchen — learning, creating, and having fun along the way. Even while I’m attending university, I always find time for food. We’re constantly exploring new flavors, testing recipes, and growing together — not only in cooking but also as we navigate the website learning curve. This journey is always evolving, and we love sharing it with you. You can also find more of our food creations and behind-the-scenes moments on Pinterest and Instagram.
The Family Behind the Site
Even though I’m the face of the recipes, this site wouldn’t be possible without my parents.
My mom works closely with me throughout the entire process. She helps test recipes, refine ingredients, and make sure every recipe is clear, reliable, and easy to follow. She also manages much of the website and takes many of the photos you see here. She’s the one who keeps everything organized and moving forward.
My dad is our technical expert and the reason this website exists in the first place. He helped build the foundation of the site and continues to support us behind the scenes with all the technical details that keep everything running smoothly.
This has truly become a full-time family effort, and we’re proud of what we’re building together.
Our Recipe Promise
Every recipe on this site is tested in our own kitchen. We care deeply about creating recipes that not only taste amazing, but are also clear, dependable, and easy to follow.
We may use modern tools to help with organizing, writing, and managing the website, but the heart of everything we share is simple: real food, made with real care, from our family to yours.
— Ellen
Here at Ellencooks, you’ll find:
Creative home-cooked meals using real, whole ingredients
Healthy comfort food recipes that are approachable and full of flavor
Seasonal cooking ideas to help you make the most of fresh produce
Cooking tips and inspiration to make everyday meals a little more exciting
This site is still growing — like any great recipe, it’s a work in progress. There’s so much more to come: new recipes, thoughtful twists on classics, and plenty of ideas to keep you inspired in the kitchen. Thanks so much for visiting. I hope Ellencooks.ca becomes a place where you feel at home, find new favorites, and discover just how fun and satisfying cooking from scratch can be.
Let’s cook something wonderful together!
