Hello, I’m Nora
Hi there! I’m Nora, a passionate home cook and recipe developer from sunny California. For over 8 years, I’ve been exploring the wonderful world of cooking, from hearty comfort foods to fresh seasonal dishes. I believe that great food has the magical ability to bring families together, create lasting memories, and turn any ordinary meal into something special. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner that saves the day or an elaborate holiday feast that brings everyone to the table, I’m here to help you discover the joy and confidence that comes from creating delicious meals in your own kitchen.
Cooking Experience
My Story
Nora’s Foods was born from the vibrant, spice-filled kitchen of my childhood home in sunny San Diego. Every Sunday, I’d find myself perched on a kitchen stool beside my grandmother Abuela Rosa, watching in fascination as she transformed simple ingredients into incredible feasts that filled our home with the most amazing aromas and brought our entire extended family together around one table.
“Mija, cooking is not just about feeding the body—it’s about nourishing the soul. Every meal is a chance to show love, create memories, and bring people together.”
— Abuela Rosa
Abuela Rosa taught me that cooking wasn’t just about following recipes—it was about understanding flavors, adapting to what you have, and most importantly, cooking with heart. She’d make incredible carnitas for family celebrations, fresh salsas with tomatoes from her garden, and the most comforting soups when anyone wasn’t feeling well.
When I moved to Los Angeles in 2010 to start my career in marketing, I found myself recreating those cherished recipes and experimenting with new cuisines I discovered in the diverse neighborhoods around me. What began as cooking for myself quickly evolved into hosting dinner parties for friends who couldn’t get enough of my fusion of traditional family recipes with modern California cuisine.
By 2015, I realized that Abuela Rosa’s wisdom and my culinary adventures deserved to be shared with home cooks everywhere. Nora’s Foods became my way of honoring her memory while helping other families discover the joy, comfort, and connection that comes from creating beautiful meals together.
I believe that cooking is both an art and an act of love—where fresh ingredients meet creative techniques, and where every dish tells a story of comfort, celebration, and connection.
Fresh & Simple
Using the best ingredients with techniques that enhance natural flavors
Global Inspired
Celebrating flavors from around the world adapted for home kitchens
Family Friendly
Making cooking approachable and enjoyable for every skill level
My approach to cooking centers around using fresh, quality ingredients and teaching techniques that build confidence in the kitchen. I focus on recipes that are approachable yet exciting, drawing inspiration from my Mexican-American heritage and my love for exploring cuisines from around the world.
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not developing new recipes, you’ll find me exploring California’s incredible farmers markets with my partner Alex and our rescue dog Mango. We love discovering new seasonal ingredients, hiking coastal trails, and trying authentic cuisines in LA’s diverse neighborhoods.
Featured & Published
Food Photography
Trail Running
Herb Gardening
Thank you for joining me in celebrating the joy of cooking—I can’t wait to help you create delicious meals and lasting memories that will bring your family together around the table!
