Hello and welcome! I'm Nora Reyes, the writer behind "Recipes by Nora" and a formally trained chef based in Nutley, NJ.
With over a decade of experience in the food and hospitality industry, I've poured my heart into curating recipes that I've personally tested and perfected. My goal is to help you reconnect with cherished Filipino classics and introduce you to forgotten favorites that you can easily recreate at home.
I hope you find recipes here that bring back good memories or encourage you to try something new! Enjoy exploring and happy cooking!
A little background
Growing up in a Filipino-Chinese household in Naga City—a charming town in the southern part of Luzon in the Philippines—I was introduced to cooking at a young age. By age seven, I was already cooking adobo and even handling the family food shopping, with a chaperone by my side, of course. And yes, that included a bit of playful haggling with the vendors!
Food has always been a big part of our family story. My grandparents ran a successful butchery business, while my parents ventured into catering and owned a little café.
My family and I moved to the United States twenty years ago. After spending some time in New York and California, I have found my home in New Jersey with my husband, Mark, and our three wonderful boys.
My Culinary Journey
Driven by my love for food, I pursued an education in both culinary arts and business in Manila, Philippines. I took internships at several renowned restaurants and hotels, gaining hands-on experience and honing my skills.
In New York City, I've held a position for years as a training director for a top chain of restaurants. Subsequently, I've worked as a restaurant consultant and spent some time as a private chef. Each role has given me a unique perspective on food and the industry.
Recipes by Nora
My blogging adventure began in 2013, centered around baking—particularly crafting fondant cakes. Over time, I found myself drawn more to cooking, something I've always loved. That's how "Recipes by Nora" came to life.
It is more than just a collection of recipes; it's a celebration of my Filipino heritage, expressed through the universal language of food. Filipino food is my comfort food, reminiscent of my childhood—of good times and meals shared with family and friends.
My approach to cooking is a blend of traditional Filipino methods and modern techniques I've learned through my formal education in culinary arts and immersive experiences from restaurant internships to roles as a private chef.
What is Filipino food?
Filipino food has a rich history. It has become a melting pot of different cuisines. Among them are Spanish, American, Chinese, and Japanese contributions.
At its core, Filipino food has sweet, salty, and sour elements, sometimes all in one bite. Specific to the region where I grew up is using coconut milk and chilies in most dishes.
To understand our food is to know our complex colonial past, diverse geography, and influences from neighboring countries in the South East. To know more about the intricacies and origins of our dishes, check out my article on A Beginner's Guide to Filipino Food.
How authentic are your recipes?
Just like any cuisine, authenticity is subjective. My recipes reflect my background, my ever-evolving taste, and the availability of ingredients around me.
My formal training in culinary arts, internships at restaurants, and trial and error allowed me to grow and be the cook I am today. As with anything else, learning never stops.
Who is the man behind the scenes?
While my husband, Mark, is a nurse by profession, he's always had a passion for photography and all things technical. He's the skilled photographer, videographer, and troubleshooter behind Recipes by Nora. Through his encouragement, I was inspired to begin sharing my recipes online.
How can I contact you?
I'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to send me a message by email at recipesbynora@gmail.com. I read all of them and do my best to respond as soon as I can.
If you don't hear from me, chances are it went into spam, so please resend the message. Your time is much appreciated!
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Disclaimer:
Everything on this blog is written by me and intended for informational purposes only. All recipes and information are based on my tastes, experiences, and research with the goal of being as accurate as possible. When necessary, links will be provided for references.
I shall not be held responsible or liable for errors or varying circumstances. With food and everything else, consume in moderation. When in doubt, always consult a medical professional for advice.