Hello, I’m Nora Gooden
Hi! I’m Nora Gooden, the recipe developer, home cook, and happy mess-maker behind Nan Recipes (Nanrecipes.com). I started this site to make everyday cooking feel friendly, reliable, and a little bit fun—whether you’re racing through a weeknight or lingering over a weekend bake.
“Nan” is my shorthand for warm, comforting, from-scratch food—the kind that makes a kitchen feel like home. Here you’ll find approachable, well-tested recipes that use simple ingredients, clear steps, and lots of practical tips so you can cook with confidence.
What You’ll Find Here
- Quick Weeknight Dinners: skillet meals, sheet-pan favorites, and 30-minute pastas.
- Comfort Classics: cozy soups, casseroles, and family-style dishes that bring everyone to the table.
- Baking You Can Trust: cookies, bars, and cakes with detailed directions and consistent results.
- Better-For-You Options: lighter swaps, veggie-forward sides, and balanced bowls.
- Entertaining Made Easy: crowd-pleasers you can make ahead without stress.
- How-To Guides: basic techniques, substitutions, and pantry tips that save time and money.
My Cooking Philosophy
- Simple > Complicated: Everyday ingredients you can find anywhere.
- Flavor First: Layered seasoning, smart shortcuts, and techniques that make food pop.
- Tested & Reliable: I test recipes multiple times and include notes, variations, and troubleshooting.
- Clear & Visual: Step-by-step instructions (and when possible, process photos) so you’re never guessing.
- Flexible: Substitutions and make-ahead ideas for real-life schedules.
About Nora
I’m a self-taught home cook and recipe writer who believes great food doesn’t have to be fussy. My happiest memories live in the kitchen—learning by doing, tasting along the way, and feeding people I love. Over time I turned my recipe notebook into Nan Recipes, a place where I share exactly what I cook: approachable meals, cozy bakes, and practical kitchen wisdom that works in busy, modern life.
When I’m not testing a new dinner idea or perfecting a pan sauce, you’ll find me organizing the pantry (again), chasing the perfect chewy-center cookie, or rewriting a recipe until the instructions are crystal clear.
How I Develop Recipes
- Idea → Draft: Inspired by seasons, reader requests, and classic comfort food.
- Test & Tweak: Cook, retest, adjust seasoning, simplify steps.
- Write It For You: Clear timing, measurements, and “why it works” notes.
- Real-Life Check: Make-ahead, storage, and reheating tips are built in.
Let’s Cook Together
Nan Recipes is more than a collection of dishes—it’s an invitation to slow down for a moment, stir something delicious, and share it. I love hearing what you’re cooking and which recipes become staples in your home. Your comments, ratings, and suggestions help me shape what comes next.
If you try a recipe, tag it on social or leave a review on Nanrecipes.com—I read every note. Thanks for being here and happy cooking!
Warmly,
Nora Gooden
Founder & Recipe Developer, Nan Recipes
