Hey There! I’m Nora Demetri
Gluten-Free Cooking Specialist | Chef | Recipe Developer | Mediterranean Food Expert
San Diego, California–based creator who believes every kitchen can be a place of joy, discovery, and connection.
My Story
I grew up in a Greek family where the kitchen was the heartbeat of our home. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandmother rolling out paper-thin phyllo by hand, the table dusted in flour, and me sneaking tastes when I thought no one was looking. Food was never just food—it was laughter, family stories, and the comforting hum of people gathered together.
When I was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity in my twenties, I felt like that part of my life had been taken away. Family recipes suddenly felt out of reach. The baklava I grew up with, the crusty bread we tore into at Sunday dinners—it all seemed like it belonged to a world I no longer had access to. But instead of giving up, I turned my kitchen into a little test lab, determined to rebuild those traditions in a way that worked for me and for anyone navigating gluten-free living.
The ‘Aha’ Moment
One Christmas Eve, I tried to surprise my family with a gluten-free version of spanakopita. I failed miserably—not once, but three times. The crust was dry, the filling leaked, and I nearly threw the whole thing out. But I couldn’t let it go. After days of testing and tweaking, I pulled out a golden, flaky, gluten-free spanakopita that tasted just like home.
When my grandmother—who had taught me so much—took a bite, smiled, and said, “This is ours”, I knew I had found my purpose. That dish wasn’t just food—it was belonging. It’s the reason I now dedicate my work to helping others find joy and confidence in gluten-free cooking.
What I Learned the Hard Way
Gluten-free baking is humbling. I’ve pulled rock-hard loaves out of the oven, baked cookies that crumbled like sand, and tested cakes that refused to rise. At one point, I almost gave up because the failures felt personal.
But those mistakes became my greatest teachers. They showed me that recipes must be tested in real kitchens with real people—not just written on paper. That’s why I now build every recipe with care, testing and refining until it works for busy home cooks who don’t have time for trial and error.
My Approach Now
In my kitchen, recipes start with curiosity and end with clear, do-able steps. I respect the nerdy side of gluten-free baking—how a touch more moisture or the right flour blend can change everything—but I keep the mood relaxed and joyful. I weigh ingredients, taste as I go (olive oil matters!), and scribble notes in the margins until a dish feels like something you’d happily make on a Tuesday night.
Once a recipe works for me, I send it to a small circle of home cooks who try it with everyday tools—sheet pan, 9×13, basic mixer. Their feedback turns into “confidence cues” right in the instructions: batter should fall in a slow ribbon; edges turn lightly golden; centers spring back when pressed. I also include quick swaps (dairy-free, egg-free), make-ahead tips, and gentle reminders about cross-contamination, because safety is part of flavor.
I filter everything through a Mediterranean lens—lemon, herbs, good olive oil—so food tastes bright without a lot of fuss. And I trade notes with Chef Maya Richards to trim unnecessary steps and keep family-friendly variations front and center. No “good for gluten-free” qualifiers—just food that earns seconds.
What I Believe
- Food connects us to memory, family, and culture.
- Gluten-free baking should taste just as good—if not better—than the “originals.”
- Recipes should be simple enough to fit into busy lives.
- Mediterranean cuisine holds timeless lessons in balance, flavor, and nourishment.
- Cooking should feel like a joy, not a stress.
How I Can Help You
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by gluten-free baking—or frustrated when a recipe didn’t turn out—know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I create so you don’t have to go through that same trial-and-error.
Through my recipes at SimpleafyRecipes.com, I focus on gluten-free baking and Mediterranean-inspired meals that anyone can make, no matter their skill level. From weekday dinners that come together in 20 minutes to celebratory desserts that feel indulgent, I share food that’s practical, nourishing, and joyful.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find me at San Diego’s Little Italy farmers’ market, sipping strong Greek coffee, or taking long walks by the coast with my notebook in hand. I love sketching recipe ideas, experimenting with Mediterranean flavors, and finding ways to make gluten-free cooking feel empowering instead of limiting.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to connect with you! Whether you’re just beginning your gluten-free journey or you’ve been living it for years, I hope my recipes make you feel supported and inspired. Join me on Pinterest for fresh ideas, connect with me on LinkedIn for more of my culinary story, or drop me a note—I always love hearing what’s cooking in your kitchen.
Get In Touch
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: Nora Demetri
- Pinterest: Simpleafy Mediterranean