hey there!
I'm Nora!
Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking.
If you’re here because you’re trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you’re in the right place.
Balancing Bowls is your go-to for nutritious, flexible, bean-forward meals designed for real life. I share the recipes I actually cook for my kids, often during the dinner-time chaos while someone’s doing homework at the counter, my five-year-old is asking for a snack while wearing a tiara and no pants, and I’m trying to remember if I already salted the soup.
The Kids Top 3
At least for now, these are the top three recipes all my kids love—and agree on! (ages 5,7,10)
What You’ll Find Here:
- Tips from a mom who’s been there (and still is!)
- Fast, adaptable recipes with clear instructions, smart shortcuts, and freezer-friendly options
- Beans and lentils love—as both a nutrition powerhouse and a budget-friendly protein
- Plant-forward meals the whole family will actually eat
- Meal prep guidance for busy weeks
free eBook!
Enjoy Cooking in Chaos
10 Recipes + Mindset Tips
Take a moment to explore the Recipe Index and find what fits your mood, schedule, and fridge contents. Whether you're after hearty comfort like Soups and Stews, a quick bite from the Handhelds section, or something vibrant and fresh from Salads and Bowls, there's something here for every kind of day. If you're in the mood to build flavor fast, don't miss the Toppings and Flavor Boosters—they’re the secret to turning simple meals into something special. And of course, the heart of this site beats in the Beans and Lentils categories, where you'll find everything from Lentil Soups to Bean Spreads and Hummus, all created to nourish and satisfy, even when time is tight.
Browse by Category
A Little More
About Me
I’ve always been a maker at heart. Before I was testing recipes and photographing bowls of chickpea stew, I was shaping clay into serving dishes and growing veggies on my back porch. I’m a full-time ceramics teacher, and my love for pottery spills into this space, some of the bowls and plates you see on the site are handmade by me.
Food became a creative outlet and a practical survival strategy during early motherhood. With three kids and a full-time job, I quickly realized that cooking had to be nourishing and realistic. Beans and lentils became my heroes—affordable, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. What started as a personal mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor has grown into this blog: a space to share what works, what’s worth repeating, and what brings joy at the table.
I’m not here to tell you to make everything from scratch or that there's one perfect way to eat. I’m here to help you build meals that are satisfying and flexible, even if dinner gets served in stages and someone ends up eating in a superhero cape.
I’m not here to tell you to make everything from scratch or that there's one perfect way to eat. I’m here to help you build meals that are satisfying and flexible, even if dinner gets served in stages and someone ends up eating in a superhero cape.
free eBook!
The Anatomy of a Bean Salad
Get your ultimate guide to building the perfect bean salad—plus a stash of delicious, ready-to-make recipes to mix and match all week long.
Beans to the Rescue
Before 2020, I might’ve tossed a can of black beans into chili or sprinkled chickpeas onto a salad, but that was the extent of my bean repertoire. Then came the pandemic, a time of pantry staples, home-cooking experiments, and a serious need to balance the endless baked goods. Beans moved from the back of the shelf to the center of my kitchen. They were affordable, comforting, and endlessly versatile. I started with simple salads and brothy pots of lentils, then got braver, simmering dried beans, testing global flavors, and tucking lentils into taco filling.
That shift inspired Beans to the Rescue. It’s not just a collection of recipes—it’s a reflection of how beans became my fallback, my foundation, and my favorite ingredient. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home cook, this book is your companion for creating flexible, nourishing meals with whatever’s on hand. And if you’ve ever felt intimidated by soaking beans or cooking from scratch, don’t worry—all the recipes are designed for canned beans, with tips and guidance if you’re excited to try dried. Because beans aren’t just good for your body and your budget—they’re good for your soul.