Paula loves all things Italian and nutella. She’s the heart and soul behind the blog bell’alimento, and shares with us some insight into eating and cooking Italian.
L&HR: How did you get into food blogging? What inspired you to create bell’alimento?
I happened into food blogging quite accidentally. Long story short: I was posting what I was making for dinner on my personal facebook page and people were asking for recipes. I have a very talented friend who is a web developer and he asked me if I’d ever thought of food blogging to share my recipes. I laughed and said me, no. I wouldn’t even know where to begin and who would actually read it besides my family and friends : ) He generously offered to design a site for me if I’d do it. I said I’d think about it and he kept encouraging me so I said okay why not {famous last words right}. I went in blindly knowing not one iota about food writing, food photography, editing, etc. Just that I loved to cook and that’s how bell’alimento came about.
L&HR: What kinds of posts really get your readers excited?
Dessert posts {especially those that include Nutella} are always are a big hit but pasta recipes are high up there as well.
L&HR: What’s your favorite recipe that you’ve posted on your blog?
Spaghetti alla Carbonara. It’s hands down my most favorite Italian dish.
L&HR: What’s your biggest food blogging triumph? Disaster?
Well considering I’m such a klutz I could tell you a million stories of how I’ve dropped completely cooked dishes on the floor straight out of the oven or how I once managed to turn a fish purple..on second thought don’t ask LOL
My biggest food blogging triumph is that I have made lifelong friends through my blog. I have friends to call on from all over the world. That’s my greatest triumph.
L&HR: I’ve noticed you have a love for nutella – can you explain it to me? Do you have a favorite way to eat nutella?
You noticed that did you ; ) Yes, I’m self admittedly a nutella-holic. I had my first taste of it’s chocolate hazelnutty goodness when I was living in Italy at the age of 11. I haven’t stopped loving it since. I even created a site to share my love of nutella www.bellanutella.com All Nutella all the time.
I don’t think I have a favorite way to eat Nutella, it’s always delicious {even straight out of the jar, spoon optional ; ) }
L&HR: Your photos are gorgeous. What kind of camera are you using? Any tips you’re welling to share?
Thank you. I’m completely self taught and still feel like I have a lot to learn. I shoot with a Canon 50D and use a 50mm 1.8 lens for my food photography.
My best advice is to purchase Helene of Sweet Tartlelette food photography book called “Plate to Pixel” it’s a true gem and has taught me so much.
L&HR: You’re all about Italian. How many Italian cookbooks do you have? Do you have a favorite?
Surprisingly I don’t have that many Italian cookbooks. I do have a handwritten moleskine with recipes that I treasure but a recent gem is my friend Domenica Marchetti’s Book “The glorious Pasta of Italy” it’s beautifully shot and the recipes are ravenous.
L&HR: What do you think is the ultimate Italian meal?
The ultimate Italian meal is one that is shared with family and friends. It’s made with love and shared over laughter.
L&HR: What are some of your favorite food blogs?
I’m very visual, I gravitate to blogs that reel me in visually first and make me want to MAKE the food and that tell a story behind the food.
A FEW of my favorites are {in no particular order}:
La Fuji Mama
Indian Simmer
Sweet Tartelette
Running with Tweezers
Juls Kitchen
Spoon Fork Bacon
I could literally go on for days, I have so many blogs that I adore.
Visit Paula at bellalimento.com
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have recently discovered Nutella. I don’t like nuts, but I LOVE Nutella. I use it on toast, dip apples, bananas, graham crackers, and animal crackers in it. I recently filled some pizzelles with it and stirred into my mocha coffee. Can you give me some other Nutella recipes?
Lucille – Visit Paula’s other blog for even more nutella recipes! http://www.bellanutella.com