Every weekday, we're highlighting a blogger we think you ought to know about. We can’t be everywhere at once, so we look to these passionate eaters, cooks and writers to keep us tapped into every facet of the food world. Consider this a way to get to know a blog’s taste buds, because, well, you should.

Who: Paula Jones, of bell'alimento
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
Twitter: @bellalimento

I'm a self-taught cook who loves to share my passion for all things Italian. I have a wicked sweet tooth (self proclaimed Nutella-holic here) and a penchant for talking with my hands. All of which were voluntarily ingrained in me when I lived in Italy during my tour as an Air Force Brat (go blue!). For me, growing up in the military was one giant adventure after another. I thrived on new places, new faces, new experiences. Military life has fueled my love of travel and I'm sure is the reason that I get antsy after being in one place for too long.

All of the places that I lived are special, but, there is one that stands heads and shoulders above the rest. That place for me is, you guessed it, Italy. It is the place that I feel most connected to. From the moment my plane touched down, I didn't have a chance, I was completely bitten and smitten.

Bell'alimento (Italian for beautiful food) was launched in January of 2009 and is my creative outlet where I share all of these passions (yes, I even have an entire category dedicated to my beloved Nutella). I am the cook, the dishwasher, the story teller, the photographer and the editor (thank goodness for spell check and talented friends). All trial by fire of course. My recipes come from hours of sitting in my Italian neighbor's kitchens - watching, learning, stirring, kneading and sometimes getting my hand slapped for not being patient enough ... lovingly, of course. They come from my attempts to recreate dishes that I have had during my many return visits (I can't travel without my trusty Moleskine where I jot down, normally on food-stained pages, ingredients, flavors, dishes, garnishes and anything to help me recreate these rustic masterpieces). The beauty of Italian food is truly in it's simplicity. It's rustic, seasonal, made with an immense amount of love and absolutely is meant to be shared. I'm honored to be an ambassador of sorts and share my love for it through bell'alimento.

With so many talented bloggers out there, I feel extremely fortunate to have been featured in many prominent places throughout the web. Some of which have opened the door for freelance writing and photography opportunities that give me an additional platform to share my passion.

I have so much more to learn and share (perhaps a cookbook is in order, a culinary tour of Italy, a stint in culinary school, becoming a master gelato taste tester – who knows?) - whatever it may be, I look forward to seeing what's in store for bell'alimento!

Do you read a local or regional blog that you'd like to see featured? Send 'em our way for a chance in the spotlight.