Yummy Questionnaire: Paula Jones

Paula Jones is the fabulous food writer and recipe developer over at Bell’Alimento.  Paula specializes in Italian cuisine and brings to us mouth watering, tantalizing photos of some of the most exquisite, yet easy recipes.

* Sweet or Savory?

Sweet. No Savory!  LOL, It really depends on my mood in that particular moment.

* Which ingredient(s) do you use the most?

Garlic, Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pasta, Arborio Rice, Canned Italian Tomatoes.

* What’s your favorite cooking smell?

Onions & Garlic sauteing.

* What is your most favorite cooking sound?

I have so many, the szzzzzzzz sound that happens when garlic & onions are put into a hot pan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, clicking sound when I turn on my gas stove are two of my favorites though.

* In the kitchen, what’s your most treasured possession?

My microplaner. I grate an insane amount of cheese.

* What do you look for inside a dish?

Quality ingriedients that are simply prepared. Delicious every time.

* What is a “faux pas” in your kitchen?

Top of the list would be: To drown pasta in sauce & then next up, to use Parmesan Cheese from a green container. You know the one. Definite No No’s.

* Is there a food you will not eat?

I’d have to say tongue. Just can’t bring myself to try that.

* What food is your guilty pleasure?

Double Stuff Oreos. Preferrably Holiday Double Stuff Oreos. Yes, they have to be Double Stuff or no dice. Or else, what’s the point LOL.

* Have you ever changed how you feel towards a food?

Absolutely. There are several. As an example, I was NOT a fan of brussel sprouts growing up, BUT now I adore them. Just took a little roasting and voila. Now they’re vegetable perfection.

* If you could prepare a dinner for anyone, who would it be?

I love to cook for anyone who wants to eat. I know right, but it’s the truth 🙂

* If you could choose a living or historical cook to prepare a meal for you, who would it be?

Marcella Hazan. She’s brilliant & I would love to hear some of her cooking stories.

* Which food website/ or blog would you die without?

I have so many I wouldn’t even know where to start ; )

* What is your favorite food related word?

Scrumptious! It just sounds sexy.

* What is your favorite food shopping experience?

Going to the outdoor markets in Italy. I could literally walk around for hours. The foods, the smells, the sounds, the vendors. Simply intoxicating.

* If you could move, which country would you move to for the food?

Do you have to ask? ITALY, of course 😉

* What’s the dress code in the kitchen when you cook?

Super casual, but a ponytail is mandatory & an apron when I remember (which should be more often LOL) Perhaps if I had a super snappy one I’d be more inclined haha.

* What would you request on the menu if it was your last supper?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

* What food would you prepare to seduce someone?

Pasta. There is just something sexy about pasta. The way it drapes itself on a plate. The way it spins around a fork. Perhaps Spaghetti alle Vongole {Spaghetti with Clams}

* What food are you craving right now?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

* What is your comfort food?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is hands down my favorite comfort food. I love EVERYTHING about it. Are you sensing a theme yet? LOL

(Image by Wordle)