"Blog of the Week" Recognition

I want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Wanda over at her blog, "Only Cookware Blog" http://www.only-cookware.com/ for her kind recognition of my little blog, by selecting it as "Blog of the Week".... if you haven't visited her blog, you really must check it out. So many tips, recipes, and cookware reviews for all of us foodies to help us in our cooking and baking! I just wish I could get everything she recommends!

Here is her generous write-up:

Blog of the Week – La Bella Vita
Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
http://www.only-cookware.com/blog/2009/09/20/blog-of-the-week-la-bella-vita/ .

"Recently I was doing some research on cooking blogs and came across a cluster of absolutely wonderful blogspot recipe blogs that I will be bringing to you over the next little while.
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Now this week I have another dream of a site for you to check out.
La Bella Vita – The Beautiful Life, is chock full of mouthwatering recipes that you are just going to want to dive right in and try.
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Last week I was taken with the Peach Melba and Raspberries and I was going to talk about this recipe this week when I added La Bella Vita as our blog of the week.
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However, when I went back in I was captivated by the Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake. In fact you could say that this recipe is a dream come true for a chocolate cake lover like myself.
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The recipes are well set out with beautiful photos to accompany each one. There are tips and hints to help you out where the author has found something doesn’t quite work in the original recipe, plus there are interesting snippets about life on country acreage in the Carolina’s.

So my advice is to get out those baking pans and start cooking up a treat that you and your family are just going to love."
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So Wanda, here's a big hug and "mwah" for being such a sweet, kind bloggin' friend! You've got a great blog going on too! Pin It

An Italian Cream Cake for Blogoversary!

Well, it's hard for me to believe that it was just one year ago today that I said hello to all of you beautiful friends in the blogosphere. I have had just a great time meeting new friends and sharing my thoughts on recipes and the beauty of life around us. It's been simply a wonderful, rewarding experience.

So for this memorable day, I decided that the one and only birthday cake to make and enjoy is the very special Italian Cream Cake. This cake is very near and dear to Southerners' hearts and I can't quite figure that out, because there are so few Italians in the region, at least there's not many in South Carolina! But no matter, the recipe is a real treat, and Southerners have the best food taste and skills to boot! .

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Although many of you have your own versions of this delectable goodie, my recipe is straight from Southern Living magazine (I don't remember which issue, but it is also featured in many of their cookbooks). I have never seen a recipe for this cake in any Italian cookbook -- Italians don't use cream cheese or coconut in Italy, so it's my humble little hunch that this cake is really Southern in origin and not from Italy. Set me straight on this origin, anybody. . . I hate to speak incorrectly.

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The only adjustment that I make is to DOUBLE THE FROSTING!
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Italian Cream Cake

Here's what you need to make the cake and frosting:

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Cake

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1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

5 eggs, separated and at room temperature

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup milk

2/3 cup finely chopped pecans

1 (3-1/2 oz) can flaked coconut

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

6 Tbsp light rum

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Cream Cheese Frosting

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1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar, sifted

1 cup chopped pecans2 tsp. vanilla extract

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Here's what you need to do:

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For the cake:

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Grease and flour three (3) 9" round cake pans. Line with wax paper and then grease the paper also.

Cream the butter; add sugar, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed.

Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each is added.

Combine the flour and baking soda.

Add to creamed mixture alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Stir in pecans, coconut and vanilla.

Beat the egg whites (need to be at room temperature) on high until foamy.

Add the cream of tartar; beat until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter.

Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Remove from pans; peel off the wax paper, and let cool completely on wire racks.

Sprinkle each layer of cake with 2 Tbsp. of rum.

Let stand 10 minutes.

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For the frosting:

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Combine cream cheese and butter, beating until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Stir in pecans and vanilla.
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This cake is just OH SO EXCELLENT!

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Here's How Some of You "Comment" and an Award for Each of You!

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Friends Chatting About Food and Other Fun Stuff !
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Boy, by the responses on 'blog comments' that you gave me yesterday, it certainly turns out that how one comments and/or receives comments on our blogs is really important to us! I'm so glad that I'm not alone on this line of thinking. As promised I'm posting those reply comments that were given (along with your blog name, so others can find out about you! )
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After listing your replies, the next thing that I'm going to do is a surprise and is at the bottom of this post, because you know what? Nice really does matter to me! Here's an award for each of you!

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Kathy, from "Are You Hungry":

"I read all the new posts through Google reader. I comment on posts when I have something to say, whether that person commented on my latest post or not. And I do try to reciprocate as well for blogs I don't follow. I think it's really style of writing prompts more comments and followers. I enjoy reading your posts and can relate to them so I almost always leave a comment. Have a great weekend! "

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Claudia in Brazil, from "Recipes, Tips and Thoughts":

"I fully agree with you. A meaningful comment is really important for us because when we write a post we give or try to give the best of us with the real intention of sharing our thoughts , even the simple ones ... That's why every Friday I write a post labeled " thanks " .Have a marvelous weekend and God bless your family :D"

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Sam, from "My Carolina Kitchen":

"What a great idea to talk about comments on postings. I do much the same thing as you do. I'm a southerner and I try my best to display my best manners and always say thank you. I don't respond directly on my own blog either for the same reason you stated - they probably won't see it.I always try my best to return and make comments on others blog who comment on mine, just as you describe. I love to visit other's blogs and leave what I consider a thoughtful comment and always try to read what they wrote. I'm not fond of "nice post" either.Happy Pink Saturday and have a great weekend. The sun is out here (finally) and it's a beautiful fall day in the mountains. I'll be checking back to see others input on this very interesting subject.Sam"

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Melissa from "Melissa's Heart and Home":

"I feel exactly the same way since I first starting blogging almost a year ago. It just does not seem right not to answer someone if they leave me a comment. Besides isn't this why we all blog anyway? To interact with each other. Sometimes I get the feeling some bloggers have different reasons for blogging though. Sigh...I don't understand them myself. I enjoy talking and chatting online...alot. *Smiles* :)Have a wonderful weekend my friend. ~Melissa :)"

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Esther, from "Catholic Mom in Hawaii":

"Aloha: I enjoyed this blog post. It answered one question I had...why the email response instead of a response back in the combox. It makes so much sense.I used to comment on just about all my blog visits because I felt it the polite thing to do. Now, I have so many blog favorites that it would take my whole day to leave a comment.I do respond to each and every comment that folks leave on my blog because again, I feel it is the polite thing to do and especially because they took the time to actually stop by and comment. Nowadays, it may take a day or two...sometimes longer to respond. But I still do."

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Diana, from "A Little Bit of Spain In Iowa":

"I do agree with you. When I first started blogging in April, it was easy to comment on others and respond simply because I didn't have too many blogs I was following or knew about and would leap for joy if I received one comment on my own blog. After discovering foodbuzz and the thousands of foodblogs out there, it does get difficult timewise, to leave comments and answer each individual back. With work, kids and a house to keep up, I try to scrimp as many minutes as I can to visit my favorites. I do like your thoughts on answering back personally. I've been answering on my own blog which I should have realized that many people don't get back to it. I'm like Melissa (above) and love chatting online and friending people on facebook where I can have better conversations. I have been so happy to meet so many people from around the world, just like me, living, raising families and pressing for goals. I still want that acreage and Jersey cow, lol!! Besos Amiga!! "

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Natashya in Canada from "Living In The Kitchen With Puppies":

"I have about 80 people on my blogroll, that I visit everyday or almost every day that they post. My blogroll is filled with people I am closest to and people who have consistantly visited for a period of time.For the people not on my blogroll, I keep a note of where I left off in my posts, and visit them all. I do this about every 2-3 three days. Visiting takes a lot of time, I am not very fast and spend about 2 hours a day visiting and commenting. I take at least one day off a week. I don't care for generic comments and try to refer to something specific about that person's post. One last thing, I always smile when I comment. I noticed that a little while ago and hope it comes through when I write. :)"

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Lisa from "Lisa Is Cooking":

"I try my best to do the same as you've mentioned here. There are times when I comment on my own blog. For instance, when someone asks a question in comments, I'll answer. That way, even if the commenter doesn't come back for the answer, anyone who may have the same question later can see the answer."

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Rebecca from "Chow and Chatter":

"oh i try and respond to all comments as well and visit the other blog"

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Kenny T in Hong Kong from "Chic Eats":

"I also read every single comment and I always try my best to reply promptly, unless I'm so tied up by work."

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Monica from "Lick The Bowl Good":

"Nice Post! Ha ha! Just kidding :-) I try to respond to questions to the person who asked them directly. However I get a lot of anonymous readers asking questions so I leave them on my blog in the comment section. Sometimes I'll respond on their blogs if they don't have an email address. I don't always have the time to respond right away, but I usually do it withing a couple of days. I'm not quite as organized as you with respond to comments but I have a special blog email that I use to categorize everyone. If you email me more than twice then you get your own file :-)"

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Mary from "Deep South Dish":

"I think that I have tried everything and still can't manage to keep up with everyone I would like to. I generally catch all the new posts on my reading list at least once a week, but I'm sure I've missed some. Some people post a lot, some not so much. I like to comment right back via email, as soon as I read the comment, and then check back on blogs for those who have left comments when I have time to sit down and visit. Life sometimes gets in the way tho no matter how hard you try and I realize that a lot of folks are busy moms with toddlers, some work full time, some are caretakers of parents or have other obligations.That said, I know there are a lot of folks who swing by and visit my blog but don't have time to stop and comment and that's okay with me. I understand! I'm just happy they take the time to read my posts and keep coming back! And for me that is enough. I know it's hard to do it all."

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Dajana in Italy from "Bakers Corner":

"Here's what I do. Since I spend most of my day working at my computer, I check my blogroll several times a day, and every time I see one of the bloggers I follow has published something new, I go and visit. If I really like what I read and see, I leave a comment and I actually go back after a day or two to see if that person answered me, or I click on follow-up comments in my mail box.Most people on whose blogs I comment are the ones that visit my blog regularly, so I answer them on my blog, as I know they will probably see my answer. Only with people who visit my blog for the first time or not on regular. basis, I go immediately and check and comment on their blog.Unfortunately, sometimes I don't have time to comment, promise myself to come back and then forget. I know that's not very nice. Sometimes I try to get my readers involved asking a question, and since most people don't answer my question, I wonder if they've really read the post, or just written "nice post" and went on.That would make me really sad."

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Karen, from "The Graphics Fairy":

"I have to say I really struggle with the comment thing. I have 3 blogs, 2 that are very active. One of them I post every day on, and on another I post at least twice a week. I get quite a few comments each day and numerous emails. The blog posts take up a lot of my time, as I have a lot of work and time involved in either cleaning up graphics or creating new ones. Although I would love to respond to all of the comments, it's just not possible time wise. I know some people that have blogs that are so high traffic, that they just turn the comments off altogether so that their readers won't be hurt by them not responding. I would hate to do that, as it's important for me to get feedback from my readers. I hope I haven't hurt peoples feelings by not responding to their comments, but after reading these comments here, it sounds like I probably have. :("

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Anne from "Annie Bakes":

"I totally agree with commenting back, even if it's a few days later, better late than never. It's just common courtesy and we all like to hear things back anyway, so comments are usually a good thing!"

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Debby from "A Feast For The Eyes";

"I've been so far behind in reading my favorite blogs, so I missed this posting. It's a great topic! I also try my best to leave a comment. If I have a new visitor, I try to pop into their blog and visit them and say hello and thanks for posting. It's frustrating, though, when someone leaves a nice comment and it's either anonymous or they don't have an email or a blog. I leave a thanks on my blog, hoping that they might return.You are truly one of the friendliest bloggers that I know. And...we both love horses!"

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I'll be posting more shortly.....looks like this is as interesting to you as it is to me! I'll also go over to your blogs and leave a comment about your quote here. If you want me to delete your thought, then please let me know and I'll do that. Great minds think alike, huh?

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And here is that "Nice Matters" recognition that I wanted to extend to each of you:

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Some blog awards come with a few rules . . . I don't have any for this one, it was completely and totally spontaneous.

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So if you'd like to post it and reference back to me (as some awards require), that's fine, but if not, no big deal . . . your friendship is enough for me. Give it to as many blogging friends as you'd like and just let them know that they should come back to your blog to copy it and pass it on! How simple is that?

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Anyone else who would like to leave their thoughts will ALSO get the award too!
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And again, thanks for being so nice!

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Commenting on Each Other's Blogs: What I Do and Wondering How You Comment....

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This morning's post on SITS (see lower sidebar for button), the discussion was on "Commenting" on each other's blogs.

Now I know that each of us has our favorite blogs that we like to read quite on a regular basis (through our readers or otherwise). But I believe that as a friend, that whenever someone has the courtesy and takes the time to leave me a comment, that I will return to his/her blog directly to comment on . . . and to see what's new with that blogging friend, etc.

Your comments to me come through to my e-mail inbox as well, so I have a FOLDER called: ANSWER BLOG COMMENTS that I file them in. I re-read your comments and then click on your blog so that I can answer you directly. Once I've done that, I file your comment under my AMICI folder (which means "friends" in Italian). And that's how I know that I've gotten back to you. If a person does not have a blog, I reply to them directly through an e-mail message.

You know how frustrated you get when people don't return phone calls or e-mails? They say that when people do that, it is basically a sign of disrespect and lack of concern for your feelings. I couldn't agree more.

I don't leave a comment back to anyone on my own posts because there is no guarantee that the person who commented can read my reply. I did that at first, but not anymore. Once again, I think it's simply an issue of "reciprocity". . . you know, like when we borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor, we certainly want to return the favor!

So that's what I do. I also try to say something meaningful to me that's related to the blogger's post and not just a give a simple notion of "nice post", which isn't as meaningful for sure.

OK now, I hope that you write back and let me know what you do. After all, you are my blogging friends and each of us are developing a community of like-minded blogging friends. So I'm looking forward to hearing what you say. . . plus, come to think of it, I think I'll post your thoughts after a couple of days to wait for everyone!!! Pin It

A Horse Lovin' Cat . . . and a Chocolate Cake in the Oven!

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I just had to share this . . . I know, I know, it isn't a recipe! But I've got a three layer, triple chocolate cake in the oven to give my husband tomorrow when USC beats Ohio State in order to prevent him from going into depression! He is such a loyal Buckeye fan! Sweets always make his day and counter anything negative in his day.
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So in the meantime, enjoy this shot of JOY in the simple display of animal love on the acreage on this beautiful late summer day! Try to remember: Don't get too caught up in your blog or your daily life that you forget to take a brief moment to see how beautiful life is around you! And give thanks for your blessings!
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Chat with you tomorrow with chocolate cake crumbs on my fingers! Pin It

An Award For You!

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OK, September is saying good-bye today and it is time to welcome in the lovely month of October. Since so many blogging friends recognized my little blog lately, I felt it is time for me to send out a batch of awards to some of my favorites as well. Now please know that these are not all of my faves and that I sent some awards a few months back, so that doesn't mean your blog isn't outstanding anymore..... just that there's a lot of new blogs that I've found that are simply just as enjoyable and informative. So here goes......drum roll, please!
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This beautiful Autumn-y Feeling award is happily being sent tothe following fabulous foodies:

DCRose - Rose
Apple & Spice - Katie (from the U.K.)
girlichef
Judy's Kitchen - Judy
5 star foodie
La Bella Cook - Bridgett
Chow and Chatter - Rebecca
Kahakai Kitchen
Zoe Bakes
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Shades of Blue in the Garden! The Rarest Garden Color

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I just had to share photos of these extraordinary, beautiful blue flower covered bushes that thrill our eyes from late July until frost. They are called Caryopteris or "Bluebeard". Plus drought and deer-resistance make them perfect for adding splashes of vivid blue azure color in the rural (and urban) landscapes. The bees and butterflies just love them too!

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Plus I had to include a photo of my blue-eyed Siamese cat, Coco, amidst the bed pillows where she loves to play hide and seek. She sort of looks angry in this shot, but I just woke her up for the photo, so she was kind of out of it, wondering what was going on with all the flashes! I'd probably feel the same way too!

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Have a beautiful Labor Day wherever you are!

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Peach Melba! Raspberry & Peaches' Perfect Marriage!

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I know I haven't posted in over a week, but with school back in session, that's about the best that I can do until a break comes around (and this weekend is Labor Day!). I have some fresh raspberries to make into a sauce and smother over some fresh peaches and vanilla ice cream to make one of my all-time fave flavor combination recipes: PEACH MELBA!

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Many of you are familiar with the little story behind the dessert:

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The legendary chef, Escoffier in London, created this classic dessert in the late 1800's solely in honor of a famous opera singer, Nellie Melba, who was performing in London. The dessert was first presented in a beautiful silver bowl that was placed between the wings of a stunning "swan" ice sculpture. In the bowl was vanilla ice cream covered by peaches and spun sugar. The swan idea was drawn from her last act in the opera. Escoffier did not add raspberry puree to the recipe until years later (without any jams or jellies added either)..

Here's what you need:

1 to 2 fresh sliced peaches
1/2 cup of sugar (for peaches)
8 - 12 oz. fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 cups sugar (for raspberries) or more if preferred
1/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp. Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
Garnish: Italian Pizelles or Biscotti


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Here's how you make the dessert:
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In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the sugar and set aside. A nice juice will form.
With a large mesh sieve set over another medium bowl, gently press the raspberries against the sieve with a large spoon so that everything presses through except the seeds. Throw the seeds away. With the pulp and juice of the raspberries, add the lemon juice, sugar and raspberry liqueur. Blend well.
In individual serving bowls, place several scoops of vanilla ice-cream.
Stir the peaches again and then ladle them over the ice cream.
Spoon the raspberry puree all over the peaches and ice cream.
Garnish with a Pizelle or Biscotti.
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So simple and yet so good! GREAT FOR ALL OF US BUSY FOLKS!!!
Have a relaxed, restorative, rejuvenating Labor Day holiday!

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