ByJessica Jordan
A young woman with braided hair stands in a bright kitchen, smiling as she adds fruits into a blender. The countertop is filled with a variety of fresh produce including strawberries, apples, oranges, celery, and leafy greens. The blender has the brand name 'NINJA' on it. The kitchen features white cabinetry in the background.

Bella Bucchiotti, the culinary storyteller behind xoxoBella, steps into the spotlight as Flipboard’s Food Writer in Residence for the next few months. With her Italian-Canadian roots, Bella has always embraced her profound passion for cooking and photography. Now Bella will bring her unique flavor to Flipboard as our newest resident. For more of her delectable recipes and travel-infused culinary tales, along with those of other experts in the community, make sure you’re following The Recipe Exchange.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bella. Savor my Q&A with her, and discover the stories behind the dishes, the places that inspire her most, and her unique approach to curating content.

Where does your passion for food come from?

Hi, I’m Bella, the food blogger behind xoxoBella, and I’m thrilled to share my culinary journey with you. As an Italian-Canadian, food has always been an integral part of my culture, and my love for it has only grown stronger with time. I started my blog back in 2015, while I was still in high school, as a way to share my favorite recipes with my friends and family.

As someone with learning disabilities, school was a challenge for me. However, I found solace in cooking and taking photos, which is what I was good at, and my blog became a platform where I could share my passion for food with others.

One of the things I love about cooking is that it’s a never-ending journey of discovery. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to take cooking classes to learn new ways of cooking and baking, and over the last eight years, I’ve taken classes all around the world, from Italy to Thailand and everywhere in between.

My blog is not just about sharing recipes but also about inspiring others to pursue their passion for cooking. I believe that anyone can cook, regardless of their skill level or background, and that’s why I strive to create recipes that are easy to follow and accessible to everyone.

In a world where we’re all so busy, food is a way to slow down and connect with others. I hope that my blog inspires others to try new recipes, explore new cuisines, and, most importantly, enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing a meal with their loved ones.

What are your favorite cuisines, and why?

Italian food is my absolute favorite, and it’s not just because I’m Italian! There’s something about the simplicity and freshness of the cuisine that speaks to me. Whether it’s a classic pasta dish or a simple Caprese salad, Italian recipes always manage to hit the spot.

Growing up, I was surrounded by the aromas of my Zia’s and Nonna’s cooking, and I learned to appreciate the value of fresh, quality ingredients. Italian cuisine is all about letting the flavors of the ingredients shine through, and that’s something that has stayed with me throughout my culinary journey.

For me, Italian food is about more than  the taste; it’so about memories and traditions. From making homemade gnocchi with my Nonna to enjoying pizza with friends, Italian food has always been a way for me to connect with others and celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

You can find plenty of traditional and Italian-inspired recipes on my blog, from authentic giardiniera to homemade torrone nut nougat.

This image showcases jars filled with pickled or preserved vegetables, surrounded by fresh produce like carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions, and green beans. Pickling is a method used to preserve foods, and these jars appear to contain a vibrant mix of veggies, likely infused with spices and brine. It's a wonderful way to extend the shelf life of produce and enjoy them later with an enhanced flavor.

What is your favorite city for a culinary adventure?

I had the opportunity to take a culinary trip to Tahiti, where I learned to cook traditional Polynesian dishes. It was incredible to learn about the food culture of the islands and to see how the locals use fresh, local ingredients in their cooking. We visited local markets to pick out fresh produce and fish, and then spent time at home to cook and learn together — it was an amazing experience. 

What is your favorite foodie event or festival?

I always try to sign up for food tours in vibrant downtown areas when I am visiting new places. The tours are a fun and delicious way to experience a new city!

Who are the voices that you turn to for recipe inspiration?

I find that other food bloggers I discover on Flipboard provide me with an abundance of inspiration. I love exploring the vast collection of recipes on the platform and discovering new and exciting food bloggers. Whether I’m looking for vegan recipes, gluten-free options, or international cuisine, I know that there’s a food blogger out there who can provide me with the inspiration I need. 

With Flipboard, I can easily curate my own collection of food-related content and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and recipes. It’s a great way to stay inspired and keep my love for food alive.

What is your go-to, absolute favorite cookbook? 

It is so hard to pick one! I have cookbooks beside my favorite chair, and I browse them often. Right now, my stack includes “The Tucci Cookbook” by Stanley Tucci, “The Farmer’s Daughter Bakes” by Kelsey Siemens, “That Sounds So Good” by Carla Lalli Music, and “Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi. I find inspiration in the recipes and the beautiful photography, too.

In the last five years, I have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and also as a celiac, so I am always picking up gluten-free and low-carb cookbooks, too.

What are the five things you couldn’t go without in your kitchen?

My cast iron skillet, knives, cutting board, food processor and Dutch oven are used continually. My latest favorite gadget is my pizza oven. It’s a game-changer for making homemade pizza. It heats up quickly and cooks the pizza in just a few minutes, giving it that crispy, wood-fired taste that you can’t get from a regular oven. It’s also portable, so I can take it with me camping or to the beach and make fresh, delicious dishes on the spot. 

A frittata in a green-handled skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese. The frittata features vibrant ingredients like tomatoes and zucchini slices. Surrounding the skillet are ingredients such as sliced zucchini, a red onion, and a block of cheese. Scattered parsley leaves and a knife can also be seen on the white countertop. The brand "STUB" is visible on the skillet's handle.

What are some tips you have for other foodies who want to make the most out of Flipboard?

  • Customize your interests: Take the time to customize your experience and follow food-related topics that you’re interested in. This will help you discover new articles and recipes that are relevant to your preferences.
  • Follow other food bloggers that you enjoy reading and learning from: This will help you stay up to date with their latest articles and recipes. (Here is a great Magazine to follow to discover some great bloggers.)
  • Save articles that you find interesting or want to refer back to later: This will help you create a personal library of food-related content that you can access at any time.
  • Share articles into Group Magazines: Add articles that you find interesting with your friends and followers, and they can add theirs. My Mealtime Magic Group Magazine is a favorite to scroll through.
  • Engage with the community: Connect with other food enthusiasts on Flipboard by commenting on articles and participating in discussions.

Tell us about your own curation approach and what we can expect to see on your profile.

As a curator, I select and organize content around specific topics, holidays or interests (like dessert). I choose articles, recipes, and other content that I find interesting, and often it is beautiful photos that catch my eye first.

Want to know more about our creator programs and maybe even apply yourself? Go for it. Our website has all the details plus the application form. Members of the Creator Collective can unlock special perks and programs like our newsletter takeover, gifted Promoted Stories, and Storyboard access. 

— Jessica Jordan, community and marketing lead, is contributing to The Recipe Exchange