AWARDS TO GREAT FOOD BLOGGERS: STOP BY TO SAY HI!

If the fates have smiled upon us, as you're reading this, DSO and I are basking in the sun on Longboat Key. And if I can't piggyback on someone's internet connection, I'll be having serious blog withdrawal. Meanwhile...

Waking up early to a snow-covered lawn last week, I turned to my favorite pasttime to get away from the harsh realities of winter. Eagerly surfing through my favorite blogs, I came upon Claudia's What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine and the day was suddenly brighter. Thank you, my foodie friend, for the lovely friendship award, which I am happy to pass on to some new, dedicated bloggers that I've recently happened upon. One of the joys of food blogging is meeting like-minded folks who share one of my passions--good food. I learn something new every day and the year and a half I've been blogging has been filled with new discoveries and new friends.

With apologies for bending the rules, here are a half dozen Friendship Awards that I would like to pass on to blogs that have inspired me. Please visit them and see for yourself "what's cookin." To the wonderful bloggers responsible for these blogs, feel free to pat yourself on the back and nothing more, if that is your wish. Or, feel free to send out your own Friendship Awards to however many foodie friends you choose. The rules are yours to make.

Nina's Recipes - A visually stunning blog, Nina's Recipes run the gamut from sweet to savoury, but all share one characteristic--you want to make them at once. One visit and I guarantee you'll be hooked.

brown eyed BAKER - If you're looking for something sweet, savoury, and sinful, Michelle of brown eyed BAKER has it. Whether it's a bowl of incredible French onion soup or her Quiche Lorraine scones followed by crunchy biscotti, your food fantasies play out beautifully at BEB.

Stirring the Pot - I confess, Kim is not a new foodie friend, but she just keeps getting better, so I have to add her to the mix. What I love about Kim's blog is her range. Sometimes I think she doesn't sleep because day after day she turns out incredible meals from some of my favorite Food TV stars and treasured cookbooks. She also prowls the blogosphere turning up great new sites, so be sure to visit soon...and often.

Fight the Fat Foodie - Since I returned to Weight Watchers in September, I've been focusing my efforts on eating good food that is healthier (and less caloric). Scott, who lost 100 pounds on WW, shares my goal of eating the foods I love while simultaneously keeping my weight in check. Everyone can benefit from eating more healthfully and Scott has some great recipes to help you achieve that goal.

Moogie & Pap - Just this name of this fabulous blog makes me smile. I'd like to be adopted by Moogie because she makes some of the most decadent desserts (how about chocolate ganache tarts and banana flips??) I've ever seen. Photos are always mouth-wateringly good and that woman sets a fine table.

Figtree Appetizers - For someone who'd rather eat apps than any other part of the meal (and that includes dessert!), finding this incredible blog was serendipity. While Figtree doesn't limit herself to appetizers, you'll soon be dreaming of Manchego quesadillas and shrimp sliders. A cooking instructor and therapist, Figtree won me over after my first visit.