Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

This is a very rich, comforting dish. A huge favorite with my guys. With it’s simple ingredients, and quick preparation, it’s an easy weeknight meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 – 3/4 lbs bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (scissors work well cutting bacon)
• 1 lb spaghetti (thin spaghetti and linguini work well too)
• *4 eggs
• 8 – 10 Tbl grated Parmesan cheese (no green cans please)
• 1 Tbl pepper
• 1 Tbl butter (optional)

Start the bacon in a fry pan and put a large pot of water on to boil. While you are waiting for the water, cook the bacon. Stir it occasionally until it is cooked to just about crisp. You can add the butter to the bacon while it’s cooking if desired. Set aside. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. In a large serving bowl whisk together the eggs Parmesan cheese, and pepper. When the pasta is done, drain briefly, and add it to the egg mixture. Quickly, with a wooden spoon or pair of tongs, vigorously stir until all the pasta is coated. Add your bacon with drippings and mix in. Let sit for a minute or two. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

Cheesy Garlic Bread: I buy frozen bread dough and bake it according to the package directions. Cut it into thick slices, slather it with softened butter, sprinkle on some garlic powder, and add slices of provolone or shredded mozzarella. Put it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and somewhat bubbly. Good stuff!

*NOTE: I’ve never had an issue using raw eggs in this dish. If it’s not something you like to use, a good substitute would be a product like Egg Beaters.