Pasta Carbonara ala ~DKBB~

Pasta Carbonara ala ~DKBB~

2 egg yolks at room temperature
1 whole egg at room temperature
Freshly cracked pepper
1.5 oz. grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. spaghetti
1 tsp. salt
5 oz. pancetta OR 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon

Egg Mixture:

·       In a 2-cup or larger liquid measuring cup, whisk together the egg and egg yolks, grated cheese, and plenty of freshly-cracked pepper; set aside.

Cook Pork:

·       If using bacon, cut into small pieces before cooking.

·       Cook the pork in a large sauté pan over medium heat until browned and crispy (use a pan large enough to eventually hold all of the pasta); remove pan from heat; using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork to a paper-towel-lined plate. Do not clean out the pan.

Cook Pasta:

·       Add water to a large Dutch oven or stockpot; the water should be shallow because it needs to be very starchy; bring water to a boil; add 1 tsp. salt and then add spaghetti.

·       Cook pasta uncovered just a bit shy of al dente, stirring often so spaghetti does not stick.

·       Using tongs, transfer the spaghetti to the sauté pan with the pork drippings; mix in the minced garlic, set aside.

 Temper the Eggs:

·       While vigorously whisking the egg mixture with one hand, slowly drizzle ½ cup starchy pasta water into the egg mixture 2 Tbsp. at a time until incorporated (never stopping the whisking); set aside.

 Combine:

·       While continuously tossing the spaghetti, very slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the pasta; continue tossing until the cheese melts and the eggs thicken to form a glossy sauce.

·       Thin sauce with additional pasta water if needed.

·       Add the pork and toss to combine.

·       Transfer to a serving bowl (to remove from pan so eggs do not continue to cook); season to taste with more freshly cracked pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Pie ala ~DKBB~

Spaghetti Pie ala ~DKBB~

(based on an original recipe for Spinach-Beef Spaghetti Pie by Carol Hicks from www.tasteofhome.com)

 6 oz. uncooked  angel-hair pasta

2 eggs, slightly beaten

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheesed

½ lb. ground beef

½ lb. Italian sausage

½ cup chopped onion

¼ cup diced green pepper

1 jar (14 oz.) meatless spaghetti sauce

1 tsp. Creole seasoning

¾ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. dried oregano

8 oz. whipped cream cheese

10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Cook pasta; drain.
• Mix eggs and Parmesan cheese together, then mix in with drained pasta.
• Press pasta into the bottom of a greased  deep-dish 10-inch pie dish (or divide into 2 smaller pie plates).
• Bake for 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile, in a skillet, brown hamburger, sausage, onion, and green pepper; drain well.
• Stir in spaghetti sauce, seasonings, and whipped cream cheese.
• Heat thoroughly.

• Place a layer of the spinach on the cooked spaghetti crust(s).
• Top with meat mixture.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake at 350° F for 25 minutes.

Amy's Chicken Tetrazzini ala ~DKBB~

This was a surprising hit with my husband. It's a great way to use up leftover roast chicken, should you have some on hand.

Amy’s Chicken Tetrazzini ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe by Amy Tague, Lebanon, IN, in The Gooseberry Patch Big Book of Home Cooking)

½ cup butter

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. white pepper

2 cups chicken broth

2 tbsp. cooking sherry

2 cups half & half

8 oz. cooked spaghetti

2 cups cubed cooked chicken

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 to 2 cups croutons or bread crumbs of your choice

• Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat; add flour, salt, white pepper; cook until bubbly.
• Add broth, cooking sherry, and half & half; bring to a boil for one minute.
• Stir in cooked spaghetti, cubed chicken, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and mushrooms; mix well.
• Spread into lightly greased 9” x 13” baking pan; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and top with croutons/bread crumbs.
• Bake uncovered at 350° for 30 minutes.
• Serves 6 to 8.