I am so happy to have one of my favorite foodie friends grace us with one of her delicious recipes this week, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner… Paula from Bell’Alimento and all of her delicious Italian recipes are a sure way to celebrate and cook something romantic for that special someone.  I hope you all fall in love with her as much as I have.

I HEART Paula!!!!!

Tasha

I am so honored that Natasha asked me to stop by That’s So Yummy again! In case you missed my Yummy Questionnaire I’m Paula and I blog at bell’alimento (Italian for beautiful food) is my foodblog filled with some of my most favorite authentic Italian dishes & few other yummy things peppered inbetween.  Natasha asked me to share a recipe with you and I immediately knew I wanted to share my hands down most favorite pasta dish in the world!

Yep hands down, no hesitating…It’s Spaghetti alla Carbonara and I could seriously eat it everyday and never tire of it. There’s just something about it, you’ll know it once you taste it!

Thanks again for letting me stop by! I feel like part of the family ; )

Baci e’ Buon Appetito!
Paula

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

1 package spaghetti
4 large cloves of fresh garlic -minced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 package of pancetta OR bacon (cut into small pieces) – I use bacon because I find pancetta to be quite salty
2 large eggs -room temperature

kosher salt
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
freshly cracked black pepper
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

In a large pasta pot add enough water to cook your pasta. Salt your water generously. Once water comes to a boil, add spaghetti & stir so that the pasta separates & cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. WHILE the spaghetti is cooking, in a large pan over medium heat add olive oil and cook bacon until fairly crisp (about 3-4 minutes), add in garlic and cook for another minute (you don’t want your garlic to burn) While these are cooking. Crack your eggs into a small bowl & add 1 cup of your cheese. Stir together & set aside. Take a ladel of the spaghetti water and set aside. Drain your pasta well and add to bacon mixture. Is is IMPORTANT that your pasta is HOT when adding it to the mixture. Toss well (I find tongs work really well for this). Take off of heat. Add in your cheese & egg mixture & toss well. If you find the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little of the pasta water (remember you can always add more so add sparingly) Season well with pepper. Garnish with the remainder of your cheese & fresh parsley if you like. This dish is best eaten immediately.

Buon Appetito!

Paula Jones is the fabulous food writer and recipe developer over at Bell’Alimento.  Paula specializes in Italian cuisine and brings to us mouth watering, tantalizing photos of some of the most exquisite, yet easy recipes.

* Sweet or Savory?

Sweet. No Savory!  LOL, It really depends on my mood in that particular moment.

* Which ingredient(s) do you use the most?

Garlic, Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pasta, Arborio Rice, Canned Italian Tomatoes.

* What’s your favorite cooking smell?

Onions & Garlic sauteing.

* What is your most favorite cooking sound?

I have so many, the szzzzzzzz sound that happens when garlic & onions are put into a hot pan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, clicking sound when I turn on my gas stove are two of my favorites though.

* In the kitchen, what’s your most treasured possession?

My microplaner. I grate an insane amount of cheese.

* What do you look for inside a dish?

Quality ingriedients that are simply prepared. Delicious every time.

* What is a “faux pas” in your kitchen?

Top of the list would be: To drown pasta in sauce & then next up, to use Parmesan Cheese from a green container. You know the one. Definite No No’s.

* Is there a food you will not eat?

I’d have to say tongue. Just can’t bring myself to try that.

* What food is your guilty pleasure?

Double Stuff Oreos. Preferrably Holiday Double Stuff Oreos. Yes, they have to be Double Stuff or no dice. Or else, what’s the point LOL.

* Have you ever changed how you feel towards a food?

Absolutely. There are several. As an example, I was NOT a fan of brussel sprouts growing up, BUT now I adore them. Just took a little roasting and voila. Now they’re vegetable perfection.

* If you could prepare a dinner for anyone, who would it be?

I love to cook for anyone who wants to eat. I know right, but it’s the truth

* If you could choose a living or historical cook to prepare a meal for you, who would it be?

Marcella Hazan. She’s brilliant & I would love to hear some of her cooking stories.

* Which food website/ or blog would you die without?

I have so many I wouldn’t even know where to start ; )

* What is your favorite food related word?

Scrumptious! It just sounds sexy.

* What is your favorite food shopping experience?

Going to the outdoor markets in Italy. I could literally walk around for hours. The foods, the smells, the sounds, the vendors. Simply intoxicating.

* If you could move, which country would you move to for the food?

Do you have to ask? ITALY, of course

* What’s the dress code in the kitchen when you cook?

Super casual, but a ponytail is mandatory & an apron when I remember (which should be more often LOL) Perhaps if I had a super snappy one I’d be more inclined haha.

* What would you request on the menu if it was your last supper?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

* What food would you prepare to seduce someone?

Pasta. There is just something sexy about pasta. The way it drapes itself on a plate. The way it spins around a fork. Perhaps Spaghetti alle Vongole {Spaghetti with Clams}

* What food are you craving right now?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

* What is your comfort food?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is hands down my favorite comfort food. I love EVERYTHING about it. Are you sensing a theme yet? LOL

(Image by Wordle)