Carbonara

BDs favorite pasta dish. Couldn't find guanciale in Jumbo (available at AH) so substituted pancetta. Could use more spaghetti/less sauce ratio (XBD agreed). Very easy to put together and beats the weird carbonara sauce that MM gets from the store that is filled with cream and garlic. BDs gave it 5 *s but still only 3 from me (had stomach ache so maybe higher rating next time).

Jun 2024 I've made this 5 times now. The guanciale is easier to cook but DBD prefers pancetta because it's less fatty. One time I had leftover egg yolks so used 2 yolks in place of 1 egg. Increasing to ****, as it's easy to prepare and doesn't hurt my stomach. BDs give it 5 stars which is why I've made it so often for them.

• 
  ~400 g spaghetti (was 350 g/12 oz, 500 g is not saucy enough)
  
• 200 g guanciale (or sub 100 g pancetta with some oil, or full 200 g for extra meaty and salty)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 100 g pecorino (not padano, not parmesan)
• black pepper

1. Cut the guanciale/pancetta into small pieces. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. (No oil needed for guanciale because it's so fatty. Some oil for the pancetta though.)
2. Zest the pecorino. Combine with eggs and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
3. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
4. Move spaghetti to meat skillet. Cook with the guanciale over high heat until sizzling.
5. Turn OFF the heat. Add in the pecorino mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdled eggs.
6. If it's too creamy, add some pasta water. If it's too runny, add some more pecorino.
7. Serve on plate/bowl with a side salad.

Sweet Dough Shapes

Used the food processor recipe for sweet dough, using the dough blade. Divided into thirds for 3 people to make cinnamon sugar filled treats of their own choosing. Fun project with kids, rolling pins and pastry cutter.

• 
  ~3 c flour (max 500 g)
• 1 packet yeast
• 220 ml milk
• 1 egg
• pinch salt
• 80 g sugar (1/4 c)
• 60 g butter
• optional: grated rind of half a lemon

1. Put everything but milk in food processor. 
2. Mix at low speed for 10 seconds.
3. Add the milk and mix at low for ~1.5 min. When dough is smooth, place in a warm location to rise. (Add additional flour but do not exceed capacity of processor)
4. After doubled, either shape or punch down and rise again.
5. Divide and shape. Fill with cinnamon-sugar-butter mixture, fruit, or nuts.
6. Let rise ~10-30 min. Coat with egg wash.
7. Bake at 350F/160C until lightly browned.

Related

Cinnamon Buns - also made of Sweet Dough
Animal Bread - dough used to make shapes