Friday, June 24, 2011

Spaghetti Carbonara

Michael says this is his favorite pasta dish that I make. It is really easy and fast.

1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces (8 slices) bacon, cut 1 inch thick crosswise
Coarse slat and freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup half-and-half

Directions:

1. Set a large pot of water to boil (for pasta). In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8-12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
2. Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half. Set aside.
4. Working quickly and using a fork or pasta serving utensil, add hot pasta to egg mixture. You want to leave some water clinging to the pasta. Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine (heat from pasta will cook the eggs). Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese.

Chewy Brownie Cookies

I found this recipes on allrecipes.com. They were a really good mix between a brownie (which I happen to love) and a cookie. I want to make them again very soon.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon water
1 Tablespoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl cream shortening, sugar, water and vanilla. Beat in eggs.
4. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired.
5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on un-greased baking sheets. Bake for 7-9 minutes; DO NOT OVER BAKE. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.