Pasta Carbonara

This pasta dish is a great use for our versatile and amazing bacon.  Because it is uncured, it doesn’t have nitrates or any flavorings, meaning you can make it taste however you want it.  One of our favorites is pasta carbonara.  Here’s a recipe:

• 1/2 pound Grateful Growers uncured bacon
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 to 3/4 pound of pasta (linguine is preferred)
• 1/2 cup or so of grated parmesan chees (use the real thing – no plastic stuff!)

Beat egg yolks in a large bowl.  Cook pasta and drain. Saute` bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove from skillet.  Drain most of the oil into a jar or can, but leave 4-5 tablespoons in the pan.   Add garlic to skillet and saute` until translucent.  Finely chop bacon and return it to the pan, tossing until warm. 

Now, add the bacon-garlic mixture to egg yolks, then quickly add warm pasta to the bowl and toss vigorously – you don’t want the eggs to cook!  Add parmesan, toss some more, then plate it up!  Fabulous with a fresh green salad or fresh collard slaw.