cold weather comfort food spaghetti alla carbonara

How To Make cold weather comfort food spaghetti alla carbonara

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your ingredients.
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  Step 3
  Place the bacon into a heavy-bottom pot, over medium heat.
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  Step 4
  Cook until nice and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.
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  Step 5
  Reserve the bacon.
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  Step 6
  Remove all but 1 teaspoon of the bacon grease from the pot. Return the pot to the stove (medium heat), and add the garlic.
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  Step 7
  Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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  Step 8
  Add the butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and the spices (thyme, oregano, onion powder) to the pot
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  Step 9
  Reduce heat to medium low, and stir on a very low simmer, until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, about 5 to 7 minutes.
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  Step 10
  Chef’s Note: Now, it’s time to prepare your pasta. Get the water on the boil, and cook until al dente.
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  Step 11
  Chef’s Tip: This kind of dish is best served as soon as it’s ready, so try to plan for the pasta to be ready around the same time as the sauce.
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  Step 12
  Chef’s Note: The mixture will be quite thick at this point.
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  Step 13
  Add about a quarter of the Parmesan cheese, and stir to incorporate.
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  Step 14
  Chef's Note: Repeat by adding another quarter of Parmesan at a time until fully incorporated.
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  Step 15
  Add the reserved bacon back into the pot.
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  Step 16
  Chef’s Note: At this point add salt and pepper to taste.
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  Step 17
  Begin adding some of the half & half a bit at a time, until the mixture is creamy, but not overly thick. I find that I need about 1/2 cup.
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  Step 18
  Reduce the heat and keep the sauce warm
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  Step 19
  Chef’s Note: The sauce should be creamy enough to toss with the pasta.
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  Step 20
  Place the pasta into a large bowl and toss with the sauce.
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  Step 21
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 22
  Take a fork, get a good amount of pasta, and twirl it onto a plate.
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  Step 23
  Garnish with some shaved Parmesan. Enjoy.
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  Step 24
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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