Spaghetti Carbonara

Serves 4

Ingredients:

450g (1 lb) spaghetti
8 strips bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
3/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 cup half-and-half
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon soft butter or margarine
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Cracked black pepper
Extra Parmesan cheese


Method:

• Cook spaghetti accordingly.
• Meanwhile, fry bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add the red pepper, if used, and the half-and-half. Keep warm in skillet.
• Beat eggs with the cheese in a separate bowl.
• When pasta is tender but firm, drain well. Transfer to a warm serving bowl and mix with the butter.
• Toss with the bacon mixture, followed by the egg mixture.
• Sprinkle with parsley, black pepper to taste and Parmesan cheese.