quick and easy meals for 1 or 2

Pasta a la Carbonara serves 2. Double it for more people or save leftovers in the freezer for a weeknight fast meal


1/2 pound pancetta (or bacon in a pinch), diced into cubes or cut crossways in about ½ inch chunks if bacon.
salt and pepper
3 eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
½ - 1/3 pound dried penne pasta
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp. dried

Heat a large pan, until hot. Add pancetta and saute until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Season with pepper and remove pan from heat.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in most of the Parmesan, saving some for garnish.
Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta and return it back to the pot. Add the browned pancetta and mix well. Add the cream stuff and stir it up to coat the pasta completely. Work fast while the pasta is still warm so that the stuff will cook, but not curdle. Add the rest of the Parmesan and chopped parsley.

SERVE IT UP !!! with some of poppop’s homemade bread, some salad and some good wine or average wine or beer or whatever!!