Spaghetti Carbonara

Just a note that eggs are used in this dish and while they may get hot, it will not be enough to cook them to a safe temperature. It is best not to serve this dish to children, elderly, and immune system compromised adults.

This recipe makes two adult sized portions (covers the plate) or four side portions.

1/2 package spaghetti (I use Trader Joe's organic pasta OR Barilla Multi-grain pasta - not sure exactly what the label says but it is their health/heart conscious pasta and it has delicious flavor - it is even great with just some salt and olive oil thrown on )
Five slices of thick bacon
3/4 cup peas (you can add more and it doesn't detract from dish).
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese - finely grated
2 egg yolks
Garlic salt (I prefer the kind with parsley but if you don't have that kind - add parsley separately)
Pepper

Chop bacon into very small strips - Fry in pan - leave in oil and keep warm. I sometimes add a bit of pepper while frying.
Boil water for pasta - add sea salt to water. Add pasta - cook until al-dente. Reserve some of the cooking water. Do not let spaghetti sit or drain.
Steam peas in microwave by placing in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Cover with tightly with plastic wrap and cook for two to three minutes until hot.
Mix together cream, cheese, egg yolks, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl until creamy.
A pasta bowl works best for mixing this dish. Add peas first, spaghetti second (add right from pot with tongs or spaghetti fork), and sauce. Mix well with pasta fork - add some reserve water if it is too dry. Add bacon with a bit of the warm grease....about half. Since it is still hot, it (combined with hot pasta) will cook sauce. Toss and serve. Do not let it sit. Eat immediately.

For some variations on this recipe, sometimes I add other types of bacon, like prosciutto. Also, one of my favorite ways to eat this dish is with blanched asparagus tips. And for a more tangy treat, slice cherry tomatoes and mound on top - the cool burst of flavor along with the creamy sauce is yummy!