Turtle Warrior

One of our di gusdi (cousins), Lynn or Pineweaver, is a very talented weaver.  As her name suggests, she uses pine to weave her wonderful baskets and wall art.  You can see more of Lynn’s work at www.pineweaver.etsy.com

Lynn shared this recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara. 

Here is the recipe in Lynn’s own words. 

What you need is eggs, cheese, noodles and option of meats….and a strong wooden flat spoon to stir.
I’m going to pretend you have a family of 4 people….& set the quantites for that….easier explanations…lol

SPAGHETTI NOODLES….since they will be in the heat twice…do it this way first….great for al denta noodles (firm not mushy)
1 Pot large enough for noodles to be added, unbroken……get the water boiling first, fast boil….Add 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil to the boiling water to keep the noodles from sticking to one another.

Add all the noodles at once, bring the water back up to boiling…..stir once…..put the lid on the pot….
Turn OFF the heat…..noodles will be ready in 15 minutes. No peeking at the noodles or you will let all the heat/steam out!!!

Move the pot to another burner out of your way…..NO PEEKING at the noodles….they are fine!
NOW…..CHOICES, CHOICES…..
1 large pan/skillet…..up on the stove next.
MEATS……..brown your Bacon until crispy….lay strips on a paper towel, keep close at hand…..POUR OFF ALL BUT leave A LITTLE OF THE BACON GREASE.
……….or….diced ham or pork or chicken ….pick one….you will have to add a small amount of oil to the pan to heat other meats.
Pretending again….. Bacon…great favorite, great flavor

CHEESE……each time you use a different cheese, you change the flavor of the meal. You can use 2 cheeses in the same meal….suggest a mild(Mozzerella) & sharp Cheddar….but do this later as another option.
Grate, shred or dice…..1/4 cup of cheese PER PERSON====4 people = 1 cup of Mozzerella diced finely (small pieces)

EGGS….1 egg per 2 people………..4 people=2 eggs

In a small bowl add your 1 cup of cheese and 2 eggs….stir together….set it over by the stove.
OK….15 minutes is up….drain the water out of the spaghetti pot….leave noodles in the pot for now.
Bacon….should be cool enough for you to crumble into small bits & pieces…..INTO THE SKILLET

BACK TO THE SKILLET…..turn your heat to low, add bacon bits in the pan, add all the noodles now, stir…..turn the heat up to a low-medium
Pour all the cheese/egg mixture into the skillet on top of the noodles and KEEP STIRRING…..lazy figure 8’s will do, steady speed!!!!

Here is what’s going to happen…..the egg/cheese mix coats the noodles, you must keep stirring so the eggs can cook & cheese melt…..
When the noodles look like they have “scrambled eggs” all over them….NO LIQUID MIXTURE LEFT IN THE PAN……it is done!

I serve in the pan on the table….some fresh bread….a little salad….some good wine (or tea/soda/coffee/beer)….Ta-dah!!
Let each person add Salt/pepper to their portion, if needed.

Another option is to add canned Mushroom slices into Egg/cheese mix.
Canned sliced Black olives is also good. 
The trick is NOT to add too many extras in this dish….

This is a good one-meal dish anytime….great for those who are allergic/don’t like …. tomatoes.
No added salt….for those with low salt diets.
No garlic…
Good eats hot or cold.  If there is any left over…..re-heat in a small skillet & stir!!….(microwaves makes the cheese too runny & over-cooks the noodles.)

Next time….try Cheddar Cheese (mild or sharp)….totally different flavor of the meal.
Next time….you will have the Egg/cheese mixture done first & ready, while the noodles are still steaming in the pot and you are heating up the meat….<

Thanks Lynn for your recipe, your contriubutions to the success of the Native Thread, your work with children and your wonderful art!

art!