Nigella Lawson – Comfort Foods Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Nigella Lawson - Comfort Foods Sept. 27: Nigella Lawson serves up some comfort food, including Spaghetti alla Carbonara, with "Today" show host Matt Lauer. 060927 Ingredients * 1 pound spaghetti * 2 cups cubed pancetta rind removed * 2 teaspoons olive oil * 1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth * 4 eggs * 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan * 1/4 cup heavy cream * Freshly ground black pepper * Freshly ground nutmeg Directions Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta. In another large pan that will fit the pasta later, cook the pancetta cubes in the oil until crispy but not crunchy. Pour over the white wine or vermouth and let it bubble away so that, after a few minutes, you have a small amount of salty winey syrup left. Take the pan off the heat. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, cream, and pepper. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but since you want it kept al dente start checking it 2 minutes before end of the recommended cooking time. When the pasta is done, remove approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Put the pan with the bacon cubes back on the heat and add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat with the syrupy pancetta. Take the pan off the heat again and add the eggs and cheese mixture, swiftly tossing everything to mix. Thin with pasta water, if needed. Grind over some more pepper and grate over the nutmeg to serve. Sticky Toffee Sauce Nigella Lawson INGREDIENTS • 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon soft dark brown sugar • 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup • 3/4 stick unsalted butter • 2/3 cup heavy cream • Serving suggestion: Vanilla ice cream DIRECTIONS Put the sugar, syrup and butter in a pan and slowly bring to the boil, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve. Let the mixture bubble for a couple of minutes before adding the cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce is thick and sticky and glossy. Serve with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream.
