Carbonara

mom's recipe, interpreted; easy and always a hit

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

•  good quality finely grated parmesan cheese (at least 8 oz, preferably 12)
•  two eggs plus one  egg yolk
•  four servings spaghetti
•  one medium red onion, medium dice
•  one large or two small bell pepper, slightly larger dice (any color)
•  so cremini mushroom, chopped (quarters or halves)
• 1  lb  good smokey lean bacon

Directions

1. in skillet, cook bacon in batches until very crispy. set aside. At the same time start your pasta water.
2. in a metal bowl, beat eggs and cheese together, slowly adding cheese until a thick, almost pasty texture is achieved. set the metal bowl in a warm water bath (NOT HOT, your eggs will curdle).
3. meanwhile, sautee the veggies in the bacon drippings. crumble the cooked bacon into the pan when done.
4. when pasta is done, use a pasta fork to scoop it directly from the boiling water to the egg bowl, stirring each forkfull immediately. you'll get some pasta water, too. that's ok. when sauce becomes thick and creamy, coating the pasta, stir in bacon/veggie mix. serve immediately.