Treat mom to a classic pasta dish EVOO

Moms often work tirelessly to care for their families, with many juggling careers and time spent at home. It’s a balance that is sometimes tricky to manage, and at times mothers need to have their loads lightened.

Children or spouses who learn to cook can take some pressure off of Mom. Mother’s Day is a prime opportunity for other members of the household to spend time in the kitchen.

Pasta dishes generally are easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Such is the case with this recipe for “Carbonara” from “Rachael Ray: Memories and Meals From a Sweet and Savory Life” (Ballantine Books) by Rachael Ray.

Carbonara

Serves 4

1⁄4 cup approximately 1⁄3 pound chunk of meaty pancetta or guanciale, cut into 1⁄4inch dice

4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced or chopped

11⁄2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

1 cup white wine 6 large egg yolks

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more to pass

Salt

1 pound bucatini or spaghetti

1⁄2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (a fat handful of leaves)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, heat the EVOO, four turns of the pan. Add the pancetta or guanciale and render for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper and stir 1 minute more. Add the wine and reduce by half (about 7 minutes), then reduce the heat to low.

In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and grated cheeses to the liberally salted boiling water and cook to 1 minute less than al dente per the package recommendation.

Remove about 11⁄4 cups of starchy cooking water from the pot and whisk it into the egg yolks in a steady stream to temper them. Reserve an extra 1⁄2 cup of starchy water just in case.

Drain the pasta or transfer it with a spider or tongs to the pan with the pancetta and garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tempered egg yolks and parsley. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thin, return the heat to the lowest setting and, stirring constantly for 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add salt to taste.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 This week could be a strange time in regard to your finances, Aries. It might be a good idea to get all of your financial affairs in order to figure out where you stand.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Check around the house for any areas that could benefit from a little improvement, Taurus. Some renovations could provide a whole new look and even outlook.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Figure out a way to show support for a valued colleague, Gemini. Sometimes just a kind word can transform someone’s day. Your kindness will be repaid.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Excessive spending could come back to haunt you this week, Cancer. Spend wisely and avoid impulse purchases. A financial windfall could soon be in your future.

LEO –

Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you have been feeling bored and restless for the last several days, a change of scenery could be in order. A vacation can fit the bill, but even a day trip will prove effective.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Your ability to focus is high today, Virgo. This means you can learn many new skills and apply them how you see fit. Take advantage of this chance to better yourself.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Give some thought to how you can increase your income, Libra. It can help to have a few extra dollars coming in each month. A parttime job may be the right fit for now.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Setbacks at work may have you feeling a little nervous, Scorpio. However, everything goes through a natural cycle and soon all will be well again. Maintain the status quo.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Information you glean from the news lately could change your perspective on certain situations, Sagittarius. Take it all in before making a final assessment.

CAPRICORN –

Dec 22/Jan 20 A task that has been in the works for some time finally comes to fruition this week, Capricorn. You will have mixed feelings about getting things done and moving on to new projects.

AQUARIUS –

Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, a goal regarding your career will finally become a reality. At first you might not believe it, but it’s certainly true. You’ve worked hard for this.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you tend to be your worst critic, but that pushes you to achieve as much as you can. It can be a blessing in disguise.

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