Spaghetti Carbonara

I love pasta! I also know that swim suit season will be here soon!!!!! So I came up with a healthy version of spaghetti carbonara.

Ingredients:

1 box of whole wheat spaghetti
5 slices of turkey bacon, chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup of dry white wine (or 1/2 cup of chicken stock)
1 cup of peas, thawed
3/4 cup of egg beaters
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
1 Tbsp. of dried basil (or 3 Tbsp chopped fresh)
1/4 cup of sun dried tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbsp. of olive oil
salt and pepper

Cook the pasta in salty water according to the directions on the box. (Remember, the only chance you get to season the pasta itself is during the cooking time). While pasta is cooking, add oil to a skillet. Cook the turkey bacon until slightly crisp. Add the wine and peas and simmer for 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg beaters. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Drain the hot pasta and return to pot. Add the bacon egg mixture and stir until hot spaghetti slightly cooks the egg mixture. Toss in parsley, basil, and sun dried tomatoes.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

I have always loved Italian food. Spaghetti and meatballs! Yum. However, it was always Ragu. As my taste buds changed I upgraded to Prego! HA HA. I had no idea how CHEAP and EASY it is to make your own sauce. Don't be intimidated! Give it try. And forget those pre-frozen soggy meatballs. This recipe is so easy. I hope you love it!
Now, I love chunks of tomatoes and veggies in my sauce. My family, however, does not. So this recipe is a smooth variety! However, where it calls for crushed tomatoes, you can use diced or whole tomatoes for a chunkier sauce. Also, my family does not like veggies, I do. So, please add chunks of green pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions to suit your taste.

Tomato Sauce

1 can of crushed tomatoes (large)
1 can of tomato puree (large)
1 small can of tomato paste (small)
1 box of beef stock
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh basil chopped
1 Tsp. dry oregano
3 cloves of garlic minced (I love garlic)
1 small yellow onion diced
1 Tsp. chili flakes
1/2 Tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 Tsp. of salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp. of olive oil

In a large pot, add the olive oil and saute the garlic and onions until translucent. Add the rest of the ingredient and simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a Tbsp. of sugar.

Meatballs

1 pound of ground beef
1 pound of ground veal
1 pound of ground pork
1/3 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup bread crumbs
3 Tbsp. fresh parsley chopped
2 gloves of garlic minced
2 eggs
1/2 onion diced
1 Tbsp. of olive oil

In a small skillet saute the onion until translucent, set aside to cool. In a separate bowl add the remaining ingredients as well as the sauted onion. With hands mix the ingredients together. Roll into 1" balls, and place on baking sheet. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes. Drain and add meatballs to the tomato sauce to finish cooking.

Bénéficier! (Enjoy!)