I Love Coffee

I love coffee. Both the smell and taste are crucial to my mornings. What I don't like is the price of coffee. New York Starbucks charges $1 more than Seattle Starbucks. Shouldn't it be more expensive in the city of origin? Apparently Mr. Starbucks New York thinks otherwise. Six months ago spending $2 on coffee (a day) got booted out of Tabers and my daily routine and was replaced with brewing our own morning coffee. Because of this, it has been hard to justify buying overpriced coffee everyday. BUT because I have to be awake in class to learn, coffee is essential to my performance in school. Now when I see change on the ground I do not hesitate to bend over, pick it up, and add it to me coffee fun. I am not joking...I seriously picked up a quarter on the ground the other day.
The other night I was telling my mom, Steve, and Taber about the large quantity of money starbucks takes, I mean steals, from me weekly. Less than one week later I received a very pretty plastic card in the mail. Steve sent me a very generous Starbucks gift card. I am now able to start my day in peace knowing I can buy a coffee without cutting into my tuition/living expenses. Very good things come in small packages from Dads with big hearts.
In honor of Steve, I am posting a recipe for Pasta Carbonara. It is one of his favorite dishes I prepare.

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

INGREDIENTS:
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-6 ounces pancetta, diced
-Salt to taste
-1 pound dried spaghetti
-3 large eggs, beaten
-2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
-2 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
-Freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
-In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat, add the pancetta, and fry till lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
-Bring a large kettle of salted water to a rolling boil, add the spaghetti, return to the boil, and cook till al dente, about 10 minutes.
-While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the eggs, half the cheese, and pepper. Set aside.
-Drain the pasta, add back to cooking pot.
-Add the pancetta to the pasta, toss.
-Pour the egg and cheese mixture into the pasta with 2 large forks till the eggs are completely incorporated and coat the spaghetti. (The heat of the spaghetti will cook the eggs.) Add the remaining cheeses, toss again till well incorporated, taste for salt and pepper, and serve immediately.