Strashenatti

Or at least that's what we called it. I googled and googled and found nothing even remotely similar. Doesn't matter, in my house, this recipe is called Strashenatti (Strash - a - not - tea) or simply, pasta with bacon, sausage, egg and cheese. Easy to make (as usual) and delicious to eat, this dish tastes like it took hours - when in fact, it can be ready from stove top to table top in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage, skinned
• 2 lbs. thick bacon, sliced or cubed
• 8 eggs, beaten well w/1/2 cup of heavy cream and/or milk
• 2 cups grated cheese (parmesan or locatelli - or a mix of both)
• 1/2 stick of butter
• Red pepper flakes (tspn or to taste)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lbs of pasta (large shells preferred)
• Olive oil

This recipe feeds about 8.

The first thing to do is brown the sausage and bacon. For some reason, this CANNOT be done in the same pan, not sure why, just know it can't (ancient family secret). So in two large frying pans, coat the bottom with a thin layer of olive oil - heat over medium heat and throw half the garlic in one - the other half in the other, saute until golden. Then, add the sausage to one, the bacon to the other and cook until done - make sure to continually break the sausage into 'bits' as it cooks.

While you are cooking this, put a large pot of water on to boil - add a pinch of salt to keep pasta from sticking.

Once the sausage/bacon is done, place on a plate (covered in a couple layers of paper towels), to drain fat.

Cook pasta according to package. When done, drain but do not rinse. Place back in the pot on low burner - mix eggs (beaten) and cheese together with the red pepper - add to the pasta with butter and sausage/bacon. Stir over low flame until egg is 'cooked'.

That's it! That simple! Serve hot with a loaf of Italian bread and side salad. Keep around some additional cheese as required.

Delish!

Note: This dish does not reheat well without the addition of a pat of butter or a bit of olive oil added as it tends to 'dry' out during refrigeration.