How to Make Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara

 Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the simplest and most delicious pasta dishes from Italy. You don't have to go to a fancy Italian restaurant to enjoy this easy-to-make dish. In my review today I'll show how simple this is to make at home.

Authentic Carbonara is made with Guanciale (cured pork cheek), which is really hard to find. So, we use Pancetta (cured pork belly). You can easily find pancetta already diced at your local grocery store. If you can't find pancetta, you can use bacon.

Ingredients:

1 lb. of spaghetti

1/2 pound Pancetta or Bacon diced

2 cloves of garlic minced

3 eggs

1 cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese 

Fresh ground black pepper

Parsley Chopped for garnish

Salt, for pasta water

1/4 cup pasta water

Instructions:

1. Start a large pot of salted water for the pasta and bring to a boil.
2. Add the pancetta or bacon and minced garlic to a large frying pan. Cook over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the pancetta or bacon is crispy.
3. While the pancetta is cooking add the eggs, cheese, and black pepper into a bowl and whisk together. Set this aside.
4. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain, and place in a large bowl. Quickly add the pancetta and egg mixture. Return to the frying pan over low heat. Mix well to create a creamy sauce. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, and more cheese, and serve.

This is our pancetta and garlic cooking in the frying pan. 

This is our egg and cheese mixture 

Tip: When you return the pasta to the frying pan low heat is the key. You don't want the eggs to scramble, the low heat while mixing will create a smooth custard-like sauce.

Our family loves this Italian classic. So, try this at home I'm sure your family will love it as much as we do.

For more recipes on Review This click here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

For more of our family recipes click here:

Sam's Places

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Travel: Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland

Cunningham Falls State Park located in Maryland is a wonderful place to visit during all times of the year, but especially during the peak colors of fall. On a recent adventure I passed through the Catoctin Mountains and was reminded of how wonderful this area is to visit. Cunningham Falls is an especially interesting area for any outdoor enthusiast. 

By Jarek Tuszyński - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Commons Wikimedia

While driving through the park at sunrise, I saw scattered groups of hikers crossing the road or leaving the parking areas for the trailheads.  I thought it would be a shame if this area isn't known to others who might enjoy that natural setting. That's why I decided to give a very brief overview and spread the word.

Cunningham Falls State Park

Are you looking for a way to unwind, relax, and unplug? This area might the perfect spot. The website confirms this by stating that cell communication may be spotty or non-existent as many carriers do not provide service in this area. 

This Maryland state park is over 6,000 acres that includes a 43 acre man-made lake and the largest cascading water fall in Maryland. 

The park is divided into two sections. 

The William Houck area of the state park is located three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland on winding, tree-lined route 77. Camping, the falls, and the lake are located in this area. I have spent the most time in this section of the park. I have enjoyed hiking near the 78-foot waterfall on several occasions. I was always glad to spend time in the serene setting; surrounded by rocks, boulders, and flowing water in the wooded area. 

The Manor area is located three miles south of Thurmont, off Route 15.  The Scales, Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.

I am not as interested in history as I am in hiking and crossing creeks on foot, using rocks as stepping stones. But I found the Catoctin Iron Furnace a very interesting site to visit. It is hard for me to imagine this furnace being built of stone in the 1770's and began operating in 1776 to manufacture iron for household and industrial goods. 

Over the years, I've known people who use the camping areas in Cunningham Falls as their preferred, local getaway. I personally have not camped there so I am not familiar with the amenities. But I am aware that it is a recommended spot to spent a weekend or vacation. 

Whether you are looking for a place to stayover, for a day hike, or for a more meaningful historic experience, Cunningham Falls State Park may be the spot for you.

Cunningham Falls State Park website

Nearby sites and attractions:

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society information

Driving tour information for the three covered bridges in the area: Loy's Station Covered Bridge, Roddy Road Covered Bridge and Utica Covered Bridge.

I have enjoyed the annual Catoctin Color Fest in Thurmont, Maryland. It is held in October and features a large collection of art, jewelry, crafts and food vendors. It is a super enjoyable festival in a small town setting during a beautiful time of year. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

I Need to Introduce You to This Fruit Fly Solution

I recently encountered an epic fruit fly invasion. 

Whether the flies were fruit flies or gnats (I still don't know the difference—thanks, Google) didn't seem to matter. All I knew was that they were everywhere, and I needed to get rid of them. 

I did read somewhere that gnats might be hiding out in the soil of your plants, but honestly, that's about all the science I needed. 

I was less interested in understanding them and more focused on breaking their little mating cycle so they'd leave my life for good.

With a quick search on Amazon (because if Amazon doesn't have it, do we even need it?), I typed in something like "getting rid of fruit flies" and hit the jackpot: a product that was affordable, easy to use, and—bonus points—non-toxic.

The Yellow Butterfly is a Sticky Trap

Fruit Fly Sticky Traps for Indoor and Outdoor Use

These sticky traps are about as simple as it gets. 

Just peel off the protective cover and stick them wherever you need them. 

They even have a pointy end that easily slips into a planter, but you can cut that off and stick them anywhere—versatile, right?

They're decorative too, with shapes like butterflies and sunbursts, because why shouldn't bug traps add a little flair?

The Yellow Butterfly is a Sticky Trap

My Secret Weapon: The Wine Bottle Trap

In addition to these sticky traps, I always use my trusty wine bottle trick. 

I leave a little bit of wine in the bottom of a bottle, place it next to my fruit bowl, and let the flies find their way in. 

Usually, this works like a charm. But this time, the flies seemed to multiply faster than the wine could lure them in. So, I went all out with the sticky traps. I put four around the wine bottle—two at the mouth and two just below. 

The next morning, I found what looked like an entire fruit fly city had taken up residence. Success! That was the end of them.

And now, for good measure, I keep a couple of sticky traps tucked into my plants in case any stragglers try to make a comeback.

These Traps are Really Sticky!

These traps are not joking around when it comes to stickiness. They'll cling to your fingers, so handle them as little as possible to avoid frustration.

If you're ready to say goodbye to your fruit fly (or gnat?) problem, you can find these traps on Amazon.

Here's What the Product Package Looks Like on Amazon

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing My Personal Thoughts on Tidying Up

A From the Heart Book Review

I once read something about how the universe always tries to reassert itself when something is changed. In other words, put things back the way they were.

This is never more true than when it comes to our efforts to organize and declutter our lives. 

We've all read books on decluttering, organizing, etc. and even followed the suggestions in the current book on the subject, resulting in a satisfyingly organized life (for a while). Eventually, though, our normal inclinations and habits seem to reassert themselves and our old patterns return. Our once clean desktop is once again piled with papers, there are stacks of books on the floor and chairs, and our clothes seem to have multiplied overnight! 

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

I just read a new book called "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing" by Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo, who calls her system The KonMari Method. It was interesting and fun to read, but not all that different from others on the subject, with one exception. She tells you to start by discarding, THEN organize your space instead of the usual room-by-room or little-by-little approach. Makes sense, but easier said than done when you find excuses not to 'discard'. :)  

As I read this book, I found myself nodding and agreeing and planning to once again get organized without much assurance that I would actually follow through this time. Then I read a line that made more sense to me than any others I've read in similar books. Basically, the author writes, when you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order. As a result, you can see quite clearly what you now need in life and what you don't.... and you are then surrounded only by the things you love. 

Finding myself now well into my 'senior' years, I really would like to finally organize and downsize my household. This desire is not so much as having a tidy house and an organized life as it is to not leave my kids with having to decide what to do with my ‘stuff’. 

Summary

Image Source: Pixabay

Therefore, no matter what organizing book you use to get you motivated, or nothing but simply a plan listed on a piece of paper, realize that you are not just tidying up your house as much as you are in getting your affairs in order. 

My final thoughts on the subject are that you may be years from needing to think about such things, but time doesn’t wait while you decide when and if you will get organized so others don’t have to do it for you. 

Related Reviews:

• Taming the Paper Tiger
• How to Conquer Clutter

*Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Café Escapes Chai Latte Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods Reviewed

When my brother visited for a few weeks recently, I purchased 2 boxes of his favorite tea, Café Escapes Chai Latte.  I was rather surprised by his choice since I have never known of him to be a tea drinker.  He has always enjoyed a good cup of coffee, but not tea.  

When he shared his new favorite hot drink, I was immediately reminded of Wednesday Elf's review a few weeks ago of Chai tea where she shared how much she enjoys the blend of spices in Chai tea.

Because they both recommended it, I decided to try one of my brother's Chai Latte k-cups.  Clearly, the "latte" in the k-cups title informs us that milk is added.  That is something else I have never done.  I have never added milk to tea.  

In spite of my misgivings, I was pleasantly surprised!

The aroma is the first thing I noticed.  I could smell the blend of "savory spices" that Wednesday Elf described.  With the first sip, I understood why my brother loves the taste.  Thanks to them, I have discovered a new favorite black tea.  I quickly added the k-cups to my k-cup drawer of preferred coffee and tea.

 

Café Escapes Chai Latte Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods

Café Escapes Chai Latte Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods, 24 Count

This Chai Latte has quite a unique flavor, one I find I cannot easily describe.  It reminds me a little of hot chocolate or cocoa, which I love, but with additional tasty spices.  

Chai tea touts several benefits including improved digestion, boosts immune system, reduces inflammation, improves heart health and more.  That is an impressive list of health benefits which would be a lovely side-effect for me since I love the taste of the Café Escapes Chai Latte and the convenience of k-cups.

 

The Gray Wolf Mug

The mug used in the introduction photo above, is available on Zazzle.com. It is one of my own personal photos that I offer in the House of Sylvestermouse Zazzle Store on a variety of products. The Gray Wolf mug does seem totally appropriate for warm hot Chai Latte on a cold day.   

 Gray Wolf Mug

 

Read More Product Reviews On
ReviewThisProducts.com

 

Café Escapes Chai Latte Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods Reviewed by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Little Fairy and Her Imagination Review

The Little Fairy and Her Imagination is a children's story about using one's imagination. The Little Fairy likes playing with her imagination and daydreams about all kinds of things that she likes.

But one day she desires for her friend to have a special home and starts imagining what that home would look like. She so much wanted her friend to have this special home, that she took the time to daydream about it on multiple occasions. Then one day, it seemed that her day dream came true, or at least was beginning to come true.

Did her imagination have anything to do with what seemed to have appeared?

Those are questions that can be raised and talked about when reading this book.

The story goes on, and the Little Fairy tries focused imagining even more. Read the story to find out what happens.

Do you believe in using your imagination in imaginative ways? As a child and a teenager, I imagined things. Nothing came true right away, yet sometimes things did come true further down the road. Hmmmm. Could it be that our imagination can or may have an affect?

This story really doesn't provide the answers, but it does help in getting the discussion started.

I do kind of have my own views. I wanted to convey some of that in the story, without telling but showing what could be possible.

This story, of course is fiction. However, it was inspired by true events that happened in my life.

One day, I was in my home office and glanced out my window, and noticed that the neighbor's tree behind our yard, was being cut down. Oh no, I thought. Then I thought, maybe it's just a trim. But no, it was definitely more than a trim. The whole tree was cut down.

I was disheartened. That tree had provided afternoon shade to my office as the sun moved across the sky. There went my shady reprieve.

From time to time, I gave some thought to, if I was to plant a tree, where would I plant it. I kind of picked out a spot and did imagine where I wanted it to be from time to time. Then I actually thought better of it, and gave it no more thought.

I had wisteria plants that had been growing quite tall out there, that I didn't even know that a tree had sprouted right about where I had wanted it to be. By the time I noticed it, it was taller than me. I decided it was too close to the back wall, and sawed the top of it off. It was quite heavy when it fell.

I thought that was the end of it. Then later, there it was growing back again. I cut it down again and painted the stumps that were left. I had figured that should stop it from growing back. But nope, it grew back again.

And then it dawned on me, that is about where I had wanted one to grow. Then I figured, that if it was meant to be, who am I to now say no to it.

And now it grows in my back yard. It's not quite high enough to shade out the afternoon sun, but it is getting there.

There have been other times over the years that I have imagined some things, that also seemed to have happened out of the blue. So again, I ask you, do you ever play with your imagination?

If you would like to read a fun and simple story that would spark thinking along those lines, then I recommend reading - The Little Fairy and Her Imagination: A story about a thoughtful gift. It is available on Amazon.

The Little Fairy and Her Imagination: A story about a thoughtful gift.

If your answer is no, that is fine too.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Energy Efficiency and Comfort at an Affordable Price ~ A Product Review

It may come as a surprise to you, but air movement in the home can make the surroundings so much more comfortable whether it's summer or winter. 

We have had ceiling fans in our home for years and are always amazed at how much they help keeping the cool air moving around in the summer time and the warm air moving in the winter. 

Cold air by it's nature is heavy and sits lower down in the room.  A ceiling fan helps to move that cooler air to the upper areas of the room making it feel cooler and the breeze brought on by the air movement is really nice.  For myself I love the air movement in the night, because you know, women and their hot flashes just seem to happen more often at night.  Just that little bit of air movement seems to help with that problem.

In winter time the warm air moves to the top of the room and your feet can become really cold.  Keep that air moving and the warm air will also move down to where your toes are at!

Now if you are not an electrician, installing a ceiling fan could cost you some serious cash, but what if I told you there was an alternative?

Hubby just found a lovely little ceiling fan for under $50.00 that does not require and electrician to install it.  You don't believe me?  Well here is the little beauty! It's made by Bell & Howell and you can see for yourself that it does what it says it will do!

This little wonder will turn any socket into a lovely ceiling fan that not only offers movement of the air around you, but also gives you three different light settings and three different speeds for the fan.  It's all controlled by a nice little remote. 

It is quiet, easy to install and will help you keep that air circulating whether it is warm air moving around or cooled air for the summer months.

All in all, this is one handy little fan that I'm sure you will find a use for in your home or apartment.  It is a Number 1 Best Seller on Amazon and I can see why!  

If you need a little "movement" in your life, this just might be the thing to get you going in the right direction!  We are enjoying ours and now you can have an easy to install new Light/Ceiling Fan combination in your home too!

Oh and for those in apartment buildings, you don't even need the super's help or permission to install this handly little item.  Just undo the light bulb and insert the ceiling fan into the base.  Done!  It can't get any easier than this!  

I hope you enjoy this neat little find and let me know how you like it in the comments. I love to hear from you!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Secret of the Brighton House - A Book Review

I recently read Cathy Hayward's The Secret of the Brighton House as part of Amazon Prime's First Reads and I really enjoyed it, not putting it down until I had finished.

This book will be released on November 1st, 2024 and I thoroughly recommend grabbing it. It is a novel told from two timelines, in the first one we have Joanne who is 28 weeks pregnant when she discovers a photo of her mum holding her as a newborn. This doesn't sound strange until you find out that Joanne has been told her entire life that her mother died giving birth to her.

When she confronts her father about it he says well actually she died a few days later of a heart attack, but it was related to childbirth so it was just easier to say she died in childbirth. When Joanne looks further into it she finds her mother's death certificate and discovers that she actually died two years after Joanne was born. What happened during those two years and why will neither her father or stepmother give her any more information?

The other timeline in the book is that of Joanne's mother, Grace and this is told from Grace's POV from the 1970s as she prepares to give birth to her daughter. The description of Grace and her friend puffing away on a Silk Cut while being pregnant and her mother's horror at her making a rag rug for the nursery really does take you back in time.

The timelines go between Joanne's determination to find out what happened to her mother before she gives birth and Grace in the lead up to Joanne's birth and the following couple of years of her life.

I think the author does a great job with the characters, especially Grace. The book does deal with issues that can be very emotive such as miscarriage, IVF, traumatic births and outdated 1970s postnatal practices.

The book really resonated to me on how much women's health care has evolved in my lifetime. If you do get to read the book (and I hope you do) the part that really tugged at my emotions was when they opened Grace's suitcase.

I'm going to leave the review there as I don't want to ruin the 'secret' for you. I will definitely be adding Cathy Hayward's other book - The Girl in the Midnight Maze to my TBR list though.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Hefty And Amazon Lawn Leaf Bags Reviewed

Lawn, leaf, trash bags have become quite pricey for items that are taken by the trash contractor. Which bag is the strongest? Does less mean more with price? I've used three brands of lawn and leaf bags this year and have noticed the differences in quality and price.

Total Count In Box

Hefty: 38

Amazon: 40

Gallons

Hefty: 39

Amazon: 39

Cost Per Bag

Hefty: .43

Amazon: .34

Drawstring

Hefty:  Yes

Amazon: Yes

Strength

I found the Hefty to be the stronger bag overall. The seams were stronger for the Hefty than the Amazon whether the bags are used for trash or outside materials. The 'feel' of the Hefty was also stronger and felt thicker than the Amazon bag.

Recommendation

The Amazon bags were fine for light to medium weight leaves or branches. If  you have branches being broken down or put as cut in the bags than the Hefty is superior to prevent seams from splitting or branches poking through sides of the bag. I have also purchased the Ace Hardware brand of bags which I found similar to the Hefty in price and strength.

As always double check with your municipality as to the restrictions for disposal of leaves, plants, branches and trash. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The YouTube Channel to Train Your Brain and Test Your Wits

Are you looking for a fun way to give your brain a workout? Or maybe you love a good challenge that makes you pause and think, then say, "Ah-ha!" If so, you're in for a treat.

Welcome to the StumpedRiddles YouTube Channel, where I share my collection of originally written riddles in video format. They are crafted to make you think, laugh, and sometimes scratch your head in wonder.

What You'll Find on StumpedRiddles YouTube Channel

On StumpedRiddles YouTube, you'll dive into a world of riddles in both long-form videos and bite-sized riddle shorts. Each riddle is unique, crafted with care, and designed to challenge your mind while bringing you a bit of joy. 

The Channel Gives You:

Longer Riddles that give you time to ponder and enjoy the clues

Riddle Shorts for quick, fun challenges on the go

Party Game Potential – Ideal for gatherings, parties and game nights

Every video is linked to a corresponding page on my website, StumpedRiddles.com, where you can see the answer, if it hasn't been provided in the video, and enjoy even more puzzle book fun.

A Mindful Escape and Mental Workout

In today's fast-paced world, taking a break from the constant flow of information is important. 

My channel gives you a place to do just that, offering a blend of mental exercise and distraction. Whether you're an experienced riddle-solver or just getting into the game, there's something here for everyone.

Try a Riddle - Solve This One:

Each riddle is crafted in the "what-am-I" format to be approachable but challenging and sometimes easy – no obscure words or overly complex phrasing, just a satisfying "aha" moment waiting to be discovered. The riddles provide great mental exercise, help build focus, and add a bit of fun to your day.

The Books Behind the Channel

My eight original riddle books, available on Amazon and other platforms, are also available for anyone looking to delve deeper into the riddle world. 

The books explore themes and riddles you won't find anywhere else, and they're great for gifting or enjoying on your own.

From Halloween-inspired riddles to everyday mind-benders, each book offers a fresh take on traditional riddling. If you enjoy what you see on the channel, check out the books – they're a great way to take the fun off-screen and into your hands!

Join the StumpedRiddles Community

If you're ready to give your brain a fun, refreshing challenge, subscribe to StumpedRiddles on YouTube. Not only will you stay updated on the latest riddles, but you'll also be part of a community of fellow riddle enthusiasts. 

Every riddle is a chance to test your wits, share with friends, or use as a clever icebreaker at your next gathering.

10 Riddles To Solve:

Head over to StumpedRiddles YouTube, hit that subscribe button, and get ready to be stumped or brag about your brainiac skills.

At the time of writing, I've added over 200 original riddles on the StumpedRiddles YouTube channel to keep you challenged and entertained. Turn the world off with a smile, and have some fun :)

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: