What is your favorite desperation dinner?

Twice in the last month I found myself in need of making a dinner I didn’t plan for. Watching my pennies, I was hesitant to throw in the towel and order Chinese or Pizza, so I went hunting through the fridge in search of ingredients that could come together quickly and deliciously.

I had recently tested a recipe that only used a couple of strips of bacon so had most of a package left. That’s when I realized that between that and a couple of eggs and pasta I had all the fixings I needed for my favorite “desperation dinner” spaghetti carbonara. Here’s my “go-to” recipe for when the fixings are slim. It’s a hit with my whole family. It makes 4 servings with maybe some leftovers… if you are lucky.

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 8 ounces bacon, diced
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid before draining. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan. In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs and 1/2 cup cheese. Immediately after draining pasta, add to the bacon in the skillet and stir to combine. Add the egg mixture and reserved water and stir gently over medium heat until eggs are just firm. Season with salt and lots of pepper. Transfer pasta mixture to a large serving bowl and top with remaining Parmesan.

 What is your favorite dish when you quickly need to pull something out of your hat?