Pancetta Carbonara, Tablescapes, and a Kitchenaid Giveaway

Today's Foodie Friday double feature begins with Pancetta Carbonara, adapted from one of Giada De Laurentiis' recipes, and it ends with my hair on fire.

Really.
Pancetta Carbonara

8 oz pancetta, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 strips bacon, cut up

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 package fresh linguine

salt and pepper to taste

fresh chives, chopped

1/2 package sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Boil the linguine according to directions. Drain. Pan-fry pancetta and bacon, about 6 minutes on medium flame. Add sun-dried tomatoes and chives. Lower heat and add cream. Add pasta and stir. Simmer.

I used a red toile duvet for a tablecloth.

Then I tried an old tapestry--with pewter accessories.

Next up, an Italian plaid blanket.

The pewter is Wilton--from the 70s.
Candlelight brings out the highlights in the metal, doesn't it?

My mother called while I was lighting the votives. With the phone propped under my chin, I began tablescaping. A scorched smell rushed up my nose. I'd set a tiny strand of my hair on fire. I told Mom I'd have to call back. Luckily I was wearing flannel and smothered the flames. No harm done, my hair's curly anyway, and I don't really mind Eau du Charcoal. The moral of this story: Don't talk on the phone if you have long hair, have a chatty mom, and if you are playing near an open flame.

A icy-soothing dessert was served and a good time was had by all.

Don't forget to enter the KitchenAid mixer contest. It ends November 1st (just in time for Thanksgiving). Just leave a note.

If you're participating in this week's Foodie Friday, Mr. L awaits your recipe:

Recipe adapted from Everyday Pasta by Giada De Laurentiis, "Cinnamon Pancetta Carbonara," p. 172.