Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash

You can make pretty much anything delicious by making it "cacio e pepe" and this was no exception. Yum! It's so, so tasty. Sort of like a spicy macaroni and cheese. It's a little decadent, but only a little (no carbs, after all). I can't wait to make it again. It's so warm and cheesy and delicious!

Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
1 1/2 cups loosely packed, freshly grated pecorino cheese
1/2 tbsp whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 tbsp butter
salt
olive oil

Cacio e Pepe

This is almost as simple as you can go for pasta, and you can probably make it with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The freshly crushed pepper gives it a real kick. You can go as heavy or light on the pepper as you want.

Super Easy Thin Crust Pizza

Calling this pizza easy doesn't really do it justice. It's awesome and the whole process takes about 10 minutes. I got the idea from this Martha Stewart recipe, but then gave it my own twist trying to emulate the cacio e pepe pizza at Otto. I've already made it twice and will happily make it again for a great meal served with a salad or cut into thin slices as an hors d'oeuvres. (I tried one with tomato sauce and it doesn't quite work because it looses its crispness.) Also, you don't need olive oil! The cheese has enough oil when it melts.

Ingredients:
1 burrito tortilla
1/2 cup grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
Lots of freshly ground black pepper (to taste)