U R a good dude & a great cook...there is nothing wrong w/ ur method...I would do the same!!....I use bacon instead of Panchetta all the time...sometimes I throw in blanched asparagus tips & I do cheat by way of heavy cream & Parm cheese...& yes 2 lots of fresh ground Black pepper..I am almost ur age so I know what school ur coming from..we r the best school !!