Dry-roast the black peppercorns in a small frying pan over low heat, swirling until very fragrant (approximately 4–5 minutes). Cool then coarsely grind, preferably with a mortar and pestle, and set aside 2 g of the ground pepper.

Heat a medium sized pot of water to 160° F. (In order to concentrate the starch in the pasta water, and facilitate sauce emulsification, do not use a large pot or too much water)

Separate 4 egg yolks into a metal bowl and then whip in the grana padano and pecorino Romano.

Add in the freshly ground coarse black pepper and whisk the mixture into a paste.

Place the metal bowl atop the double boiler and whisk until the color and density change, then set aside.

Add the guanciale to a cold pan (without oil), set the heat to medium-low, and cook until golden.

While the guanciale cooks, bring the pot of water to a boil and then lightly salt, and heat the serving dishes.

Once the guanciale is finished cooking, add the spaghettoni to the boiling water and cook until very al dente (~2 mins less than the pasta instructions), stirring occasionally.

After putting the pasta into the boiling water, place a utensil underneath the guanciale pan to partially elevate it and separate the oil from the cooked guanciale. Leave both the guanciale and the oil in the pan.

Once the pasta is finished cooking, add the pasta to the metal bowl with the egg and cheese mixture and then add in 2–4 spoonfuls of the guanciale oil.

Add ¾ of a ladleful of pasta water and toss vigorously to emulsify. Add additional pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Place the metal bowl of pasta back atop the pot of boiling water and toss briefly over the double boiler to fully emulsify. Add the guanciale.

Remove from heat and toss again.

Plate on the warmed dishes and top with pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper.