Penne Alla Vodka

From the Kitchen of Yolanda Caccamo Quackenbush

Ingredients:

* 4 TBSP of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

* 3 Cloves of Fresh Garlic,minced

* 1 Small Cooking Onion

* 1/4 Pound of San Danielle Brand Prosciutto (Ask your Store Deli to slice it for you)

* 3 Shots of Decent Quality Vodka

* 1 Can of D.O.P Certified San Marzano Plum Tomatoes (better quality and no acidic acid in the ingredients)

* 1 Small Can of Tomato Paste

* 6 Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped

* 1/2 Cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

* 6 TBSP of Unsalted Butter

* 2 Cups of Heavy Cream

* Salt and Pepper to Taste

* Crushed Red Pepper, Optional

Directions:

* Take out a Large Frying Pan or Pot.  

* Chop the Garlic and Onion and Saute in Olive Oil for about 2 minute on a Medium-Low Heat (Do not Burn the Garlic).

* Cut up the Prosciutto into about 1/4 inch thin slices and saute with the Onion and Garlic for about 3 minutes.

* Next, pour in the 3 shots of Vodka and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes in order to burn off the Alcohol.

* Meanwhile, Puree the Plum Tomatoes and Tomato Paste together

* After the Vodka has been cooking for 5-6 minutes, add the pureed Tomatoes and Freshly chopped Basil.

* Then add the Butter and Grated Cheese

* Once the Butter is melted, add the Heavy Cream and stir well.

* Let simmer on Low Heat semi Covered for about 40 minutes.

* When ready to Serve, Boil your Pasta and Drain

* Toss the Pasta in the Vodka Sauce

* I like mine with crushed Red Pepper sprinkled on top, along with freshly grated Cheese.

~*~Enjoy!~*~