Penne with Vodka Sauce

My husband and I both grew up in homes where alcohol was forbidden even for cooking. A few months ago in a conversation with my mom she mentioned having fresh parmesan cheese in the house. I found this unusual for my mom (just not something you find my mom's kitchen). She said she needed it for a recipe she had made recently. The cheese lover in my inquired as to what she made and she replied, "Penne with Vodka Sauce". I was intrigued. I asked, "You went to a liquor store and bought Vodka?!?!". She replied (as if this was no big deal), "Yes". Picture now my jaw hitting the floor! I was in amazement and needless to say I asked for the recipe!

My youngest brother plays soccer, basketball and baseball for the small Christian school he goes too. Some of his friends play every sport with him. One night before a big game one of the moms made Penne with Vodka Sauce for the team. My brother then requested my mom to make it his birthday dinner and she agreed. Anyone want to guess out of 5 children where in line this brother falls?

This recipe came from the mom of my brother's best friend. Its their family recipe. I know that my mom has played with the recipe. The nutrionist in her didn't like the fat content. I have for the original recipe, I think my mom is still perfecting her version. I think I am going to make a few changes in the future. I didn't use the panchetti and wish I had because I think it would have added a lot of flavor and I thought this was a little bland.


Penne with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

1/4 pound panchetti, diced
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup vodka
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1 pound penne pasta, cooked
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Directions

Melt butter in a large fry pan, when butter foams add panchetti and brown slightly. Add vodka and stir. When finished smoking, stir in tomato sauce and cream. Stire for 5-8 minutes. Add cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.