All we need is love

All we need is love
All we need is love

Friday, June 8, 2012

Vodka Creme Sauce


My sister Suzanne introduced me to this amazing pasta sauce about a year ago that I can't get enough of. I'm sure you can purchase a jarred version of this Vodka Creme Sauce from the  supermarket, but it wouldn't compare to the delectable goodness shown above. The best part about it is that it is not difficult to make and it requires many ingredients that most people already have in their pantries (minus the fresh basil). I made it last night with some fried eggplant and whole wheat Rotini to make a delicious, vegetarian meal. Let me tell you, my family nearly licked their plates- THAT's how good it is!

Vodka Creme Sauce

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon EVOO
1 Tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots minced (or one very small onion minced)
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock 
1 can crushed or diced tomatoes (28 oz)
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
40 fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced


Directions
Fill a large pot with enough boiling water to cook your pasta and bring to a boil on the stove. Then. . .
Heat a large skillet, add butter until melted and then add EVOO. Saute shallots/onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes. Add vodka to the pan and cook until reduced to half (2-3 minutes). This will also cook away the alcohol content. Add the chicken stock and tomatoes, bring it to a boil then reduce it to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the sugar. *Simmer until it is reduced to half again. 
*While it's simmering, add your pasta to the boiling water and cook, following manufacturer's instructions.Once the pasta is done cooking, (the sauce should be nearly done at this point) drain the pasta and set it aside. 
Now, add your basil leaves and creme to the sauce and stir to combine. Pour this over the pasta and your done! Serve this with some yummy French bread, fried eggplant and/or some herbed meatballs. Your family will be in Heaven!

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