Countdown to Valentine’s Day: Penne Vodka

Everyday between now and Valentine’s day, I will be posting romantic recipes suitable for that special Valentine’s day meal.

Cooking is an act of love, and there is nothing more romantic than sitting down to a lovingly prepared meal. Consider skipping the crowded restaurant this year and share an intimate supper for two at home.

While not really southern, this pasta dish is definitely worth trying. The sauce is a rich pink color due to the tomatoes and cream making it a natural for valentine’s day. The flavors are rich and a little unexpected.

This recipe will make enough for 2 couples (serves 4). If you plan a romantic evening where more than two’s a crowd, reserve half the sauce to freeze for another meal before the addition of basil, and only cook 1/2 to 2/3 pound of pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil,
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 large can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)
• Coarse salt and pepper
• 16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness.

Add vodka to the pan. Simmer until the vodka is reduced by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes.

Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat, do not allow it to boil.

Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Serve pasta with crusty bread and a nice salad.
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