spaghetti alla vodka

my grandmother was famous for her alla vodka 

but not exactly like this 

for one thing--she was a traditionalist

and used penne

she also didn't make her own tomato infused vodka

because

she was a widow

raising 5 kids

with limited amount of time on her hands 

not all sorts
like i do

our garden produced so many late harvest tomatoes
that

i found myself using them in a variety of ways

sundried, oven roasted, confit

and soaked in vodka

this is really simple.  peel tomatoes and cram into a jar, use a skewer to secure tomatoes if they start to float to the top.  fill the jar with vodka and store in the refrigerator for at least 5 days.  i make several jars because i like to use the tomatoes and the vodka for my sauce. leftover vodka is really great for a bloody mary pick me up.

spaghetti alla vodka
(printable recipe)

1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice

olive oil

1/2 of small onion--finely diced

2 garlic cloves--finely diced

6-8 basil leaves--chiffonade

1 large tin peeled whole tomatoes or combination of vodka soaked tomatoes and tinned tomatoes to equal about 4 cups whole

1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup tomato soaked vodka (or other vodka you have on hand)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated parmesan plus more for serving

cook pasta in salted water,  according to package instructions.  cook onions and garlic in olive oil over low heat.  meanwhile, place the tomatoes in a food processor or blender and pulse until it is smooth.  do not allow the onions and garlic to brown, but let them begin to soften and become translucent. at this point, add the tomatoes and vodka and let simmer for about  10-15 minutes.  add the basil, red pepper flakes and heavy cream and allow to heat through.  stir in parmesan, then toss drained pasta in.  if the sauce seems too thick,  use a bit of the pasta water.  shave a bit of parmesan on top of each individual serving, along with additional crushed red pepper, if you like spicy.  

i am linking this recipe to 

tuesday night supper club

and

hearth and soul blog hop

and
presto pasta nights