Message from Maggie:  At a recent conference I got to talking about recipes.  A colleagues wife shared this recipe with me.  This recipe was an instant favorite in my household.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup vodka
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 T. butter
• 1 T. olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 slices bacon coarsely chopped (Note:  If using, I recommend the precooked that is then cooked in the microwave before chopping it into the sauce. You could also use proscuitto or pancetta.)
• 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half (Note:While not traditional vodka sauce without it, this is also optional.)
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2-3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, combine the vodka and red pepper flakes. Marinate a few hours or overnight. Use more pepper flakes if a spicier sauce is desired.
2. In saucepot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shallots and garlic and sauté until tender-about 5 minutes.
4. Add meat, if desired, and cook until crisp.
5. Strain pepper flakes from vodka, reserving vodka.
6. Discard pepper flakes and add vodka to saucepot.
7. Add tomatoes and season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Simmer 20-30 minutes.
9. Add cream, if desired, and stir to heat through.
10. Toss sauce and cheese with pasta.
11. Pass additional cheese to sprinkle on top.

Allergens:

• This recipe can be made dairy free by omitting the cream and cheese.
• This recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten free pasta.
• This recipe is nut free.
• This recipe can is vegetarian by omitting the optional meat.
• This recipe can be made vegan by omitting the optional meat.