D-TRAIN’S PENNE A LA VODKA

• 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 Stick Unsalted Butter
• 2/3 C Vodka
• 3/4 C Canned Tomato Puree'
• 1 C Heavy Cream
• 1/4 Lb. Cooked Ham, Finely Chopped (optional)
• 2 t DTRAIN'S HOT PEPPER SAUCE
• 1/2 t Salt
• 1/4 t Black Pepper
• 1 Lb. Dried Penne
• 3/4 C Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Cook onion in butter in deep 12" heavy skillet over moderate low heat, stirring occasionally (5 minutes). Stir in Vodka and simmer (4 minutes). Add tomato puree and cream and simmer, stirring occasionally until onion is soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in ham, DTRAIN's HOT PEPPER SAUCE, salt, and pepper. Keep sauce warm. Cook pasta, reserve 1/2 C cooking water and drain pasta. Add pasta to sauce in skillet and toss with sauce and cheese. Add some pasta H2O if pasta seems dry.

Submitted by Judith Reeve
http://www.jahdep.com

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D-TRAIN’S CALAMATA PESTO

• Light Tasting Olive Oil (3/4 C)
• Garlic (4 Medium Size Cloves)
• Pitted Calamata Olives (1/4 to 1/2 Cup)
• Fresh Basil (Handful)
• Pine Nuts (Small Handful)
• D-TRAIN’S Hot Pepper Sauce (2 t)
• Crushed Red Pepper (Pinch)
• Salt & Pepper (Dash)
• Parmesan Cheese (to taste)