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Lent 2019 Meatless Fridays Recipe of the Week: Fr. Jack's Penne alla Vodka

Mar 21, 2019

Fr. Jack’s Penne Alla Vodka

(Original Recipe from Carmine’s in Manhattan)

  Ingredients

  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil
  • ½ Small Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons Coarsely Chopped Garlic
  • 8 Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons Chopped Flat-Leaf Parsley
  • ¼ - ½ Teaspoon Hot Red Pepper Flakes
  • ¼ - 1/3 Cup Vodka
  • 3 Cups Marinara Sauce (sometimes I use a can of San Marzano plum tomoatoes)
  • ½ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 12 Ounces Dried Penne
  • 1 Cup Grated Romano Cheese
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions and reduce to medium. Cook onions, stirring until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions ( but  NOT  the garlic ) are golden brown. (I actually cook the onions on low heat for 10- 12 minutes before adding the garlic and then I cook it for another 5-7 on pretty low heat)

Add Basil, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes.  Cook, continually stirring for about 30 seconds.

Remove the pan from the heat, and add the vodka. Take care to stand back from the pan as the vodka can flame without lighting it. If not, light the sauce, and stir or agitate until alcohol is burned off. (You don’t have to flame the vodka, but I find it really makes a world of difference in the flavor. Also, burning off the alcohol won’t cause smoke but can cause your smoke detector to sound.) Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 cups marinara sauce and simmer for 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil for about 3 minutes, or until it thickens. Continually stir the sauce. Turn off the heat, cover, and cook the pasta.

Cook the penne in salted water, al dente. Drain the penne well and transfer to a bowl.

About half way through cooking the pasta, bring the sauce to a boil and then remove from the heat; stir in 1/2 cup of Romano cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Drain the pasta and place it on a large platter or bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and combine well. Spread the remaining Romano cheese over the top along with two or three whole basil leaves.

 Enjoy!

28 Feb, 2024
Sister Jeanne T. Hubert, 93, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Sister Jeanne's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
28 Feb, 2024
Gloria J. (Sedelow) Fredette, 80, passed away at her home on February 23, 2024. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Gloria's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 26 Jan, 2024
Martha E. Fredenburgh, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Baystate Medical Center on January 18, 2024.  Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Martha's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 19 Jan, 2024
  David S. "Dave" Paul, 78, passed away January 17, 2024 with his loving wife by his side. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May David's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 16 Jan, 2024
Kathleen A. Francis passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Kathleen's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 20 Dec, 2023
Dr. Lawrence Roberge, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Dec 14, 2023. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may Lawrence's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Sampson Funeral Chapel.
By Donna Laviolette 16 Dec, 2023
Ellen (Real) Campbell, 69, died at home on December 13, 2023, due to complications from ALS. She was surrounded by her loving family. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may Ellen's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, on Wednesday December 20, 2023 at 11 A.M. Friends and family may meet at the funeral home at 10 A.M. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.    
By Bulletin Editor 25 Oct, 2023
Rita M. Butler, 96, passed away at Vantage of Wilbraham on October 21, 2023.  Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may Rita's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.
By Bulletin Editor 25 Oct, 2023
Robert "Bob" L. Methot passed away on his 82nd birthday October 17, 2023 succumbing to several debilitating diseases.Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may Robert's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.
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