Roxanne,
I use Smirnoff which is inexpensive. It's really tasty - kinda like tomato soup for adults!
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup vodka
1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes (I put more in the bottom of my dish)
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz tomato sauce
1/2 of a 6 oz can tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream (I use half n half or just whole milk)
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (I don't use this, didn't like the taste)
In a large saucepan melt butter over medium low heat; add vodka, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
Blend in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and cream; increase heat to bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce has slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to very low and stir in cheese. Add 1 lb. cooked pasta and more cheese if desired.
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So what I do is make the sauce and let it simmer, cook the pasta to within two minutes of done, drain, then add the sauce to the pasta and finish cooking.
But watch how many times you're "tasting" the sauce!
Barbara