Running Mama Cooks: Penne Vodka, an NJ Nestie Favorite

I have been a part of an online community for a long time (joined before I was married, when I was planning my wedding) called the Knot. Shortly after I got married, the Knot created the Nest, http://www.thenest.com/, to keep us married ladies around. Our New Jersey group is wonderful. We have shared our weddings, buying our first homes, having children, and of course recipes! Some recipes become famous in our group, but this one wins the prize as the most asked about Nestie recipe. I've made it for years and it always a crowd pleaser, although it isn't exactly figure friendly.

I am making it today to serve at "The Hunt" tomorrow. The Hunt is really the Far Hills Race Meeting, steeple chase races in Far Hills, NJ. My husband and I have gone for 10+ years in a row. Basically we tailgate all day long and sometimes see horses :D

AmyRob's Penne Vodka

Makes enough sauce for 1 pound of penne

1/2 cup vodka
1 tbs red pepper flakes
2 tbs olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
4 slices prosciutto (I used 1 package of pre-cubed prosciutto from Wegmans)
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 cup Romano cheese
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 stick of butter

Soak Vodka and pepper flakes for 10 minutes - the longer the pepper flakes soak the hotter the sauce will be. Remove flakes, vodka will turn red

Saute olive oil, onion, prosciutto in pot for 8 minutes