Penne Alla Vodka

...So there is a restaurant on main street in Sayville, NY where I grew up, that has the most amazing penne alla vodka.  Growing up, every time my brother and I got our report card, no matter what the grades, we went to this restaurant to celebrate with our parents.  This was always my dish of choice.  Since becoming a vegan sixteen years ago, I have not eaten that dish.  Although my version doesn't taste the same, it tastes pretty darn good and is WAY healthier.  This was my first time  trying a cashew cream sauce and it's delicious.   

Ingredients

• 1/2 box of pasta of choice cooked
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbs tomato paste
• 1/2 cup vegan cream
• 1/2 cup cashews soaked in water
• 1 cup vodka

Instructions

1. Soak cashews overnight so they are nice and soft to cream
2. Over medium heat, saute onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes
3. Add the tomato paste, red pepper and oregano and cook for an additional minute until the color deepens.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes.
5. Add the vodka and cook until it is reduced to about half (about 15 minutes)
6. Blend the cashews and water in a food processor until a creamy consistency. Set aside.
7. Add the cream and stir.
8. When you drain your pasta, save half the water.
9. Add the pasta to the sauce and the water that you saved, as needed.
10. Garnish with greens if desired. I used parsley.