Bloody Mary Infused Vodka and Vodka Pasta Sauce

So, I started making some infused vodkas and I decided it was time to unleash the Bloody Mary flavored vodka I made. It didn't need as much time as the other infusions since it's on the spicy side and, well, I'm not very patient anyway.


I didn't want to waste anything, so I decided I'd repurpose all the little bits that will be strained out and make a Vodka Sauce with them. I love vodka sauce. It's always been my favorite marinara sauce because it has a bit more zip to it but it also has cream. Cream makes everything just a little bit better.


Bloody Mary Infused Vodka

You Will Need:

• Mason Jar
• Cutting Board
• Large Knife
• Strainer

Ingredients:

• 3 Large Tomatoes
• 2 Cayenne Peppers (or any chili peppers)
• Handful of Peppercorns
• Handful of Basil
• Handful of Cilantro
• A Few Shakes of Red Pepper Flakes
• 4 Cloves of Garlic
• Good (Enough) Quality Vodka

Directions:

1. Wash everything
2. Quarter tomatoes
3. Place all ingredients in the jar and add vodka to cover
4. Store out of direct sunlight for 3-5 days, give it a shake here and there
5. Strain

Easiest thing in the world. So worth it. All you have to do is add the tomato juice and maybe a pinch of salt.  


Vodka Pasta Sauce

You Will Need:

• Food Processor
• Saucepan
• Spoon

Ingredients:

• Leftover ingredients from Bloody Mary Infused Vodka - tomatoes, garlic, peppercorns, basil, cilantro, red pepper flakes (I took out the cayenne peppers this time)
• 1/2 Cup Vodka
• 1/2 Cup Tomato Juice (you could also use tomato sauce or even paste)
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Grated Parmesan

Secret Ingredients:

• Literally, whatever you have handy - I used up some sun dried tomatoes, you could use red peppers, artichokes, spinach... just add it into the saucepan. If you're going with spinach wait 'til the end so it just barely wilts

Directions:

1. Take the leftover bits from the infused vodka and puree it in a food processor
2. I added the end of a jar of sun dried tomatoes (maybe 6 of them) and therefore maybe a tablespoon or 2 of olive oil that they were marinated in
3. Add a 1/2 cup of the infused vodka and a 1/2 cup of tomato juice
4. Heat on the stovetop and bring to a boil (I boiled it on medium heat) and then let simmer (turn it down) for about an hour adding a tablespoon of water at a time for desired consistency
5. Stir occasionally 
6. At the end add 1/2 to 1 cup heavy whipping cream and a hearty amount of grated parmesan
7. Stir into whatever pasta you have handy (I used whole wheat penne) with a pinch of coarse sea salt and there you have it!

This meal was so fresh tasting - and light, even with the cream added.