Mary Ann’s Vodka Sauce

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 8 cloves garlic 1 medium onion, minced ¾ cup shitake mushrooms, chopped (optional) ¼ pound prosciutto, thinly sliced and julienned (optional) ¾ cup vodka 2 (2-pound, 3-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes 1 ½ cups heavy cream Salt Freshly ground pepper Red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon chopped basil 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 tablespoons butter

1.In a deep skillet over moderate heat, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil until hot. Add garlic and onion and mushrooms and/or prosciutto, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are pale golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. 2.Add vodka and simmer for 5 minutes. 3.Add tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 to 25 minutes. 4.Add the basil, parsley and 2 tablespoons of butter and simmer for 3 minutes more.