CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Vodka Sauce Linguine

Ring in the New Year with this tasty pasta dish.

Vodka Sauce Linguine

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup frozen diced or chopped onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

½ cup vodka

1 large, ripe tomato, cut into 1-inch pieces

½ cup clam juice

¾ pound shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

½ cup torn basil leaves

¼ pound fresh linguine

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bring saucepan of water to boil. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions. Saute 1 minute. Add garlic. Saute 1 minute. Add vodka. Raise heat. Reduce by half. Add tomato and clam juice. Cover. Cook gently for 1 minute. Add shrimp. Cook, covered, 1 minute. Mix cornstarch with cream. Add to skillet to thicken sauce. Add salt and pepper. Spoon into large bowl. Add basil. Put pasta in boiling water for 2 minutes. Strain. Toss with sauce. Top with cheese.

Yield: Serves 2.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.