I want to make penne ala vodka but what vodka should i use?

Question

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_25589,00.html?rsrc=search

i want to make that recipe from the food network and rachel ray because every restaurant i've been to, i've always loved penne ala vodka. i'm going to attempt to make it but there are so many types of vodkas that all taste different. would buying a bottle of cheap vodka, aka Big Vod, like McCormick vodka be sufficient or is she talking Absolut ****? I don't have that money. What vodka would taste yummy with this recipe? What vodka do you use at home to make penne ala vodka? THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Here's an idea . . . Most vodka is two fifths plain grain alcohol and three fifths water. The alcohol part boils off at about 167ºF bringing out some flavors in the sauce.
Vodka has very little flavor - the differences are so small when cooked you wouldn't be able to tell high end from the cheapest.
Go with the cheap stuff!
.

Answer 2

I love penne ala vodka, however I have never attempted it yet. But...I say...go for the top shelf...that way you can enjoy drinking it while you cook! And, if no one likes the dish when you're done...they'll be too toasted to care and at least they had a good "appetizer". No really...I would go with a better brand, because if you use a cheap vodka and don't like the results you may never try making it again. It might not taste right. Also...how much vodka is called for? You could buy the teeny bottles they sell at the checkout. That's what I do when I need a small amount for a recipe.

Answer 3

You don't need to pay for Absolute vodka. I just use a "well" vodka, but probably not the very cheapest I can find at the store. The one in my house now for friends or cooking is Gilbeys, but I've also used Kamchatka or Stoli's.

Enjoy your penne - I might have to make some on Sunday!

Answer 4

you can make it with any vodka that you like the alocohol cooks out and basically just flavors the sauce
i have made mine with potato vodka rather than a grain vodka with really good results
even so, don't put the bargain barrel in it cause you won't like the taste if it's something you won't drink but you don't have to rob the bank either

Answer 5

use a mid range price vodka.