Gnocchi

We had never had gnocchi before but I came across a recipe on allrecipes one day and since it took only minimal ingredients, I decided to try it. This was back when Kay was about 4 or 5 and we couldn't get her to eat barely anything. She was very suspicious of anything new so you can imagine how shocked I was when she asked for seconds! When I asked her if she liked it, she said in a very excited voice, "Yeah. It tastes like bread and butter and cheese!" Those were about the only foods she was eating at the time! Ever since then we have been making it on a regular basis.

We put all kinds of sauces on it. Spaghetti sauce is the stand by. Kay, who doesn't like any sauce or dressing in case you hadn't noticed, uses just butter and Parmesan. In the summer we like use chopped tomatoes with basil and olive oil. Roasted grape tomatoes are really good too. And caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!

2 cups mashed potatoes

2 eggs

4 cups flour

Combine the cooled mashed potatoes, lightly beaten eggs, and flour in a large bowl. Combine until well mixed. (It works best to use your hands). Depending on the moisture in your potatoes, you may need to add additional flour.

On a floured surface, roll a small ball of the dough into a snake shape. Cut the snake into 1/2 inch pieces with a butter knife. Place the cut pieces on a paper towel so that they don't stick together.

Add the gnocchi in batches to a pot of bowling water. Boil for approximately 4 minutes or until they float. Serve with your choice of sauce, or not.

Kay: In 2001, I tried gnocchi and I really liked it. I really liked to make them, too. They really taste like mashed potatoes cooked twice but cut into little squares.

Mom (Dana): This is another good use for instant potatoes. I've also cut the recipe down to use whatever left over potatoes I have.

These freeze well. Place the cut pieces on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Then place them in a Ziploc bag and return them to the freezer. You don't need to thaw them before boiling. Just cook them a little longer.

(I think Kay needs a new word besides "really"!!)