Gnocchi Queen

Now, I don't consider myself a Gnocchi Queen, it's just a nick name I've earned over the years from my family.  The reason being, is for no other than for making home made Gnocchi.  For those of you who don't know what Gnocchi is, it's just a pasta made of potatoes & flour.  For enthusiasts, the sky's the limit.  From the basic recipe, one can add, as I have, eggs, cheese, fresh herbs & any other spice or ingredient that floats your boat.

So, cut to this past weekend, when my brother came home from Miami.  After rigorous & non-stop begging, I caved and made it for him.  Since I only had sweet potatoes on hand, I made Sweet Potato Gnocchi.  It sounds so impressive, yet it's so easy to make.  Boil a potato (or sweet potato); peel skin while potato is still quite hot (ouch, ouch, ouch); mash quickly & thoroughly & season w/salt & pepper to your liking (or it will be bland); add/sprinkle SOME flour on top & work it in; add some more flour & work it in.  Flatten the dough to about a half inch.  Sprinkle a tiny bit of flour onto top & bottom.  Cut into 1/2" strips & 1/2" pieces & press down on each piece with a fork.  Gingerly throw into a pot of boiling water, boil 2-3 min. max/until they float to the surface, remove, add sauce, mix gingerly & serve.

Your friends and family will think your the next Top Chef!