How does one deal with nervously wondering how one will come across on national television? How does one deal with helping one’s Dotter move out on the same weekend? Um. Well. One doesn’t. One organizes closets. One is extra chatty with guests. One makes comfort food.
I feel better about the whole thing since my inner feelings while taping the show didn’t show themselves on air. There was that one exception, however, of my double chins. I can’t decide which one of them I love best.
Dotter? Well, she is doing well too. She loves her new place and is very grown-up but misses me already which makes me feel warm and cozy inside. She also only has one chin so I must have done something right.
Homemade Gnocchi
- 2.5 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Peel potatoes well. Cut into about 2-inch pieces. Bring potatoes to a boil in a large pot of salted water. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about half an hour or until a fork poked into potatoes slides out very easily. Drain potatoes.
Put warm potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill. Add flour, salt & white pepper into potatoes. Work together until becomes a nice dough.
Place a little flour on the countertop and, taking small amounts of dough at a time, roll to form a long strip of pasta dough. Continue until finished. Cut rolled dough into 1-inch pieces.
If desired, roll each gnocchi over a cheese grater or fork for added beauty.
Put a fresh pot of salted hot water on to boil. Then add the gnocchi a few at a time so they don’t stick together while cooking. Allow to cook until all raise to the top of the hot water. This doesn’t take long. Drain gnocchi.
Place on a serving platter or bowl. If you like, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. There are many ways to enjoy gnocchi as there are exercises to work it off. You can go simple with fresh sage and butter or red sauce has a delightful freshness that counters the heaviness of the gnocchi well.
Dotter sent a picture of a kitty this morning who is not coping with the move nearly as well. Kitty is burrowed under a bed comforter in a little ball. I can relate, kitty. And after some comforting gnocchi, my chins and I will probably do the same.
This recipe makes about six servings.