Do you know Gnocchi?

Pop-pop Flava loves potato Gnocchi. I don't usually make it at home, it's a pain in the neck, the hot potatoes and all. In September I did some cooking in Tuscany, and lo and behold we
made Gnocchi Di Ricotta; Ricotta Gnocchi-- and was it easy!!!!

Not that Baby Flava consumes my every waking moment...yes she does...but I had an epiphany...perfect size, texture and flava for BF! You can make it full fat, low fat...and the sauce is asparagus and carrots.-but you can use whatever veggies you prefer. The perfect food! We'll test this on BF during Thanksgiving and let you know how she likes it.

In the meantime here is the recipe--make it with the asparagus for the grown up Flavas..they'll love it!

Gnocchi Di Ricotta con Asparagi
Ricotta Gnocchi in Asparagus Sauce
10oz. ricotta cheese
3 oz grated parmesan cheese
3 oz. all purpose flour
grated nutmeg, salt

10 oz asparagus
1 oz unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic sliced (optional)
3 small grated carrots
1 cup vegetable stock
salt and pepper to taste

fresh grated parmesan cheese for topping


In large bowl place ricotta, parmesan, flour, nutmeg and salt. Mix
ingredients by hand and knead the dough into a ball. Let rest for one
hour.

Peel and wash asparagus. Blanch in boiling salted water until
aldente. Remove from water, cut of tips, set aside. Rough chop
stalks of asparagus. Melt butter in saute pan and add 2 cloves of
sliced garlic. Cook garlic until it just starts to brown and remove
from pan. Add chopped asparagus, and carrots and continue cooking for
5 minutes. Add vegetable stock and cook for another 3 minutes.
Puree mixture in blender or with immersion blender. Set aside and
keep warm.

Take dough and cut a walnut sized piece. Roll into sticks about 3/4
in diameter. Cut into small 1/2 inch pieces. Place on flour covered
sheet pan. When ready, drop into boiling water. As they float to the
surface, take out of the water with slotted spoon. Place in warm bowl
and add asparagus sauce. Decorate with asparagus tips and sprinkle
with fresh parmesan cheese.

You may use other cheeses as you like, and make the sauce with other vegetables.