Gnochhi (Little potato dumplings)

2 to 2 1/2 lbs ruset potatoes

2 to 2 1/2 cups flour

2 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes as you would to make mashed potatoes. When potatoes are done, drain them. While still warm, put them through a ricer or food mill. If you do not have a ricer or food mill, mash them thoroughly making sure there are NO LUMPS. Add alittle flour and mix very lightly into potaotes. Add the eggs which have been slightly beaten with a fork. Add a little more flour and mix lightly but thoroughly. On a board, spread a layer of flour, then drop the potato mivture onto it. Add flour and kneed as necessary. When th edough is light to the touch and no longer moist or sticky (the texture will resemble soft, warm dough), it is ready to roll. Take a small portion of the dough at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured board into a roll about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Cut the rolls crosswise into about 1/2" pieces. As the pieces are cut arrange them on a lightly floured board, not touching each other. Bring a large pan of water to a fast boil. Add a little salt to water to help prevent the dumplings from sticking. Drop gnocchi into the boiling water a few at a time so they will not stick together. Stir gently at bottom of pan so they do not stick to bottom. When the gnocchi float (2-3 minutes), they are done. Scoop gnocchi out with a slotted spoon or small strainer to drain water. Place them in a warmed serving bowl with any type of sauce, gravy. pesto, or butter sauce. Sprikle with grated parmesan cheese and serve. Serves 4.

It is said that gnocchi should be cooked immediately after making, while they are still warm. i, and many others, make gnocchi and when they are placed on the board we place then in the freezer until gnocchi are frozen. Then you remove them from the board and place in bags and put them in the freezer. When you are ready to cook them, take them out, and place in rapidly boiling water as stated above. They will not take a minute or so longer.

NOTE: When placing the frozen gnocchi in the boiling water, place a few at a time making sure they haven't become stuck together somehow.

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