Barefoot Contessa Gnocchi Food

MASCARPONE AND LEMON GNOCCHI WITH BUTTER THYME SAUCE

Steps:

• For the gnocchi: Combine the mascarpone cheese, Parmesan, salt, nutmeg, lemon zest, egg and egg yolk in a bowl. Beat together using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the flour until the mixture forms a soft dough.
• Sprinkle a pie pan or rimmed baking sheet with flour. Drop 1-teaspoon-size pieces of dough into the pie pan using 2 small spoons. Shake the pan gently to cover the dough with flour. Gently roll the pieces of dough into oval shapes.
• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a simmer.
• For the sauce: Meanwhile, cook the butter and salt in a heavy medium skillet until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the thyme leaves. Set aside.
• Carefully add the gnocchi, in batches, to the simmering water. The gnocchi should sink and then float to the top. As soon as the gnocchi begin to float, cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to the hot thyme butter in the skillet using a slotted spoon. Toss to coat.
• Spoon the gnocchi and butter sauce into shallow bowls. Top with the Pecorino Romano and serve.

POTATO GNOCCHI

Steps:

• Bake potatoes 45 minutes at 375 degrees.
• Remove skins and force potatoes through the medium disk of a food mill into a bowl and beat in 3/4 to 1 cup of flour, 2 egg yolks and salt to taste. Transfer mixture to a lightly floured board and gently knead dough, adding additional flour, if necessary, to form a soft, smooth but slightly sticky dough. Do not overwork dough.
• Divide dough into three equal parts. Working with one piece of dough at a time roll it into a rope about 1 inch in diameter and cut it into 3/4-inch pieces. Gnocchi may be transferred to a lightly floured baking sheet and chilled for 30 minutes. The gnocchi can be cooked as is or they can be shaped. To shape gnocchi: Using a fork with rounded long, slim tines, and holding it parallel to counter, concave side facing you, press a piece of dough against the inside curve of the fork just below the prongs using your index finger. Flip dough away from tip of fork in the direction of the fork's handle
• In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water to a boil. Add salt to taste and enough gnocchi to cook without crowding the pan. Once gnocchi have floated to surface simmer for 10 to 15 seconds more, or until just firm. With a slotted spoon transfer gnocchi to a bowl. Cook remaining gnocchi in same manner. and keep warm.
• Divide gnocchi among serving plates and nap with tomato sauce. Serve with freshly grated cheese.
• Recommended Wine: 1994 Roero Arneis, Bruno Giacosa

POTATO GNOCCHI

Steps:

• Place unpeeled potatoes in a large saucepan, and cover by 2 inches with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium high, and cook until tender, about 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill another large saucepan with cold water, add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a boil. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. (These are for cooking and cooling the gnocchi.) Drain potatoes, and peel while still hot, holding them with a clean kitchen towel. Pass potatoes through a potato ricer or a food mill fitted with the finest disk onto a lightly floured work surface. Make a well in the center of the mound of potatoes, and sprinkle flour evenly over the potatoes. Break eggs into the well, and add 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Using a fork, lightly beat eggs, and incorporate the remaining ingredients to form a dough. Knead lightly on the work surface until the dough is soft and smooth.
• Lightly dust the work surface with flour. Divide dough into 4 balls, and shape each ball into a rope 3/4 inch in diameter. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Shape the gnocchi: Hold a dinner fork in one hand, and use your index finger to hold a cut edge of a piece of gnocchi against the curved back of the tines of the fork. Press into the center of the gnocchi with your index finger to make a deep indentation. While you are pressing the piece against the tines, flip it away over the tip of the fork, allowing the gnocchi to drop to the work surface. If the gnocchi becomes sticky, dip fork and index finger into flour. The finished gnocchi will have ridges on one side and a depression on the other. At this point, gnocchi can be refrigerated on a lightly floured baking sheet for several hours before boiling and serving.
• To cook gnocchi, drop half of them into the boiling water, and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place in the ice bath for about 20 seconds. Transfer from ice bath, to a colander, and repeat process with the other half of the dough.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S VEGETABLE TIAN ( INA GARTEN )

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Brush a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with olive oil.
• In a medium saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes in 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly, making only 1 layer.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme leaves, and thyme sprigs and drizzle with 1 more tablespoon of olive oil.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
• Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake for another 30 minutes until browned.
• Serve warm.