Baked Gnocchi with Cheese

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Add two-thirds of the cheese; stir until melted. Stir in the nutmeg and the pepper. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

   Step 2

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter an 8-inch-square baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the salt. Add half the gnocchi; when they rise to the top (after about 2 minutes), continue to cook until tender, about 15 seconds more. Transfer the gnocchi with a slotted spoon to the buttered dish. Repeat the process with the remaining gnocchi.

   Step 3

   Pour the cheese sauce over the gnocchi, and gently toss. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake the gnocchi until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

2. Basic Potato Gnocchi

   Step 4

   Lightly flour a baking sheet; set aside. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan, and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt. Reduce to a simmer; cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes.

   Step 5

   Drain the potatoes. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them, then pass them through a ricer or food mill into a medium bowl. Sprinkle with the flour, and add the eggs. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Stir mixture with a fork to combine well.

   Step 6

   Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead until it is soft and smooth, about 3 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 to 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 3/4 inch thick. Cut the ropes crosswise into 1-inch gnocchi.

   Step 7

   Roll a cut side of each dumpling against the tines of a fork with your thumb (forming ridges on one side and an indentation on the other). Set aside on the floured baking sheet until ready to cook.