Pumpkin Gnocchi with Nutmeg Cream

For some dishes I make, I like to use a basic recipe and then make it my own. This is one of those that I created two Thanksgivings ago (my first Thanksgiving at my house). This recipe makes enough to feed a large crowd (10-15) as a starter.

Pumpkin Gnocchi
Serves 10-15
From beginning to end: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Gnocchi

1 large can prepared pumpkin
5 cups all purpose flour
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
Sprinkle of Black Pepper

For the Nutmeg Cream

1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cube (8 Tablespoons) Butter
1 1/2 Cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You will need a large pot of water with a dash of salt added brought to a boil. (This can happen while you are preparing the gnocchi dough.) Spray a large 12 X 14 inch baking dish with Pam to prevent the gnocchi's from sticking.

In a large bowl, combine all the gnocchi ingredients until they form a nice ball. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough until the dough is smooth. Divide the dough into four equal sections. Working with one section at a time, roll each into a long log about 1 inch around. Using a pizza cutter, or sharp knife, slice the gnocchi log into 1/2 inch pieces. With a fork in one hand and the gnocchi piece in the other, glide the tips of the fork tynes down the gnocchi just enough to have it curl into a tight "c" shape. Pop the gnocchi pieces into the pot of boiling water one at a time. By the time you finish the next section of dough, the gnocchi you previously put into the pot should be floating on top of the water and are ready to come out. Place these into the prepared baking dish. Continue with the remaining dough.

After you have the gnocchi complete, you can now make the sauce. In a large sauce pan, over medium high heat, combine all the ingredients for the sauce. You will need to stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Poor the sauce over the gnocchi and then cover with the extra Parmesan Cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes and serve!

This recipe takes a lot of time and effort, but it is well worth it!!