There are always loads of recipes I'd like to try but lose them before I do. This is where I can record recipes I find interesting and keep notes on my experiments with them.

I have a system that I've adopted for working through recipes:

1 - New recipes are saved to the Experimental Mouffette and is labeled : Untested
2 - As I'm working out the changes I'd like to make (if any) it is labeled : Testing
3 - Once I think I've got the correct formula it is labeled : Test 1
4 - IF I am able to reproduce the effect a second time it is labeled : Test 2 - if I am not able to reproduce the effect, it remains Test 1
5 - The same process as step 4 is used to graduate it to Test 3
6 - Once I have been able to reproduce the effect successfully 3 times, it graduates to my main blog, La Mouffette Gourmande

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Monday, January 6, 2020

Testing - Winter Squash Gnocchi

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/gluten-free-winter-squash-gnocchi

1 - To be fair, I didn't use the strong-flavored kabocha squash, but the milder turban squash. Otherwise, the same problem I've had in the past with gnocchi came back. Instead of potato, I used squash, but the same doughy, flavorless squidgy nubs were the result. Am I missing something, or do I simply dislike gnocchi? Now, since having tested this, I shared my impressions with a fellow food quester, who asked if I fried my gnocchi. Fried? FRIED? Huh! I never even considered it. Well, then. I seems like the testing has only just begun.

1/2 Kuri or kabocha squash, seeded
1 Tbsp clarified butter or vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons for coating
1 Tbsp fresh sage leaves, minced, plus more for infusing ghee/oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Dash of cayenne pepper
3/4 to 1 cup buckwheat flour, preferably ground from untoasted buckwheat groats
Brown rice flour for rolling and dusting

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Oil the cut side of the squash with ghee or coconut/olive oil and bake cut side down for 20 to 30 minutes or until soft throughout. 
  2. Let cool and scoop out the flesh. Mash flesh into a puree. Measure out 1 cup of it and put into a large mixing bowl. Reserve the rest for future use; the puree can be frozen for up to 1 month.
  3. Add minced sage, spices and 1 tablespoon ghee/oil. Mix to combine. Add 3/4 cup of flour and mix to incorporate. The dough should still be too sticky to knead but not too wet. If it seems very wet, add another 1/4 cup of flour. Avoid adding more, so your gnocchi stay light and soft.
  4. Generously dust your working surface with brown rice flour and scoop the dough onto the surface using a spoon. Dust the top of the dough with more brown rice flour to lightly cover its entire surface. Flour your hands and gently roll the dough in the flour, shaping it into a thick log. The dough will be very soft, but it should no longer be sticky.
  5. Flouring the blade of a knife in between each cut, slice the log into 4 equal parts. Gently roll each part into a 1/2-inch-thick rope. Slice into 1-inch-long pieces. Turn the pieces on the cutting surface to cover the freshly cut sides with flour. Gently press down on each piece with a floured fork to create the traditional grooved impression. Transfer the finished gnocchi onto a floured plate or baking sheet.
  6. Bring water to boil in a pot with a steamer basket on top. Make sure that the water doesn’t touch the basket. Place gnocchi into the basket in batches. Lower heat to simmer, cover and steam each batch for 7 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium-low heat, gently warm 2 tablespoons ghee/oil with a few fresh sage leaves.
  8. Remove gnocchi from the basket and add them to the pan with the sage-infused ghee/oil. Toss the gnocchi to coat, letting them absorb the sage flavor for a couple minutes. Serve as they are or with your favorite pesto or chimichurri. OR FRY THE GNOCCHI!


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