French Fridays with Dorie + Gnocchi Bechamel

I am feeling a little guilty. I’ve been neglecting my duties at French Fridays with Dorie.  As you know, last week I was away at Food Blog Camp and the week before was New Years Eve, shall I go on with my excuses? Nah! What really matters is that I am back. And back in full form.

When I returned from Mexico, one of the first things I did (aside from devouring my children) was check out what was on the menu for the  month of January for FFwD.  I obviously missed the Paris Mushroom Soup, but became increasingly excited when I read that today’s assignment was Gnocchi a la Parisienne.

I have always wanted to make gnocchi, but was intimidated.  Don’t even ask me why, but I was.  This is not your typical Italian style gnocchi made with potatoes.  This recipe reminds me more of a dumpling. After reading the recipe over and over again, I decided that I wanted to have the gnocchi experience.  The recipe didn’t specify how to shape the dough.  I took the matter into my own hands, watched a few gnocchi videos and replicated the rolling, the cutting, the freezing.

I am glad I did.  I made the bechamel  sauce in advance and then when it was time to serve the dish, I boiled the salted water for the gnocchi and then in small batches cooked the gnocchi. This is a baked dish.  Everything is then put back into the oven (bechamel, gnocchi, a sprinkling of Gruyere + parm) and heated through.  I tossed it in the broiler for a few minutes at the end just to get that burnt cheese taste.

Just think…mac and cheese without the noodles and grated cheddar. This is comfort food at it’s finest!

Gnocchi a la Parisienne
around my french table
page 374

Related Links

Pumpkin Gnocchi – Closet Cooking
How to Make Homemade Gnocchi – the Italian Dishes Blog
Gnocchi with Mushroom Cream Sauce – The Culinary Chronicles
How to Make Gnocchi – Food Nouveau

 

Showing 16 comments
  • Jackie Papier
    Reply

    Next is making homemade pasta with me! this looks so yummy. I haven’t done gnocchi yet but have wanted to so now I will! Thanks!!!

    • Susan
      Reply

      I cannot wait to make pasta with you! Let’s make that happen!

  • stephirey
    Reply

    Such lovely pictures. Glad you enjoyed. We did too!

    • Susan
      Reply

      Stephirey – it is so fun cooking as a group! Cannot wait for next weeks chocolate dessert!

  • Beth @Thescreenporch
    Reply

    As always I enjoy your posting. I also enjoy the related links .That is such a great idea. I do pop in often and I’m never disapointed. B:)

    • Susan
      Reply

      Hey Beth – thanks for stopping by. If you have this book, I highly tout this recipe!

  • Maria
    Reply

    I think this will be my new favorite dish. Can’t wait to try it!

    • Susan
      Reply

      Maria, you will love this dish. All three of my kids were “mmmm-ing” throught the meal. I am sure you will get the same reaction from Josh!

  • Kim
    Reply

    It’s alright to neglect our stuffs sometimes. I think I will prepare these gnocchis soon, these are looking so good!

  • Cher
    Reply

    Lovely pictures. Excellent thought on treating these like standard gnocchi. I was wondering how that would work out when I made them.

  • dorie
    Reply

    I love how you shaped the gnocchi. Beautiful, as always.

  • Adrienne
    Reply

    My dear friend Franca has been threatening to give me a gnocchi lesson. But she only offers in the summer! haha. Now we can try this recipe together and see how this stands up to her Italian version 🙂
    Great to meet you at FBC. Hope to see you in April…

  • Kevin (Closet Cooking)
    Reply

    Gnocchi baked in a cheesy bechamel sauce sounds so good!

  • Susan
    Reply

    Wow, Susan! That looks great! We’re in the middle of selling our house & I’ve been wiped out, so I opted out on this recipe, but based on your review, I’ll save it for later! I loved your posts from the blogger conference!

  • Amanda
    Reply

    I am SOOOOO intimated by gnocchi!! I love that you conquered your reservations and sdid it so beautifully!!! 🙂

  • Sarah Singleton
    Reply

    Oh, I am itching to get my hands on that book! The recipe looks divine, as does your picture. I enjoyed talking with you on our last night of camp, let’s keep in touch!
    -ss

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