Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 1 small butternut squash, (about 1 pound)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, (cinnamon, or ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 shallots, (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic, (minced)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the squash in half. Remove the seeds and lay on an oiled, rimmed baking sheet. Roast the squash until soft, 30-40 minutes. Scoop the flesh of the squash out and place it in the food processor. Puree until completely smooth.
  • Mix the pureed squash with parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper and eggs. Then add the flour into the mixture and work together by hand. It will be very sticky.
  • Once smooth, flour a work surface and a large piece of parchment paper. Flour your hands and grab a handful of dough. Roll into a long rope, about ½-inch wide. Cut the rope into ½-inch pieces.
  • Place each piece in the palm of your floured hand (or on the cutting board) and gently roll with a fork to create ridges. Place each piece on the floured parchment paper and repeat with the rest of the dough.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Boil half the gnocchi, then remove and repeat. With each batch, boil until all the gnocchi floats, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat another large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and 2 tablespoons flour, whisk until smooth. Then add the shallots and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes. Then add the bourbon and chicken stock.
  • Whisk and raise heat. Bring the sauce to a boil. Allow the sauce to reduce down to a thin gravy-like consistency. Then lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream. Salt and pepper to taste—usually about 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Once the gnocchi are finished cooking, remove them with a skimmer and place them directly into the cream sauce. Stir to coat. Serve the gnocchi warm and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.