Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce
A worth-while labor of love, AKA Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce.
Human beings are fairly predictable. We generally do things for others, for one of two reasons, to GIVE or to GET.
It doesn’t really matter what the action is; giving or getting is always the underlying motivation.
Sadly it’s most common to give in order to get. If you watch people closely you can usually read their intentions. They are after title, promotion, acceptance, favors, money. Their smiles and efforts are alluring, but their agenda is purely selfish.
Yet if you don’t lose hope, along the way, people will surprise you!
As a parent, you get to watch this glorious development in your children. For the first several years, they only give to get. They want instant gratification.
When it isn’t available, tantrum!
Then slowly, they learn to give for the sake of giving. They offer a plucked garden flower, simply because they know it will make you happy. They mention you in their bedtime prayers, protective of mommy and daddy. They share candy or a trinket with a friend who doesn’t have any.
Beautiful.
Offering words, time, affection, a listening ear, even money, for the sole purpose of giving, is truly divine.
Sometimes it feels like a sacrifice in the process, but when you look back on it, and see the impact your gift has made on others, the reward is rich.
When you offer a gift to someone and receive no personal benefit, it restores faith in the recipient’s heart.
Homemade gnocchi is this kind of gift…
It is not quick.
It is not (terribly) easy.
It takes time, determination and patience.
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce is a labor of love.
These tiny melt-in-your-mouth pillows of heaven are a simple act of giving.
Gnocchi shows anyone you serve them to, that they are special. They are worth your time and effort. Not because you want something from them, but because you love them!
I can’t think of another pasta that offers such sublime flavor and delicate texture as Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce. The Whiskey Cream Sauce is spectacular in its own right.
Silky. Robust. A perfect coating for the most luxurious of pastas!
Make Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce for someone you love, just because. (But give yourself ample time to prepare it!)
The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving. ~Albert Einstein
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Whiskey Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Pingback: Butternut Squash Gnocchi in a Whiskey Cream Sauce « Sunshine & Spatulas
Pingback: Roasted butternut squash gnocchi with a Jack Daniel's cream sauce
Hey Elana~ Sorry to respond so late, I've been gone all day. It makes 4 good sized servings! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
I'm planning on making this tonight- but I was wondering how many servings it makes?
I hope to one day try out my gnocchi making skills! You definitely had me at whiskey cream sauce! Putting this on my "to-do" list as we speak!
You had me at whiskey cream sauce. But oh, good gnocchi, so hard to find. Yours looks wonderful!
I've made them once and I agree, they are a labor of love. Yours are so much more complex than mine and I don't think I could even attempt them. They're gorgeous though.
Oh yum this looks amazing. I am making butternut squash risotto tomorrow night but this looks terrific. I love making gnocchi – i did sweet potato last year. you got this perfect!
Woah, those look delicious. I've definitely never tried making my own gnocchi before, but you might have given me the courage to attempt it…
fantastic, fantastic recipe, i love gnocci and it truly showers any recipent with affection, a meal this outstanding perfect for those you love, the cream sauce has me salivating, lol\\sweetlife
I have never made gnocchi before, but now I really want to! I'll have to try this out! http://beast-ro.blogspot.com/
I absolutely adore this post! It is beautifully written and I agree with everything you said! Your gnocchi look incredible and the sauce is making me weak in the knees. I've never made gnocchi myself but I think I really need to attempt this and surprise my husband with a special dinner :o)
I enjoyed reading about your feelings on giving versus getting and how naturally children can evolve into givers by giving thoughtful and simple things. Now for the gnocchi, you're correct this dish involves labor but what a lovely and delicious outcome. Gorgeous pictures as usual:)
I looooooove butternut squash gnocchi, it's light and so yummy. The Whiskey sauce sounds like a great idea.
The step by step illustration is great. I've never made gnocchi before. It definitely looks like a meal whose prep should be shared with someone special and a glass or two of wine.
wow. fantastic recipe. thanks!
this looks super delicious! thank you for sharing this.
superbbbbbbbbb recipe and yes truly a labour of love! loads of wishes to u n family!