Friday, September 21, 2012

Weelicious Spinach Gnocchi (Giveaway!!)

Sorry for going MIA! We have a wedding packed September/October and both Kay and I came down with some major ear issues. Luckily, we’re both doing better and are ready for a spectacular weekend (and another wedding!!).

On Thursday night, I was finally able to dive into a new cookbook, Weelicious (disclaimer: I received this cookbook for free):

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According to the publisher: “As the creator of weelicious.com, Catherine brings parents daily recipes and tips for feeding picky eaters, as well as recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Now in her first cookbook,WEELICIOUS: ONE FAMILY, ONE MEAL, Catherine offers over 140 recipes that are fast, fresh, easy to prepare, and kid-approved! For more on the book, check out the Weelicious video trailer.”

I have bookmarked a ton of recipes, but decided to make the spinach gnocchi first:

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Now, I made two changes…1. I used part skim ricotta and 2. I didn’t utilize a food processor to mix everything up.

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I froze half of the gnocchi and cooked the rest:

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So…about those two changes- they ended in disaster:

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So, instead of boiling the gnocchi, I popped them under the broiler just to warm them through and it worked like a charm. Kay even gave them a go:

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Josh, Kaylin & I loved the gnocchi. SO tasty and a totally genius idea!

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Do you want to win a copy of the book? Leave me a comment on this post telling me what recipe you usually make when you have to please a crowd. You DO NOT need to have a blog to enter. Leave the comment by Tuesday, September 25 at noon. The winner will be randomly selected.

Are you ready for fall? Although I’d like to live in summer temperatures year round, I do enjoy fall treats. My favorite fall treats include pumpkin, apple, and these Clif Zbars (disclaimer: I received these for free). White chocolate chip brownies? I’m in!

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What are you up to this weekend?

27 comments:

Katie said...

I saw these on Insta*gram and thought it looked fantastic! For a crowd I usually make white chicken enchiladas or Turkey/Spinach/Artichoke Stuffed Shells.

Darbi Herring said...

My mother in law's lasagna. The secret is to have more filling layers than noodles!

Renee@Mykitchenadventures said...

Probably lasagna....can never go wrong and you can totally make it ahead of time. Yikes! to the results because of the changes...do you really think it was because you used part skim ricotta cheese? I do see, the recipe specifies full fat, so maybe. You would have thought there would be a warning not to sub, since many ppl do not eat full fat dairy.

Glad both you can Kay are feeling better. Enjoy your busy fall!

itzyskitchen said...

I think it was a combination of the two changes...

Thank you!!

Stacey said...

I don't have a go-to dish. I like to experiment in the kitchen so I usually make a new dish for family get togethers.

Lindsay said...

I am working on Saturday and then I will be prepping for a minor surgery on Tuesday! I am not looking forward to this surgery at all. I am also trying to recover from costochronditis!

Lindsay said...

I also think that when my family entertains we usually make pasta dishes like lasagna or pork chops on the grill with a salad side! :)

Lea said...

I've never made gnocchi before and I've only eaten it twice. Good for you for tackling that recipe, it seems hard to me.


I have a go to dish when I go to a potluck, I make my Veggie Bars and it never fails, even the vegetable haters will eat it. Other than that, I also make semi-homemade jambalaya that is also delicious.

Shannon G said...

aww, that smile on K's face is precious :) i'm going to have to try that full moon z-bar!

Stephanie R said...

My go to dish is a huge pot of turkey chili with cornbread. On the side I have lots of options for toppings: sour cream, cheese, scalions, red onion, hot sauce, etc. Now I'm hungry for chili!

itzyskitchen said...

One of my favs!!

purelytwins said...

to be honest we have never had gnocchi, not sure why, just never did. that spinach gnocchi looks great! this weekend is just relaxing with the family and friends, probably watch some football :)

julie said...

my big crowd pleaser is totally chili! but i bet you knew that already - either that or for the holidays we make chicken rollatini which everyone usually loves! i've always wondered what kind of process goes into gnocci! have you ever had the TJs sweet potato gnocci? it's supposed to be fantastic! you guys are like wedding crashers this season! i love it. this weekend i have to work a volleyball tournament all day today, lots of errands, going out with girlfriends tonight & then tomorrow meeting sara from nourish & flourish in the city for lunch! have a FABUUUUUUUULOUS weeekend!!!! xoxoxo

Heather I. said...

I've always wanted to make gnocchi but it kinda intimidates me haha! As far as feeding a crowd, the thing I make most would be pulled pork- juicy and flavorful, yum...

Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats said...

A big batch of soup or chili is great for feeding a crowd in the fall, along with being simple with easy clean up! Would love to have this cookbook:)

Claire said...

Looks great! That Clif bar looks super good. I'm working in the peds ER all weekend.

Lisakthrives said...

Those look yummy....my friend smashes up greens inside goat cheese for her little one all the time---and doesn't heat them or anything. So easy, and what kid doesn't like cheese?! When I have to please a crowd, I usually make crab cakes...
I'm trying to work the whole weekend, but honestly I have had a really slow start on that so far!

Jenn (eating bender) said...

White chocolate chip brownie Clif bars?! Amazing! I must find those. The spinach gnocchi look great even if you had to improvise. I'm sorry to hear about the ear issues but glad to hear that you and Kay the cutie are doing better. Have fun at the wedding/dinner party! My crowd pleaser is risotto-a-go-go. :)

Singerinkitchen said...

Yum to everything! Those gnocchis look great!

Maureen said...

I usually make a version of pasta Carbonara but it is a Cooking Light version and I use Canadian bacon and a few pieces of regular bacon instead of prosciutto.

Biz said...

Wow, you have been busy!! Love baby K's smile - makes me smile every time I see it!

I tend to make a big pot of chili for chili mac for a crowd - that way I can make everything ahead and not have to be stuck in the kitchen. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Juliene said...

We make something called red and green chicken that my husband had on a boy scout camp over 25 years ago. It's basically penne with diced red and green peppers chicken tons of paprika and a sauce made from cream cheese. Everyone loves it (but me haha)

Gail Kuroda said...

spaghetti or lasagne
gkuroda at gmail dot com

Brittany Dahn said...

When I need to cook for a crowd, my mind first goes to dessert!! Cupcakes are always a must, but for a more savory option I like making some kind of pasta.

janetha said...

I like the look of those balls! And anything bite size is good for a crowd--so I like making miniature versions of bigger classics (like mini sandwiches, caprese skewers, etc) or dip! Who doesn't love dip? XOXO

Kiran @ KiranTarun.com said...

Love the bite size of spinach gnocchi for a crowd!

Faith said...

I love how you were able to fix the gnocchi -- it really does sound like a yummy recipe! Seriously ADORABLE that Kay enjoyed it too. :) When I have a crowd to feed, it's usually chili or spaghetti on the menu. :)