Serves 4
Preparation time 2 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
15 g (½ oz) unsalted butter
125 g (4 oz) pancetta, cut into cubes
200 ml (7 fl oz) double cream
6 sage leaves, cut into thin strips
75 g (3 oz) fontina cheese, cut into cubes
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
500 g (1 lb) bought gnocchi or 1 quantity Classic Potato Gnocchi (see page 218)
salt and black pepper
Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a low heat, add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until crisp.
Stir in the cream and sage, increase the heat to high and bring to the boil. Boil until slightly thickened. Stir in the fontina and Parmesan, then remove from the heat. Stir until most of the cheese has melted, then season with salt and pepper.
Cook the gnocchi in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until they rise to the surface: according to the packet instructions for bought gnocchi or for 3–4 minutes if using homemade. Drain thoroughly and stir into the sauce. Serve immediately.
For mixed cheese & herb gnocchi, omit the butter, pancetta and sage. Bring the cream to the boil, then stir in the fontina, Parmesan and 200 g (7 oz) cubed dolcelatte. Remove from the heat once melted and stir in 2 tablespoons each chopped chives and flat leaf parsley. Season and stir into the cooked gnocchi.