To some people a recipe is a set of instructions that must be followed to the letter in order to achieve perfect results. To others it is a concept, something that can be adapted or modified to suit particular tastes, or needs.
This particular recipe I saw several years ago in a Good Taste magazine. I made it the first couple of times according to the recipe, but over time I have adapted it to suit our particular family's needs (I have reduced the fat content).
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi
Serves 6
2 x 500g shelf life gnocchi
1 tbs (or less - you really do not need much) olive oil
250g short cut bacon, chopped
1 leek, ends trimmed, halved lengthways, sliced thinly
1 BBQ chicken, meat shredded
200g green beans, cut into 1cm pieces
200g baby spinach
3 1/4 cups low fat milk
1/2 cup (40g) shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup grated low fat cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Cook the gnocchi according to the directions on the pack.
Heat the oil in a frypan over medium heat. Add the bacon and the leek, cook stirring for 4-5 minutes, or until the leek has softened. Add the chicken, beans and spinach and cook stirring for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
Put 3 cups of milk into a saucepan. Blend the cornflour with the remaining 1/4 cup of milk in a small cup, then add this to the milk in the saucepan. Heat over medium heat, and stir constantly until the milk boils and thickens. Remove from the heat. Add the parmesan cheese, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Add the chicken/bacon mixture to the parmesan/milk mixture. Gently fold the gnocchi into this combined mix.
Spoon this mixture into a greased 3L capacity shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over the grated cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden.
So Dear Readers, are you a follower or a "tweaker"? I also pose the question when does a recipe become your own? Some say that if you change one ingredient the recipe is yours!! What do you think?
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