You know what's better than just food? Superb cuisine. Good cooking is the best way to experience life with all its flavors, textures and aromas! We like to eat out at nice restaurants, watch cooking shows on television, and read cookbooks. Nowadays with all the celebrity chefs and Food Network stars it's easy for anyone to learn how to make amazing dishes in their own homes!

Executive Chef Crystal Powell of Kanvas created this amazing Truffled Wild Mushroom Gnocchi recipe that is simple enough for beginner cooks but still delicious enough for professionals.

This dish requires ingredients that can easily be found in the grocery store and is perfect for a dinner party! Gnocchi tastes amazing because it's soft and chewy with a light texture. It absorbs flavors well so if you mix your gnocchi in a sauce or season it before cooking it will make for an even tastier dish! 

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish made with potatoes, flour, and egg yolks. It's commonly served with sauce or in soup but can also be enjoyed solo. If you're up for making your gnocchi from scratch, we shared the recipe on how to make the Parsnips and Yukon Potato Gnocchi that goes along with this sauce.

Mushrooms are the Perfect Choice

Mushrooms are a tasty addition to any meal! They are very versatile and can be used in many dishes. Since gnocchi is made with potatoes mashed together with flour, egg yolks, and salt it has quite a similar flavor profile to gnocchi that mushrooms could easily compliment. The flavor of the mushroom compliments the gnocchi perfectly- neither one is overpowering which makes this recipe a great dish for those that are not too fond of mushrooms.

The Decadence of Truffle Oil

Adding truffle oil to this gnocchi recipe is a great way to elevate the flavor and make it feel extra special. Truffle oil is a type of olive oil that has been infused with truffles, which are a type of mushroom that is known for its intense flavor. Truffles can be expensive, but a little goes a long way, so you don't need to use very much to get the benefits. Chef Crystal uses White Truffle oil from Kingston Olive Oil Co.  who's locally found in Kingston, Ontario.

Can I use Dried Herbs instead of Fresh?

Dried herbs can be substituted for fresh herbs in a recipe but the flavor won't be as potent. If you have fresh herbs on hand then use them! If not, then dried herbs will work just fine. Just remember to use less of them because they are more potent than fresh herbs.

Top your Pasta with Cheese

Cheese is a great topping for pasta because it provides a salty and savory flavor. It also helps to thicken the sauce and makes it creamier. You can use any type of cheese you like but Chef Powell recommends using freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago Cheese.

The Perfect Wine Pairing

As wine lovers over here, we love to have wine with our pasta. When serving creamy pasta, the wine we would recommend are wines that are fruity and dry. This dish is perfect to pair with a chardonnay or pinot grigio! Here is a selection of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio wines here.

• Mission Hill Reserve - Chardonnay 2019, Okanagan Valley British Columbia, Canada
• G. Marquis, The Silver Line Niagara Stone Road Vineyard - Chardonnay 2019, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Canada
• Bollini - Pinot Grigio 2019, Italy
• Sprucewood Shores - Pinot Grigio 2020, Lake Erie North Shore, Canada

Create the Right Ambiance for your Dinner Guests

As always, it's not only about the food but the atmosphere you create for your dinner guests. Create a warm and inviting ambiance for your dinner guests using these ideas below!

- dim the lights and light some candles using our O'Noir Candle Holders

- put on some relaxing music

- set the table with our White Candle and Linen Set

We hope you enjoy creating this recipe and serving it to your friends and family. If you're looking for something new to try this week then look no further than this recipe- perfecto!

Truffled Wild Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe

Make approx. 4 potions

Ingredients:

• 2 cup Portobello Mushroom

• 1 cup Cremini mushrooms

• 1⁄2 cup King Oyster mushrooms

• 1⁄2 cup Shitake mushrooms

• 2 tsp fresh chopped thyme herbs

• 2 – 3 piece roasted garlic cloves

• 1 tsp freshly chopped rosemary herbs

• 2 tbsp white wine

• 1 tsp white truffle oil

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter (soft)

• 1⁄2 shallots (medium diced)

• 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil

• 1 – 2 tsp kosher salt

• 2 -3 cups 35% cream

• 1 tbsp grated parmesan or asiago cheese

Directions:

1. In a heated large skillet or sauté pan add the oil; sweat shallots and garlic to they are translucent. Stir in the wine and cook until nearly evaporated.

2. Then add mushrooms, herbs and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat for about 10-12mins or until mushroom caramelized. Add the 35% cream and keep on low heat.

3. Stir in gnocchi, make sure it is lightly toasted and browned around the edges. Season with kosher salt to taste, drizzle 1 tsp of white truffle oil and grated parmesan cheese to serve.

We hope you enjoy this gnocchi recipe! Be sure to let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Bon appetit!