Special Gnocchi from the Piedmont region of Italy.

• 1/2 cup plus 2 TBSP all-purpose (plain) flour
• 3 tablespoons semolina
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• pinch sugar
• salt and white pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup diced Emmenthal cheese
• 1 small white truffle, finely chopped - optional
• olive oil
• 1 egg, well beaten
• fine dry breadcrumbs
• 2 TBSP heavy cream or half and half

1. BEAT 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour and the semolina with the egg yolks, grated nutmeg and sugar, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a pan and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to the boil and cook over a moderate heat, stirring, for about 15 minutes. The mixture must be so thick that a spoon will stand up in it.
2. TAKE the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture cool a little, then add the Emmenthal cheese and the truffle, if used. Mix thoroughly and turn out on to a cold sufface (marble, or even a large plate) brushed with olive oil. Smooth out with a wet knife blade until the paste is 1/2 inch thick.
3. LEAVE until cold, then cut into diamond shapes. Dip these into flour, egg and finally into breadcrumbs, and deep-fry in plenty of hot olive oil. Drain on paper towels and serve very hot, with additional grated Parmesan and a smooth white sauce into which you have stirred a few tablespoons of heavy (whipping) cream.