Goat Cheese Gnocchi And Warm Spinach Salad

In a hot saute pan, render the andouille for 2 minutes. Add the onions. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes, or until caramelized. Add the shallots and garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Turn into a mixing bowl and whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Scrape the potatoes from their skin into the bowl. With a hand potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, white pepper, egg, Goat's cheese, and 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons of the flour. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup flour on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto the floured surface and roll the dough out in a log, about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece across the tines of fork.

In a large saucepan, combine the milk, water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Bring the liquid just to a boil. Add the gnocchi and poach for 5 minutes. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and drain. Turn the gnocchi in a mixing bowl and toss with the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the spinach, onions and vinaigrette together. Season with salt and pepper. Place the greens in the center of the plate. Arrange 1/4 of the gnocchi around each salad. Garnish with black pepper.

This recipe yields 4 servings.