Duck Ragout on Gnocchi

  

I love having friends over for a meal.  In earlier days we would do it once or twice a week.  I could whip up a 4-course meal in no time. Now it happens once or twice a month, and it takes a lot of careful planning and two days to cook. Even still, there is always  a disaster or two.

We recently had friends for dinner, and I set a pretty table with my Bobby Flay tablecloth.

Menu:

Salmon with Capers Spread

Leeks and Prosciutto Tarts

Tiny sweet green Grapes

Duck Ragout on Gnocchi

Fresh Fig and Pear Salad

Assorted Cheeses

Peach Pie

  

All went well except I burned the first batch of tart shells and had to do them over.   My dear friend made me lovely soft and  pillowy gnocchi.  She has often tried to teach me, but mine are a soggy, gluey mess.  Every so often she brings me a large bag of her  frozen handmade gnocchi.

We love duck, and it's such a bargain. It's usually just around $3 a pound on sale.  I can get  3 different  meals out of the duck.  One meal with the breast, one meal with the legs, and another meal with the duck confit over pasta, polenta or crepes.  Besides, it's something different to cook. 

I seldom find many nice tablecloths or napkins at the thrift stores anymore.  I think people have stopped using cloth napkins. Setting the table I I can do.  Itt's the whole meal planning that I have to rethink.....     

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