We have a PASTA winner!  Take a look at this decadent handcrafted pasta dish…

Let’s all offer a huge round of applause to Christine Familetti for winning the grand prize in our recent Pasta Main Dish recipe contest!  Her recipe for “Pumpkin Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Walnut Sauce” made our judges jump for joy.  

How did you come up with your winning recipe?

Gnocchi is one of my family’s favorites. I usually make them with potato but I wanted to try something different. The pumpkin makes the gnocchi very light and delicious. Since I have been making homemade pasta most of my life I was able to work with the dough.  The dough is a little different than regular gnocchi dough because it is softer.  That is what makes them so light and delicate.  Since they are light, I though a perfect combination would be a cream based sauce and the gorgonzola cheese is a perfect combination!

Now that you have earned your “Golden Ticket,” do you have any strategy going into the Pasta division at the World Food Championships?

Making homemade pastas and sauces are so natural for me – to me it is not stressful or something I can’t handle.  My strategy is to just be myself and have fun! I think the quality of my dishes will come through as I put my heart into every dish.

Do you have an award-winning tips or recipe contest advice?

As I mentioned, just have fun!!!  When people come to my house to eat my homemade meals they are welcomed with open arms, in an environment that is relaxed and comfortable. I think if you are the same way in a competition with a good recipe, it will be an award-winning combination!  Also, I am very organized.  I think that helps as well in competition.  I can also adjust well if something didn’t work out so well.  I know how to fix it without stressing.

Christine, enjoy your new Anolon® Advanced Umber 14-Piece Cookware Set!

Please follow the link below to view or print the recipe:

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Walnut Sauce