Nothing, and I mean nothing, tests your marriage like being snowed in for 48+ hours during a blizzard. 

We were trapped in the house together since Friday morning.  Muffins were baked, chili was  made, and the Doritos were stocked.  We spent most of the time cozied up together watching TV.  It was actually quite peaceful, if not a little bit romantic. 

This morning, the skies cleared and within hours the driveway was shoveled.  We were ready to get out of the house before tackling our day.  We decided to take a ride to get Lloyd his iced coffee, since the 3 he purchased on Friday to last him through the storm had long since run out. 

Biiiiiiig mistake.

We drove all over the place, stopping at four coffee shops, all of which were closed due to power outages, before hitting the jack pot: a Dunkin’ Donuts that was open, although the drive through line was backing up traffic.  I merely suggested that Lloyd go inside to get his coffee (since I had things to do, and I didn’t realize we were on a coffee tour) and things went south. 

Patience is not my best quality.  It turns out that it is not Lloyd’s best quality, either. 

Lloyd rejected my offer to go inside to get his coffee.  He came back out in about 4 minutes, with Junior Mints, Cheez-Its, and Gatorade in hand, but no coffee in sight.  He said the line inside was even worse than outside, and we’d just go home.  He pulled out of the parking lot, muttering a few choice words about the lack of driving skills of the patrons in the parking lot and started heading home.

The back way.

I questioned his route of choice, noting the unplowed roads and possibility of trees blocking the streets.  I was given “the look” and told we’d be fine. 

About 10 minutes into our “scenic” drive home, we had to pull over and back up since the roads were only wide enough for one car. 

Insert expletives from Lloyd here.

Another 5 minutes and we were met with a tree blocking the road. 

Insert gloating wife telling husband she was right here.

Lloyd was less than pleased.  An argument ensued.  I’m still not sure what we were arguing about… I think it was Lloyd’s way of diverting attention away from the fact that I was right. 

And then… another tree blocking the road. 

I.couldn’t.take.it.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  Or reminding him that I was right.  I tried to get him to see the humor in the situation, but he told me he wasn’t in the mood.  We finally, finally, finally made it back home.  A ten minute coffee run turned 1.5 hour excursion.  And I’m still laughing.  And I’m still right.  And… I’m banned from going with Lloyd to ever get coffee again, he says. 

So, until we are back on speaking terms, I’ll be here, sharing this crazy good recipe that I made a few months ago. 

These gnudi are not only super tasty, but super simple, as well.  I was a bit intimidated by the whole boiling of the dough part, but it worked like a charm. Gnudi means “naked ” in Italian, and and these dumplings are nothing more than tender pillows of cheesy goodness that taste just like ravioli filling. 

It’s like pasta without the pasta!  These are little pieces of ricotta heaven.  Topped with marinara sauce, they will totally satisfy your craving. 

Trust me.  I’m usually right. 

Gnudi {Naked Ravioli}

Recipe from Giada de Laurentiis

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yields 6-8 large balls

Print this recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 C ricotta cheese (I used whole milk ricotta!)
• 1 C freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1lb. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 5 tbsp flour, plus 1 C for coating
• marinara sauce,  for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta and parmesan cheeses, spinach, eggs, and egg yolks until well mixed.  Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and flour, mixing until combined. 
2. Form mixture into about 1/4 C size balls, and flatten with the palm of your hand. 
3. Dredge the gnudi in flour to coat.  Shake off any excess. 
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
5. Use a slotted spoon to transfer gnudi to the water, working in batches. 
6. Let cook for about 4-5 minutes.  Use spoon to remove from water. 
7. Arrange gnudi on a plate to serve, and top with marinara sauce.