Epiphany of the Lord: Meal and Musings

It was a quiet and busy-ish Sunday for us all: Richard deChristmas-ized the house (that was his phrase, I kinda liked it and, so, here it is...), Mila had a friend over, Simon harassed Mila and said friend, while Ezra manned the fire like a Roman soldier (speaking of Roman soldiers, I recently found out what 'SPQR' means, you know the movie Gladiator, right? Anyway, it means: Senatus Populusque Romanus...take that Alex Trebek).  As for me, I was in the kitchen preparing, baking, mooovin' and groovin'. Actually, by the end of the show,  I had a small loyal following delighting in the prospect of those epicurian manifestations, watching my every move. Creepy, right?

Getting to the point: Epiphany.  Yes, I wanted to make something extra special for such a special ocassion. Hence, the gnocchi.  These were not your run-of-the-mill potato gnocchi.  No, I wanted to make them using ricotta which produces a  lighter, airier, melt-in-your-mouth, entirely sublime dumpling.  Plus, it is WAY easier and faster.   However, the WOW factor sits at a firm 10.  Anytime you want to impress someone make gnocchi, or speak French, choisissez vous.

Today's Menu:
Ricotta Gnocchi in fresh marinara sauce
Pan-Fried Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Cauliflower

Dessert:
Chocolate Pound Cake

I wanted to take a picture of the meal but the natives were so restless I barely got out of there alive. I did, however, manage to take a picture of the dessert.  Why, hello there, you delectable thing you:

First off, I'd like to thank God for chocolate...and butter ...and sugar and eggs.  

I also have to thank the test cooks at Cook's Country for putting in all those tireless hours that went into creating and perfecting such a wickedly good recipe. I will always be indebted to you amazing people.

Lastly, I'd like to mention that if you do make this heavenly Chocolate Pound Cake, DON'T make the same mistake I did:  Don't share it.  Don't do it, because you'll regret it.  Maybe not today.  Maybe not tomorrow, but one day and for the rest of your life.

And, since man cannot enjoy Chocolate Pound Cake alone, Richard took this opportunity to exercise the full weight of his parental authority instituted by God Almighty to instruct his daughter in the ways of making espresso.

Well done my good and faithful daughter.