Potato Gnocchi (from scratch)

I find it amazing and unbelievable that neither Eric or I are Italian as that tends to be our favorite cuisine.  One of Eric's favorite dishes is potato gnocchi and it, again, goes back to our trips to the North End in Boston.  So Sunday night dinner turned out to be make-gnocchi-from-scratch night.  I was skeptical but Eric was willing to help with the process (and he actually did-I took pictures for proof!) so we gave it a shot.  Side note:  there are no left overs :)

1 lb potatoes
2 cups all purpose flour (some extra for kneading purposes)

Wash, skin, and cube potatoes.  Cover completely with boiling salted water, cover, and cook approximately 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.  Drain the potatoes, reserving some of the liquid, do not rinse with cold water.  Potatoes should remain *hot*.  Put the cooked potatoes on a lightly floured working surface (I used a silicone sheet) and mash the potatoes.  Have the flour measured and ready.  Pour the flour on top of the potatoes and mix well to make an elastic dough.  Knead the dough until it is pliable, adding some the reserved hot water as needed. (So easy... even Eric helped!  See.)

Start adding water slowly.  (I used about 3-5 spoonfuls.)  To knead the dough, fold the opposite side over toward you.  Using the heel of your hand, gently push the dough away from you.  Give it a small turn and repeat the same process until the dough is smooth and elastic. Use small amounts of additional flour as needed. 
To make the gnocchi, break off small pieces of doughs.  Roll the dough into pencil thickness.  Piece should be about 3/4 of an inch long and fold over.  When done, should look like the picture below.

Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil.  Add gnocchi gradually, a few pieces at a time.  Boil rapidly uncovered for about 8-10 minutes or until tender.  Drain carefully and toss wth sauce of your choice and top of grated cheese.

May be frozen-place freshly made on a tray and put in freezer.  Once frozen, place into plastic freezer bags.