In high school, I became addicted to the Food Network.  I watched it ALL the time, specifically I loved Rachael Ray and her 30-minute meals and even her sayings that might get on your nerves...I soaked it in.  I grew up cooking with my mom, but I think it was Rachael Ray who taught me to properly chop and got me out of the box as far as cooking and wanting to try new food goes.  There was something about being able to prepare an entire meal from scratch in 30 minutes that kept me watching.  And no wonder, everybody needs a couple of quick meals in their back pocket for nights when you just need to get the food on the table.  My 20-minute gnocchi skillet with smoked sausage and veggies has become my new go-to, fast and delicious meal.

A meal, that I think Ms. Ray herself would be proud of.

Gnocchi are potato dumplings and have the best pillowy texture, and I am a texture person through and through.  I love the fact that like pasta, you can flavor it however you want to and with whatever ingredients are in the fridge.  You boil it for 2-3 minutes and throw it in with the rest of the skillet and voila, dinner is ready.