Adding a little bacon to gnocchi makes it a fabulous tasty meal, ideal to serve on those summer days with a crisp salad.

Ingredients

• 3-4 rashers bacon, trimmed
• 1 onion, finely diced or minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups milk
• ¾ cup semolina
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 50-100 grams diced goats cheese, optional
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 slice of bread, crumbed
• ¼ cup cream

Method

1. Cut the bacon into small dice. Cook the bacon and onion in the olive oil for about 4-5 minutes until golden. Set aside.
2. Heat the milk in a large jug in the microwave on 100% power for 5 minutes or until boiling. Stir in the semolina and return to the microwave for a further 3 minutes on 100% power; stir occasionally. Cook longer if necessary until very thick. Stir inthe grated cheese, salt, goats cheese, if using, and half the bacon mixture. Pour into a greased 30cm x 20cm slice tin. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. Cut gnocchi into 3cm rounds. Press offcuts into the base of a shallow baking dish. Arrange the round pieces on top. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle over the breadcrumbs and remaining bacon mixture.
4. Pour in the cream. Bake at 180ºC for 35-40 minutes until piping hot and golden. Serve hot with a salad.