Chapter 20: Too Many Cooks? - James

Twenty minutes later, I'm more confident we might have a servable meal for our unexpected party. Sally rises to the challenge of having another chef in her kitchen, although I notice that they work as far from each other as space allows.

Eileen peers over Guido's shoulder. "What's that you have boilin' away there?"

He barely looks at her. "Gnocchi."

Her jaw slackens. "What's nokki?"

Guido comes to life. "Gnocchi is a delicacy of my home country..." He raises hands, punctuating his words with chops to the air... "...often described as a substitute for pasta, but that does it insufficient justice. Properly served, it is a vehicle for the most..." He rings thumb and forefinger to his lips... "... delicate of accompaniments. Ricotta and spinach are my personal favourites. It may incorporate semolina or polenta..." His arms are waving like the maddened conductor of some orchestra... "...and may be served layered with butter or a fine quality cheese..."