It's schniztel Jim, but not as we know it......

Mr PK was a tad perplexed when I served this for the dinner, apparently schnitzel should be crumbed, serving it "naked" was all too unusual. Does he need to get out more? Actually this turned out to be rather delish, quickly fried beef , garlic and herby tomato sauce with gnocchi, a very quick dinner which proved to be extremely satisfying. It is also a useful standby supper as everything you need is likely to be in the pantry.

The original recipe is in the latest Cuisine magazine, I added bay, capers and chilli to the sauce, and instead of bread, served it with gnocchi, surely one of the best store cupboard carbs around.

Beef in tomato sauce

2 large pieces beef schnitzel, cut in half and sprinkled with salt & pepper
Splash of olive oil
1 large clove of garlic, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup of white wine (or red if that is what you have)
400 ml tin of cherry tomatoes (I use Delmaine, but Mutti are also excellent)
1 tsp of dried oregano
Pinch of chilli flakes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp capers (I use salted capers, rinsed in water, but use brined if that is what you have)
Splash of balsamic vinegar
Pack of gnocchi
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Heat your oil over a medium heat in a frying pan big enough to hold your meat in one layer. When hot add the garlic, then your meat, and fry on each side for a couple of minutes. Add the white wine, and let it bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes more.

Add the tin of tomatoes, oregano, chilli, bay leaf and the capers, stir to combine, and cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes, until your sauce has thickened slightly. Add a splash of balsamic and check the seasoning.
While the sauce is cooking, heat a saucepan of water with a good tsp or two of salt. When boiling, add your gnocchi As soon as it floats to the surface, take out with a slotted spoon and add to you tomato sauce, stir to coat and serve with a good grating of Parmesan cheese. You could have a salad with this if you like, although we found it great as is.

I am especially pleased with this supper as it was cooked under some duress. Under my feet was one of our new arrivals. Let me introduce you to Tommy and Tuppence......

These two are best buddies, we met them at the SPCA a week ago and decided we could give them a happy home. Tuppence, the pretty grey miss, has had a bit of a rough start, and was found with her legs duck taped together lying dumped on a busy road. She is much shyer than Hurricane Thomas, but is proving to be a lovely wee girl, and a fantastic jumper. She greeted me from work today sitting in the window sill.
Tommy is curious (aka naughty!) beyond belief (don't let that innocent appearance fool you), and I basically spend my day removing him from cupboards, wardrobes, the fridge........his mission in life appears to be getting to the back of the dishwasher. He is also full of character, and quite delightful with Tuppence. Although when he jumped up on the Chair of Power the other day and plopped himself down on her head I did wonder.........

It is so nice to have a cat around the house again, although kittens are quite a change from sedate Pru. She would be horrified at the running around and general shenanigans.......

I hope you have had a great week, we enjoyed the royal wedding, well I did, Mr PK went to the pub to watch the Breakers. I feel a wee bit sorry for them, what a great achievement, just a shame it was the swallowed up by a rather big wedding! How fab was that dress?
The pressure must be immense, but they did look so very in love. I hope they are as happy as Mr PK and I , 12 years married next week, and we still quite like each other:) Even when I don't crumb the schnitzel.