Sometimes, I can be a little impulsive.
It’s not really a “I want to move to Canada tomorrow” kind of thing. My husband will tell you, I shoot down grandiose changes like that pretty quickly. After all, I don’t know anything about immigrating, and I don’t think I could manage to pack all of our earthly possessions into the back of my Honda.
But every once in a while, a wave will hit me where I need something to change in my life in a smaller way. About a month ago, when that itch hit me, I spent a whole day rearranging all the furniture in my house. No dresser was too heavy. No dust bunny was left undisturbed.
It was a small change, but gave my life a quick refresh. And just like that, the need for change was out of my system, no fleeing the country required.
But on Saturday, the impulse hit again. I wanted new, new, new. So, I pulled out my list. Yes, I keep a list of what to do when I’m feeling impulsive. Talk to my therapist about it.
The first option was to make a new playlist, but I’ve been really liking my music lately. Another was to rearrange my bookshelf, but that felt more like a chore than a change at that exact moment.
But I had added one thing to the list a few months ago that felt more immediately attainable: Getting my ears pierced. I called a local tattoo shop and asked if they had someone in the shop who could do it for me. After I got off the phone, I texted a friend, asking if they would come with me. No going back. Pre-planned impulsivity meant I was now locked in to my decision (that I had made months ago).
The piercing process went well and took no time at all, but it satisfied that craving I had. Afterward, I spent a few hours scrolling on Etsy and looking for earrings to wear once they healed. Overall, I felt like I had gotten out of the whole interaction scot free.
But when Hunter came in and asked me what the plan was for dinner, I realized what time it was. I hadn’t picked out a recipe, grocery shopped or prepped anything at all. Nothing. The impulsivity had had consequences after all.
So, with limited time and a need to tell my husband that I hadn’t forgotten that we have to eat meals at regular intervals, I pulled this recipe I had been saving for just such an occasion out of my back pocket. I originally found it on Country Living, but I adapted it to add more seasonings and flavor because I can’t leave well enough alone.
Overall, I’d say, this is a quick and easy recipe to throw together if you, like me, sometimes let the hours get away from you. Hunter and I both enjoyed it, and I’m planning on fixing it again soon with the additional vegetables that were recommended in the comments on the recipe.
Was my first attempt perfect? Maybe not. Was I rushing more than I should have been? You bet. But you can’t plan for everything in the kitchen. Or maybe you can. You’re not me.
SAUSAGE AND SAGE BUTTER GNOCCHI
(Adapted from Country Living)
Ingredients
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
12 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 (16-ounce) packages store-bought gnocchi
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Spinach (optional)
Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Directions
■ Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until golden brown and nutty smelling, 8 to 10 minutes. Add sage and cook, until infused in butter, about 5 to 10 seconds.
■ Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate. (Use a paper towel to soak up any excess grease as you’re transferring. You’ll need it.)
■ Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add gnocchi and spread into a single layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 minutes. Toss and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. Add sage butter and sausage, and cook until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.
■ If you want to add spinach and cherry tomatoes to the dish for added freshness, add them to the skillet while your gnocchi is cooking. The sage butter and sausage cooking will help to wilt the spinach and soften the cherry tomatoes.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 38 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
