Baked Gnocchi with Pumpkin-Cheese Sauce

1 16-oz. package fresh or frozen gnocchi
1 T. unsalted butter
1 T. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. canned pumpkin puree
1/2 c. whole milk
1 c. shredded Gruyere* cheese, loosely packed (about 2 oz.)
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mist an 8" square baking dish with cooking spray. Cook gnocchi as package label directs. Drain well and spread in prepared baking dish.

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Whisk in pumpkin and milk. Cook, whisking, until very thick, about 5 minutes.

Whisk in cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and pour over gnocchi. Bake until bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

*Replace with cheddar, jack, or fontina, if preferred.

Serves 4.

From All You magazine, Feb. 2015, p.57.