Sometimes just the quiet repetition of a simple task brings extraordinary comfort. With gnocchi there is the careful rolling of each tiny piece of dough, the attention and care demanded by every individual bite.

Going through these motions becomes so much more than just cooking. The challenges and pressures of the day are pushed aside by the sweet, methodical rhythm of rolling one after another after another tiny piece down the tines of a fork; then watching the pieces fill the tray, the fragrance of a simple marinara simmering on the stove, a retreat from the outside world.

This recipe doesn’t require any complicated ingredients, just patience and a little dedication. I loved coaxing each gnocchi into its shape then watching the moment of truth as they all sank to the bottom of the boiling water before bouncing gently and floating back to the surface again.

I ended up with a meal that wasn’t cooked so much as brought to life from the pages of the recipe book, crafted and formed by the fingertips of the cook. That, and a smile and a plate to share.

Recipe from Martha Stewart via Punchfork.