Spatzle

Directions

1. 1
   Sift flour, salt and nutmeg into a medium bowl.
2. 2
   Make a shallow well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. 3
   Pour eggs and milk into the well of the flour mixture.
4. 4
   Beat several minutes with a wooden spoon.
5. 5
   The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, yet elastic.
6. 6
   Add a bit more flour if the dough is too soft.
7. 7
   Bring 5 to 6 inches of water to a boil in a large pot.
8. 8
   Be careful not to be burned by the steam or boiling water - choose one of the methods below to form your spatzle:.
9. 9
   Method 1: (I usually ask for an extra set of hands when doing this) Put the dough into a colander.
10. 10
    With a wooden spoon, or floured fingers, push the dough through the holes of the colander.
11. 11
    Cut one-inch noodles from the outside of the colander into the pot of boiling water.
12. 12
    Cook as directed below; repeat as necessary until all noodles are cooked.
13. 13
    Method 2: Put the dough on a plate or cutting board held to the side of the pot.
14. 14
    Cut thin, one-inch strips of dough.
15. 15
    Slide the dough pieces into the boiling water.
16. 16
    Cook as directed below; repeat as necessary until all noodles are cooked.
17. 17
    Method 3: Using a spatzle maker (this is an actual tool) form and cut your noodles according to the manufacturer's instructions.
18. 18
    Cook as directed below.
19. 19
    **Cooking Instructions.
20. 20
    **For each of the methods cook only as many noodles as fit on the surface of the boiling water at one time.
21. 21
    **Gently boil for 6-8 minutes or until noodles are fully cooked.
22. 22
    **Remove from water with a slotted spoon.
23. 23
    Toss with butter, herbs, bread crumbs, or grated cheese OR add to soups or broths.