Spätzel (Spaetzel) Recipe

• 4 cups of plain white flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 eggs
• water
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Beat the eggs and add to the bowl with enough water to form a very soft and smooth dough. Press the dough flat on a plate or floured board. With a sharp knife, scrape small pieces of dough off and drop intoboiling salted water. There should only be one layer of spaetzel cooking at a time so that they don't stick together. Boil gently for 5 to 8 minutes or until they swell and float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave to drain. Serve immediately tossed in melted butter.

Alternatively you may wish to sauté the finished spaetzel in butter until golden or sprinkle the spätzel with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

(Serves 4 to 6)