Kale and Walnut Pesto with Gnocchi (Shrimp or Chicken or Meatless)

We never watch movies and only occasionally watch TV. There are a handful of TV series that hubs and I watch. Most of the time I leave the TV on PBS and listen to it in the background and 99% of the time it's playing cartoons for my toddler. The only movies I watch are the Harry Potter Series. We usually watch kids movies (Disney, etc) and as much as I would like to say it's for my toddler, it's for me too. hehe I also like the occasional super hero movie.

I do loyally watch the Harry Potter Series. No, I am not a die hard fan (I've only read one book). But they are very kid friendly (obviously), so it's just the kind of movie I like. They are also the only movies I own. I never buy movies unless they are cartoons for Mimi. I can't stand to part with the money. Here's what happens though, I never see Harry Potter in theaters anymore because I have a child, so my husband goes to the store and buys them for me when they come out. If I were there, I would object strongly (and lose), but it's just something he always does for me and surprises me with.

Yes, I promise there's a point!! My point is, the last Harry Potter is now in theaters.
Should I see it at the movies (..... on discount day)?
If so, would it be completely odd if I went alone?
Has anyone out there went to the movies by themselves?
Will it freak people out to see a pregnant lady, alone, inhaling popcorn and probably having hormonal crying fits during the movie????????

(And this recipe is delicious, a nice change from the typical pesto. Yum! Enjoy!)

Place kale in food processor

Toast the walnuts for the pesto

Kale/Walnut Pesto

Brown the gnocchi in butter

Kale and Walnut Pesto
Serving Size = About 2 cups

• 2 cups of kale
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt/Pepper
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup Parmesan
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic (Optional, I skipped since I was going to cook the gnocchi in garlic. You could also roast it first.)

1. Toast the walnuts and set aside. Add the kale to a food processor and finely chop. Add the walnuts, salt/pepper, Parmesan and process. While pulsing, add oil until it reaches desired consistency. I didn't make it too thin since I was going to cook the gnocchi in butter and garlic.

Homemade Gnocchi
Click here for gnocchi recipe.
To make the gnocchi look better, I roll it down a fork on the cut side. Just play with it, but that seems to work best for me. Also, remember to let the gnocchi sit for an hour after boiling before you cook it in a pan.

Kale/Walnut Pesto with Gnocchi and Shrimp or Chicken
Serving Size = 3 - 4 (3 for us)

• Chicken (chopped) or Shrimp (maybe 2 skinless boneless breasts, or 1 lb of shrimp), or skip the meat
• Gnocchi
• About 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic (if skipped in pesto)
• 1/2 - 1 cup of pesto, to taste
• Extra Parmesan to sprinkle on

1. Cook the chicken or shrimp (I used shrimp this time). Remove from pan and set aside. Over medium to medium high heat add about 1/2 - 1 tablespoon of oil and as much butter as you want (2 tablespoons maybe). 
2. Once that gets nice and hot, add the gnocchi to brown lightly, once color starts to appear add the finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant and until the gnocchi is browned.
3. Add the chicken or shrimp back in and stir. Remove from heat and add the pesto, mix well. Plate and add extra Parmesan to taste.

Linking to: Hearth and Soul, Weekend Roundup