Heidi's Winter Pasta

Ingredients4 cloves of garlic, peeled 4 small shallots, peeled 1 small bunch of kale or other winter green - 1/2 lb / 8 oz, stalks removed, washed well 1/3 cup / 80 ml extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup / 2 oz goat cheese, plus more for topping 2 tablespoons + hot pasta water fine grain sea salt & freshly ground black pepper fresh lemon juice - optional 12 oz / 340 g dried penne pasta fresh thyme - and thyme flowers

Method 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the boiling water generously, and add the garlic and shallots. Boil for 2-3 minutes, stir in the kale and cook for another ten seconds. Don't overcook. Working quickly, use a slotted spoon or strainer to fish the greens, garlic, and shallots from the water. Use a food processor to puree the ingredients along with the olive oil and goat cheese. Add a couple tablespoons of hot pasta water if needed to thin things out if needed. Then season with a touch of salt and plenty of black pepper. Taste. Depending on your goat cheese, you might need a little extra acidic oomph if your sauce is a bit flat. If so, add fresh lemon juice a bit at a time until you're happy with it the sauce. Set aside. 2. Reheat the pot of water and boil the pasta per package instructions. Drain and toss immediately with the green sauce. Serve topped with a few pinches of fresh thyme, and more crumbled goat cheese.

Serves 4-6. Source: Heidi Swanson, 101 Cookbooks