The Stinking Rose

Ahh, garlic.  It is the beginning of many of our favorite dishes.  Garlic sauteing usually prompts the comment "Something smells good." from whoever walks into the kitchen.  Today was the day to dig the garlic and shallots from the garden.  Last fall I planted 24 cloves of Spanish roja garlic and today I was rewarded with as many lovely heads of it.  And, thanks to our friend, Jim, I also planted about 6 little shallots that turned into large bunches.  I've never grown shallots before but certainly will from now on.  But, back to the garlic.  One favorite pasta dish is to mash up the cloves of a head of roasted garlic along with a hunk of goat cheese and a couple glugs of olive oil.  Throw in some chopped sundried tomatoes (preserved in oil).  Let it all sit at room temperature so the cheese softens.  Add a pound of cooked pasta and a half cup or so of the pasta water.  Sprinkle with a good handful each of chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts and enjoy...and then pass the Altoids!