Preparation - Medium
Serves 4

1 package frozen artichoke hearts, drained and cut in eighths, or 6 canned artichoke bottoms thinly sliced
4 T extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, crushed with the flat of your chef's knife
1/2 cup salt-cured black olives, pitted and chopped - do not use ripe olives
1 T fresh oregano or thyme, 1/4 t dried
1/2 cup ricotta cheese, broken up with a fork
1 lb pasta, such as rigatoni, farfalle or any flat pasta
6 quarts water

Cook pasta.
As pasta cooks heat the olive oil in a saucepan and lightly brown the garlic over low heat.
Stir in the artichoke hearts, olives and the oregano or thyme with a wooden spoon.
Cover and cook over very low heat for 5 minutes. If sauce seems too dry add a teaspoon or 2 of the liquid in which the pasta cooks.
Salt to taste.
Lastly, add the ricotta stirring continuously with a wooden fork until heated through.
Drain the pasta and place in warm serving bowl.
Add the sauce and a generous grinding of black pepper.
Mix well and serve.