Herb Mashed Potatoes with Goat Cheese

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
• 10 blades chives, chopped or snipped, 3 tablespoons
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup good quality chicken stock, available on soup aisle
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
• 3 large all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 or 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped, 2 tablespoons
• Salt
• 4 ounces, 1 small log, herb, peppercorn or plain goat cheese