Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1/4 cup chopped shallots 

1/4 cup Herbsaint or other anise-flavored liqueur 

1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions), green parts only 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves 

One 10-ounce bag fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and trimmed of tough stems 

3/4 cup heavy cream 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 

Preparation

Heat the butter in a 10-inch saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until soft and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Carefully add the Herbsaint so that it does not flame. Add the green onions, parsley, and spinach and cook until the spinach is slightly wilted, about 1 minute. Add the cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour the mixture into a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Add the salt and pepper and pulse two or three times to blend, and serve immediately.