a) Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with 1/2 tsp salt for the pasta.

b) Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).

c) Trim the baby gem, then halve lengthways. Thinly slice widthways and put into a large bowl.

d) Quarter the pear lengthways and remove the core (no need to peel). Thinly slice each quarter widthways, then add to the bowl of lettuce.

a) When your pan of water is boiling, add the penne and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

b) Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back into the pan.

c) Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

a) While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.

b) Once hot, add the bacon lardons and stir-fry until golden, 3-4 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat.

c) Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 min.

d) Stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount), chicken stock paste and half the mustard, then bring to the boil.

a) When the sauce is boiling, add the creme fraiche and half the hard Italian style cheese. Stir to melt the cheese, then simmer for 1-2 mins.

b) Once smooth, stir the cooked pasta through the sauce and cook until piping hot, 1-2 mins. IMPORTANT: Cook lardons thoroughly.

c) Taste and season with salt and pepper.

a) Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sugar for the dressing (see pantry for amount), cider vinegar and remaining mustard.

b) Mix in the olive oil for the dressing (see pantry for amount) and season with salt and pepper.

c) Pour the dressing into the lettuce bowl and add the blue cheese. Toss together, then set aside.

a) Share the creamy penne between your bowls and top with the remaining hard Italian style cheese.

b) Serve the salad in a bowl on the side.

c) Enjoy!