4 three ounce sole fillets
1/4 cup fennel leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Fold 4 separate rectangular sheets of tinfoil over to make a square, then seal the outer edges to make a foil packet.
3. Place a sole fillet into each with a tablespoon of fennel leaves and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle each with a portion of the olive oil, then seal the remaining edge of the packet.
5. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Serve by cutting into the top of the foil.

Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium fennel bulb, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
salt and pepper

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and fennel, sautéing until lightly browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper and add the garlic and chicken stock.
3. Cover, reduce the heat and cook until the fennel is tender, about 10 minutes.

Makes 4 servings

Fennel is my second project of things to come around to. Ever since I discovered that fennel seeds and pork are a match made in heaven (see the Fennel Pork recipe), I've been curious as to other ways to use fennel that are actually edible. One of the markets we went to yesterday had a bunch of whole fresh fish on ice, so I thought I'd pick up some to make fennel stuffed fish. Unfortunately, we got there right as the fish market was closing and had to buy packaged fillets. Instead, I made Fennel Sole, steamed in a foil packet. I'm thinking that a whole fish steamed with fennel in the cavity would have been a lot better, but the fennel tops did add a nice touch to the fish.

Since I wasn't sure what to do with the rest of the fennel, I just sliced it up and made Braised Fennel. This was more or less like licorice flavored cooked celery and really didn't do much for me at all. It sure looks pretty though. I made a Risotto with fish stock to accompany it, which Shannon despised me for, but I thought it was nice with the fish at least.