Fun with Fennel

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.