Pickled Fennel with Orange and Mint

Scatter pickled fennel over carpaccio or a whole roasted fish, or toss it with bitter greens and a vinaigrette made from some of the pickling liquid whisked with olive oil. This also makes a fine (and crisp) refrigerator pickle without processing: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the fennel mixture, let cool to room temperature, then cover and put in the refrigerator, where it will keep for at least 1 month.