Baked Fennel

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SIMPLE BUT DELICIOUS WAY TO SERVE FENNEL. WHEN COOKED IN BOILING WATER, FENNEL LOSES MUCH OF ITS FLAVOR. SIMPLY BAKING IT, ON THE OTHER HAND, SEEMS TO CONCENTRATE THE FLAVORS. IF YOU WANT TO ADD MORE FLAVOR, YOU CAN PLACE A FEW SMALL SPRIGS OF FRESH HERBS OR BAY LEAVES UNDER THE FENNEL WHILE IT BAKES.

WITH ITS GENTLE LICORICELIKE FLAVOR, FENNEL IS INTERESTING AND TASTY, AND IT WORKS WELL WITH BOTH FISH AND MEAT.