Fennel Fig & Almond Bread

This delicious bread was inspired by a fragrant golden raisin, fennel, and cornmeal bread created by my friend Amy Scherber, owner of Amy’s Bread in New York City. The touch of fennel is a perfect foil for the figs and somehow emphasizes their sweetness. To crush the fennel seeds, place them in a jelly-roll or small roasting pan and press on them with the bottom of a heavy saucepan.