"This is a light, tasty way to cook fennel. It is tender, with a crunchy outer texture and just a hint of the fennel flavor. This is a great vegetable side dish with grilled or roasted meats."

Ingredient :

• 2large fennel bulbs
• 2cups milk
• 4tablespoons olive oil
• 4tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂cup fresh breadcrumb
• salt and pepper

Directions :

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
• Clean the fennel, removing the upper fronds, and slice lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices.
• Set the feathery leaves aside to garnish the completed dish.
• Place in a saucepan and cover with milk.
• Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the fennel can be easily pierced with a fork.
• Remove the fennel and pat dry.
• Layer in a baking dish, drizzle with two tablespoons of the oil and add salt and pepper.
• Bake for about 20 minutes.
• Mix the remaining oil with the cheese and breadcrumbs, and sprinkle over the dish and continue baking until golden brown.
• This dish is great hot or at room temperature.
• Use the discarded feathery fronds to garnish, and serve.