Fennel? What the heck is that?

That is what a fennel bulb looks like. Have you ever cooked with one? I have now! Also called anise, it smells mildly like licorice. Cooking it mellows the flavour. A new vegetable for the new year! Last night for dinner I made a roasted vegetable and cheese pie. It had squash, zucchini, onion and fennel bulb in it, along with havarti cheese, basil and oregano. All baked together in a rice and parmesan crust. A rice crust you say? Really? Yes, cook rice first, mix it with some egg whites and parmesan cheese, then bake it for 10 minutes. Mmm, roast the veggies on a pan in the oven, then put them in the crust and bake again. My oh my our house smelled good. And leftovers for lunches! Here are some photos to make your stomach growl. :)