crumbs. If dry bread crumbs are substituted for fresh one, they may absorb too much liquid and the final dish will be unappealing and dry.

To make fresh bread crumbs: Tear fresh or day-old bread into pieces (it is not necessary to remove crust) and whirl i a food processor or blender until coarse, even-sized crumbs form. Three ounces (about 3 slices) of bread makes about 1 C crumbs. Store fresh bread crumbs in a plastic bag in the freezer.

Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly oil a 1 1/2 qt gratin dish or other shallow baking dish, or coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Trim off stalks and tough outer layers from fennel. Cut the bulbs in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into 4 wedges. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over med-high heat. Add the fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, 3 - 4 min. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1 min more. Pour in broth, lemon juice and anise liquor, if using; cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half, 4 - 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to the prepared dish.

Bake, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until the fennel is very tender. Combine Parmesan and bread crumbs; sprinkle over the fennel. Bake for about 10 minutes longer, or until the top is golden.

This is very good!!

Entered into MasterCook and tested for you by Reggie & Jeff Dwork <reggie@reggie. Com>

387mg Cff 28.3%