Apple Almond Fennel Bisque Food

ONION AND FENNEL BISQUE

Steps:

• Wash leeks well in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
• Cook onions, leeks, fennel, and garlic in butter in a heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Add wine and boil, uncovered, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add stock, water, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in half and half and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and liquid is reduced to about 3 cups, about 15 minutes.
• Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), then transfer to a soup tureen.

ROASTED APPLES AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large ovenproof skillet. Add 2 Gala apples and 1 fennel bulb (both cut into wedges) and 6 halved small shallots and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast at 425˚ F, tossing once, until tender, 15 minutes. Add 1 more tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; toss until glazed, 1 minute. Top with fennel fronds.

TOMATO FENNEL BISQUE

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, broth, fennel, onion, garlic, savory and pepper in a large saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Put 1/2 the mixture in a processor and blend until smooth.
• Strain to remove tomato seeds and skins.
• Return to saucepan repeat with remaining mixture.
• Heat through.
• Garnish with parsley or chives.

ONION AND FENNEL BISQUE

Steps:

• Wash leeks well in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
• Cook onions, leeks, fennel, and garlic in butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes. Add wine and boil, uncovered, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add stock, water, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and liquid is reduced to about 6 cups, about 15 minutes.
• Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), then transfer to a soup tureen and stir in Pernod.

BAKED APPLES WITH FENNEL

Steps:

• Mix 4 tablespoons softened butter with 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, 2 teaspoons sugar, and salt and pepper to taste; use some of the mixture to grease a baking dish. Rub 4 cored apples inside and out with the remaining butter mixture. Place 4 thick onion rounds in the dish and top with the buttered apples. Add a quartered fennel bulb to the dish. Bake at 425 degrees until the apples are soft, 1 hour.
• Per serving: Calories: 157; Total Fat: 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 5 grams; Protein: 1 gram; Total carbohydrates: 23 grams; Sugar: 15 grams; Fiber: 5 grams; Cholesterol: 20 milligrams; Sodium: 140 milligrams