Roasted Fennel With Apple Cider Reduction Food

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

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.

ROASTED FENNEL WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Remove the stems of the fennel and slice the bulb in half lengthwise. With the cut side down, slice the bulb vertically into 1/2-inch-thick slices, cutting right through the core. Spread the fennel slices on a baking sheet, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss with your hands.
• Roast the fennel slices for about 1 hour, turning them once after 30 minutes, until the edges are crisp and brown. Remove from the oven and cover with Parmesan shavings. Taste for salt and pepper and serve.

GIADA'S ROASTED FENNEL WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish.
• Arrange the fennel in the dish.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan.
• Drizzle with the oil.
• Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes.
• Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.

ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE: Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover with lid, and shake well. Shake jar again just before serving.
• MAKE-AHEAD TIP: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar. When it's ready to serve, shake it vigorously to blend the ingredients, and check to see if it needs a little extra salt or pepper.
• ROASTED VEGGIES: Preheat oven to 425°. Divide first 8 ingredients between two aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pans. Drizzle with butter and oil; toss to coat. Spread vegetables in a single layer in each pan, leaving about 1 inch between pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake both pans at 425° for 20 minutes, placing 1 pan on middle oven rack and 1 pan on lower oven rack. Rotate pans front to back, and top rack to bottom rack. Bake 20 to 25 more minutes or until vegetables are tender.
• Gently loosen vegetables, and add salt and pepper to taste. Cool completely (about 20 minutes). Discard herb sprigs and bay leaves. Place vegetables in a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and refrigerate 2 hours to 2 days.
• To serve, let vegetables stand 20 minutes or until room temperature. Add 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinaigrette; toss to coat.
• TO FINISH: Arrange radicchio leaves on a serving platter; top with roasted vegetables. Drizzle 1/4 cup vinaigrette over salad. Season with salt and pepper. Serve salad with remaining vinaigrette.

APPLE CIDER REDUCTION

Steps:

• In 6-8 quart stock pan, measure out 2 cups of apple cider.
• This will be approximately how much you will end up with when finished.
• Pour in the remaining apple cider.
• * If it is kept on an unrefrigerated store shelf, DO NOT use it.
• Place on stove top on medium heat and bring to a low boil .
• Cook over medium approximately 2-1/2 hours (yes, it does take this long). Stir occasionally (say every 30-45 minutes).
• As the cider begins to get close to desired level of reduction, the bubbles will get smaller & the boil will look somewhat "foamy". You'll need to reduce the heat slightly at this point so that it doesn't boil up or scorch.
• Remove from stove and let cool. Cider should be thick - almost like corn syrup or molasses when done.
• Pour into covered container of your choice (pint jar w/lid or condiment bottle with cap).
• Store in refrigerator and use as desired.

FENNEL AND APPLE SALAD WITH CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend; season dressing with salt and pepper. Combine apple, fennel and arugula in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Mound salad on 4 plates; sprinkle with pecans.

ROASTED BEETS, APPLES AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• In a bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice and garlic. Set aside.
• In a bowl, toss beets with 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Place in a casserole dish and bake 15 minutes.
• In same bowl, toss fennel with 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Add to casserole, toss to combine, return to oven, and bake another 30 minutes.
• In same bowl, toss apples with 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Add apples and sauce to casserole. Toss to combine, return to oven and bake another 15 minutes.

FENNEL AND APPLE SALAD WITH CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend; season dressing with salt and pepper.
• Combine apple, fennel and arugula in large bowl.
• Toss with enough dressing to coat. Mound salad on 4 plates; sprinkle with pecans.