Fun with Fennel

I love fennel, but I hate licorice. Go figure. It's a flavor that I think should be enhanced with salt, not sugar.

Have a look if you're unfamiliar with this curious and strangely attractive bulb:
http://www.bonappetit.com/tipstools/ingredients/2008/04/fennel

So for today's lunch I paired the fennel with an apple, a red potato, and a half a yellow onion, plus 2 italian sausages from Esposito's. (http://espositosausage.com/) I like to patronize the local establishments in my neighborhood, and Esposito's is an HK institution. (And by patronize, I mean spend money there, not give them a hard time.) I was just about to say something about the pretty eyes of the guy who sold me the sausage...but, yeah. That might be misinterpreted.

Produce from Stiles: $2.56 (really, I'll start scanning my receipts if you don't believe me)
Sausages with a smile: $1.59
TOTAL: $4.15

"But Pamela," you're thinking; "this all sounds great but how do you have time for this kind of project?"

Yes, it's challenging. After 5 minutes of chopping things, I almost didn't have time to watch an entire episode of "Top Chef" while it all roasted in the oven. I don't know how I'll keep it up! :)

-P

Ratatouille (L) and Sausage with Roasted Fennel, Potato, and Apples (R)
So happy together.