Preparation / Directions:
Serves 8 as an appetizer, or 3-4 as a main course.
Trim the fennel in the usual way, scraping away fibrous threads with a potato peeler, or remove and discard the outer layers if they are tired-looking or tough. Chop the flesh into small chunks and toss in 1/2 oz melted butter. Half cover the pan and leave to cook gently for 10 minutes just shaking the pan occasionally.
Add the bacon, cut into snippets, increase heat and cook, stirring frequently, for several minutes until the bacon is cooked and the fennel is streaked with gold. Season with a good squeeze of lemon and plenty of pepper, and set aside to cool before mixing with the fish, which should be broken into large chunks.
Make a sauce with 1-1/2 oz each butter and flour, the milk and the stock, and simmer gently, half covered, for about 10 minutes. Away from the heat, season with scant 1 teaspoon mustard, a little salt and plenty of pepper. Gently fold in the fish mixture and divide between 8 small scallop shells or cocottes or put it all into one large gratin dish.
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven straight away, or if preparing ahead, set aside in a cool place until close to serving time. If the mixture is cold when it goes into the oven, it will probably need 25 minutes or so at 425F (220 C) gas mark 7 to become thoroughly heated through.
Stand the dish(es) on a pre-heated baking sheet to help speed things up. When thoroughly hot, remove the foil and sprinkle the fish mixture generously with freshly toasted or fried breadcrumbs immediately before serving.
Source: Philippa Davenport in "Country Living" (British), June 1987.
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