Chock-full of fennel, this super-thick and chunky hot dip is reminiscent of hot artichoke dips, but with a mild anise-licorice flavor.

Ingredients
4  slices bacon
3  medium fennel bulbs* (8 oz. each)
2  cloves garlic, minced
1  8-ounce jar mayonnaise
1  8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
1  4-ounce package crumbled blue cheese
20   dried whole black or pink peppercorns, crushed
   finely shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
   fine dry bread crumbs (about 2 tablespoons)
   Radishes and/or Belgian endive leaves
 
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F. In a skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon; set aside.
 
2. To prepare fennel, cut off and discard upper stalks of fennel. Remove any wilted outer layers and cut a thin slice from the fennel base. Wash fennel and cut in half lengthwise; remove core. Cut crosswise into very thin slices.
 
3. Add fennel and garlic to drippings in skillet. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes until fennel is just tender and begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, bacon, and peppercorns to fennel; mix well. Divide mixture between two 16-ounce oven-proof crocks, souffle dishes, or other oven-proof dishes. In a small bowl combine Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; top mixture in each crock with Parmesan mixture.
 
4. Bake, uncovered, 15 minutes, or until just heated through and tops are light brown. Do not overbake. Serve with radishes and/or Belgian endive leaves. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
 
* Test Kitchen Tip: You may substitute 4-1/2 cups shredded cabbage or 3-1/2 cups chopped cauliflower for the fennel. Cook as directed.
 
Source:  Better Homes & Gardens