Fab Ways with Fennel

1. A close shave: Take your trusty veg peeler, and shave into wispy slivers. Gorge with salad leaves, orange bits and goat's cheese.

2. A very nice slice: Top and tail, halve, slice. Take out the middle base-root-bit. Great in a gratin - just season, mise with cream and stock. Scatter breadcrumbs and cheese over the top and bake.

3. Place your dice right: Slice one way, then the other. This will make little cubes. Brilliant in soups or risottos. Or, fry and scatter over salad - veg croutons.

4. The fennel steaks are high: Top and tail. Slice into thick panels. Season and drizzle with oil. Place a frying pan over high heat. Stephen Fry (with lemon wedges if you have some). Lovely with roast pork, oven baked fish or a ball of mozzarella.

5. The rest: Use herby fronds to make a tea. Sweeten with honey or sugar. Use the off cuts for making stock.