Finocchio Con Latte Al Forno (Fennel Baked in Milk)

From "Saveur" magazine

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  medium fennel bulbs, fronds removed and reserved
• 4  cups milk
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1  cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Heat oven to 475 degrees F.
2. Remove tough outer leaves from the fennel bulbs; halve bulbs lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2 inch wedges.
3. Combine fennel, milk, and 2 tablespoon butter in a 4 quart saucepan; cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 30 to 45 minutes.
4. Use a slotted spoon and transfer fennel to a 2 quart baking dish; pour 1 cup of the milk mixture over; add fennel seeds and season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, dot with remaining butter, and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds.