Baked Fennel with Gorgonzola

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fennel - 4 bulbs (about 1 pound)
• Gorgonzola cheese - 80 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Fresh thyme - 1 tablespoon (chopped)
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Breadcrumbs - 3/4 cup (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Trim the fennel bulbs, removing the tops and any outer layer, then slice into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
3. In a baking dish, arrange the fennel slices in a single layer.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Crumble the Gorgonzola cheese over the fennel pieces.
6. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with a little bit of oil and spread on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
9. Serve hot with a side of your choice.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Combination of sweet fennel and tangy Gorgonzola cheese creates a unique flavor profile.
• The dish has a rich and creamy texture with a slight crunch from the optional breadcrumbs.
• Great as a side dish or even as a light meal with a salad.

User Comments:

1. "The combination of flavors was unexpected but absolutely delicious!"
2. "I loved how simple yet elegant this dish was. It was a hit at my dinner party."
3. "The Gorgonzola cheese added a nice tangy note to the sweet fennel."
4. "The breadcrumbs on top provided a nice crunchy contrast to the soft fennel."
5. "Great dish for a colder evening, very comforting."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to choose fresh fennel bulbs with firm and smooth skin.
• If you want to add more texture to the dish, use a mix of fresh and dried breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.