2 lg Stalks anise (fennel)
1    Clove garlic, quartered
2 tb Olive oil
3 tb Butter
1 c  Sliced fresh mushrooms
1 c  Chopped fresh tomatoes
1/3 c  Beef stock or bouillon
1/2 ts Sweet basil

There is a bit of confusion about these two plants. For some reason,the
fennel plant, which resembles celery with fern like tops, has been called
sweet anise in produce markets. The true anise is cultivated only for its
seeds. So what you see labelled “sweet anise” in your market is probably
fennel, but no matter what you call it, this is a highly interesting
vegetable. Every part of this aromatic plant has a taste and aroma similar
to licorice. The stems are eaten like celery,uncook, or cooked and served
as a vegetable (heavenly with apples in waldorf salad) Available from
September to May.

HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE: Choose fennel the same way you do celery, with
crisp stalks and fresh leaves. Wash and store in vegetable crisper or
plastic bag in refrigerator.

BASIC PREPARATION: Trim the ferny tops and remove tough outer stalks. Cut
off heavy base. Slice the stalks in thin lengthwise strips. Wash,drain and
cook in boiling, salted water or bouillon until just tender,15-20 minutes.
Drain and add melted butter, salt and pepper and serve.