Moar food

Another fancy Ad Hoc meal!  (Food posts are boring so) I'll try and keep it short...

 Fennel, fennel everywhere

I don't really like black licorice and don't typically like fennel but it was really yummy in this meal.  Such a waste that you can't use all the long green parts though...

 Making our own fig balsamic jam.  Candy thermometer and all - so fancy!
And look at the cute little vinegars in the back - we did add a little fig balsamic for extra figgy-ness

 End result: Fig stuffed pork loin, caramelized fennel, and glazed sweet potatoes

And of course, dessert!  Red wine (nice use for red wine that's too old to drink, but was good to start off) balsamic cupcakes with a ricotta frosting (and port!)

Anybody know what to do with the top of fennel??