Mussels With Fennel and Garlic

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 5 dozen mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry white wine
• crusty French bread

Directions

1. 1

   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add mussels and bay leaf; sauté 1 minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, and next 4 ingredients, and cook 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add wine; cover and cook 3 minutes or until mussels open.

4. 4

   Discard any unopened mussels. Cool completely. Chill until serving. Serve with French bread.