Roasted Fennel and Cherry Tomato Sauce

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Brush 13- x 9-inch baking pan with olive oil. Add olive oil, fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, sugar and salt to pan; bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or just until vegetables have softened.

Tips:

• Stir in 1 tbsp of minced capers at the end of the cooking time to give the sauce a nice sweet-and-sour taste. Two tbsp of fresh thyme stirred into the sauce is another refreshing variation.
• This makes a delicious side dish to Cornish hens served with potatoes, or spooned over baked fish.
• Toss this sauce with 3/4 lb spaghetti or a short-cut macaroni, such as ziti or penne.
• The sauce also makes a terrific pizza topping.

Recipe provided by Chef Mary Ann Esposito