Ingredients:

1/2 cup fennell (rough chopped)

20-25 Mussels

1 tbsp. Olive oil

1 cup shrimp or fish stock

1 cup black Sambuca

1 cup marinara

1 doz. shrimp (optional)

cracked black pepper (to taste- makes a good garnish sprinkled around the rim of plate or bowl)

In a large saute pan (I like a large wok) add oil and fennell and cook on high flame for approx 30 secs-until fennell begins to appear transparent. Then add liquids (stock, Sambuca & marinara). Bring to a boil. Add mussels and shrimp (if you chose) and cook stirring until mussels open. Sprinkle liberally with black pepper and serve. Serves two.