Not long ago my husband and I were invited to have dinner with friends. I was introduced to roasted fennel for the first time. I thought it would taste like licorice and I wouldn't like it. But as it turned out, it doesn't taste like licorice and.... I loved it.
Fennel is so easy to prepare. It can be eaten raw or cooked. I cut the bulb into slices and roast it with a little olive oil, a little salt and pepper and a little thyme (either ground or whole). Bake at around 400 until caramelized and tender.
I use save the top of greens for garnishing baked fish.
Give it a try—you just might be surprised. Yes, you can. You have many more miles to go!