This has been a highly-anticipated movie for me.  I was one of the first on my block to read, and love, the book. Before the book, I had read Julie Powell’s blog. I read the article about her in the NY Times.  I own a much loved copy of Mastering the Art Of French Cooking. [...]

1 medium onion
1 large fennel bulbm stalks discarded, chopped
1/3 c. raisins
1/2 t. fennel seeds, lightly crushed
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 c. medium or long grain white rice
2 c. water
Cook onion and fennel with raisins, fennel seeds, 1 t. salt and 1/4 t. pepper in oil in heavy saucepan. Stir occassionally until soft, 8-10 minutes.  [...]