-
1
Bring chicken broth and fennel bulbs to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
-
2
Simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
-
3
Remove from heat; mix in figs and let stand 10 minutes.
-
4
Strain; reserve liquid, fennel and figs separately.
-
5
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat.
-
6
Transfer fennel bulbs to skillet, cut side down.
-
7
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar, salt and pepper.
-
8
Cook until cut side is brown, about 2 minutes.
-
9
Turn fennel over; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar, salt and pepper.
-
10
Cook until brown and beginning to soften, about 4 minutes.
-
11
Using slotted spoon, transfer fennel to 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish.
-
12
Add 1/4 cup reserved liquid and pumpkin pie spice to skillet.
-
13
Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits; pour liquid over fennel in baking dish.
-
14
Place figs between fennel bulbs.
-
15
Dot with 1 tablespoon butter.
-
16
Cover baking dish with foil.
-
17
Set aside.
-
18
Combine beef broth, shallot and remaining reserved liquid in heavy small saucepan; bring to boil.
-
19
Reduce heat to medium; simmer until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 minutes.
-
20
Add Port and simmer until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 minutes.
-
21
(Fennel-fig mixture and Port sauce can be made 2 hours ahead; let stand at room temperature.)
-
22
Preheat oven to 350F.
-
23
Bake fennel until very tender, about 40 minutes.
-
24
Remove from oven; keep covered.
-
25
Maintain oven temperature.
-
26
Sprinkle veal with salt and pepper.
-
27
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
-
28
Cook veal until brown, about 3 minutes per side.
-
29
Transfer to oven.
-
30
Roast until thermometer inserted into center of veal chop registers 150F, about 8 minutes.
-
31
Transfer veal to 2 plates.
-
32
Top with baked fennel-fig mixture.
-
33
Bring Port sauce to simmer; add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and whisk just until melted.
-
34
Season sauce with salt and pepper; pour over veal.
-
35
Garnish with fennel fronds.