Steamed Mussels with Fennel, Tomatoes, Ouzo, and Cream

(from allrecipes.com)

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bulb fennel – trimmed, cored and thinly sliced
1 large tomato, cubed
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup ouzo
>1/2 cup heavy cream
4 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
salt to taste

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in shallots and garlic, and cook until tender. Stir in fennel and tomato, and continue cooking about 5 minutes.

Mix white wine, ouzo, and heavy cream into the saucepan, and bring to a boil. Gradually stir in mussels, 1/2 the basil, and salt.

Cover saucepan, and continue cooking about 5 minutes, until the mussels have opened. Garnish with remaining basil to serve.