The very thought of combining sweet, golden potatoes and the slightly anise, slightly sweet taste of roasted fennel should be enough to make any mouth water. Certainly not the boring mash we’ve grown accustomed to, this side is easy enough to become a regular favorite, with abundant flavor to sit alongside a special roast or spicy dish. Fennel provides nutrients helpful in digestion and is rich in iron and potassium. It softens in the oven, giving up some of its licorice quality as it sweetens, and gives a mellow richness to the versatile Yukon.