Crabmeat Casserolettes

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oven to 400F.
2. 2
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook the sweet potatoes until soft, about 8 minutes.
3. 3
   Drain well and return to the pot.
4. 4
   Add the butter and let it melt over the hot potatoes.
5. 5
   Add the half-and-half and mash it with the potatoes, mixing until they are smooth and not stiff and adding more half-and-half if needed.
6. 6
   Add the garlic, cheese, parsley, green onions, fennel seeds, and cayenne.
7. 7
   Fold in the crabmeat.
8. 8
   Put the mixture into greased individual ramekins or a single baking dish and sprinkle the top with paprika.
9. 9
   Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and beginning to brown.
10. 10
    For those who really dig that licorice flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon aniseed.
11. 11
    Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds if you have fennel around.