Rach on the Radio - Braised Sausages with Macaroni and Cheese

Braised Sausages with Macaroni, Cheese Sauce and Fennel

• 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage in casings
• EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling plus 1 tablespoon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 head fennel, trimmed and quartered, thinly sliced and a handful of fronds, chopped
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced or chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 2 round tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus some for topping
• 1 pound Italian macaroni or ziti