Today, 12 Fructidor, we celebrate fennel! In Greek, fennel is called “marathon” and the Battle of Marathon is so named because it took place in a field of fennel. AND! By confusing two events in Greek history (1 – the 140 mile run by Pheidippides from Athens to Sparta during the Battle of Marathon to ask for assistance in fighting the Persians, and 2 – the 25 mile march the Athenian army took from the battle site back to Athens) we have our modern-day conception of a marathon. According to Wikipedia, the story of Pheidippides running from Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenian victory is a myth. When the organizers of the first Olympics set out to popularize the games, they used the myth to create the marathon run. Indeed, the Wikipedia page for the town of Marathon in Greece features a picture of a lovely field of fennel.

At any rate, we are celebrating not dying from exhaustion after running 26 miles (myth or not) by making some savory biscuits from the Great British Baking Show. This recipe comes from the most recent season (American) and the last, I believe, with the original hosts and judges.

Fennel Crackers 

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs, separated

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 tbs sun-dried tomato paste

1 tbs crushed fennel seed

1/2 tsp of sesame seeds