Make the rice according to directions. Any time I cook with rice, couscous, etc., I try to use chicken or vegetable broth rather than water to cook the grains. It just adds so much flavor with little work, but that is optional. Cook the rice and add to a greased casserole dish.

Make the bread crumbs -- In a small food processor, take a couple slices of bread and process till you get fine crumbs. Measure out 1/2 cup. Then you can either buy ground or chopped fine pecans or you can grind your own. In a large saute pan, add the the butter and melt on medium high, add the bread crumbs and nuts and cook until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes is all it takes. Remove and let cool.

Vegetables -- In that same pan we made the bread crumbs in (no need to use another pan), heat the olive oil and butter on medium heat and add the fennel, onions, and mushrooms and cook on medium until they have become translucent and the mushrooms tender, about 7-10 minutes. Then add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add this to the rice in the casserole dish and lightly mix.

Sauce -- Once again in that same pan, add the butter and melt on medium, then add the flour and mix to make a roux. Let it cook just a minute. Now add the milk and stir well. Add in the sherry and then the seasoning. Bring to a medium boil just until it slightly thickens and then add in the shredded cheese and stir. Cook until nice a creamy and thick. Should resemble a nice cheese sauce. Pour this mixture over the rice and vegetables. Lightly toss to combine.

Top with those bread crumbs and bake at 350 for 20 minutes until bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.