Preheat oven 325°In a small pot gently cook (confit) the garlic, shallots and fennel seeds in olive oil. Approximately 15 minutes.
In a heavy gauge frying pan heat grape seed oil, sear ( high heat, browning a little) your celery in 2 or 3 batches. Remove to a baking dish pour beef broth over along with some salt , pepper and your confit ingredients. Cover and bake 1 hour . Garnish with some fresh thyme. Tender and something different.