Slow Cooker Sausage & Eggplant Baked Ziti

INGREDIENTS

8 oz

bulk Italian sausage (I used a combo of hot and sweet)

1 can

fire roasted diced tomatoes (don't drain)

head of fennel (also known as anise)

large eggplant

2 cloves

garlic, minced

2 tbsp

tomato paste

1/2 cup

water

1/4 cup

dry white wine

1 tsp

Italian seasoning

2 tbsp

sugar

1 tsp

salt

6 oz

uncooked ziti or penne

1 1/2 cups

shredded mozzarella cheese