Nonna Mercedes Fonduta Recipes

NONNA MERCEDES' FONDUTA

Steps:

• Make the Semolina teardrop dumplings. Grate the cheese into a heatproof bowl with a splash of milk. Separate 1 large egg, adding the yolk to the bowl (save the white for another recipe). Sit the bowl over a pan of very gently simmering water, making sure the water doesn't touch the base of the bowl, and leave to slowly melt for 4 to 5 minutes, until silky, almost like a thick custard. Whisk regularly, loosening with more milk, if needed, then season well with black pepper and a few scrapings of nutmeg. Toss with your dumplings and a splash of their cooking water to loosen, if needed.

FONDUTA

Steps:

• Heat the milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, being careful not to scorch the bottom. Beat the eggs in a medium bowl until homogenous, then set aside. When the milk mixture begins to simmer, add 1 ladleful to the eggs and whisk to combine. Repeat with 2 more ladlefuls, making sure to whisk thoroughly between each addition. Pour the egg mixture back into the simmering milk and reduce the heat to low. Cook, whisking, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone and fontina until melted. Transfer to a serving bowl and shave the truffle on top, if using. Serve with salami, garlic bread or your favorite crudites!

ITALIAN FONDUTA

Steps:

• In top of a double boiler set over simmering water, melt butter. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and the yolks; stir in the cheese.
• Whisking constantly, slowly add egg and cheese mixture into butter. Continue whisking until mixture has melted and thickened slightly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer fonduta to a warmed bowl and garnish with shaved truffle or truffle oil, if desired. Serve with bread, potatoes or asparagus, for dipping. Alternatively, arrange asparagus on a platter, drizzle with fonduta, and garnish with shaved truffle or truffle oil.