Instructions: Bring salted water to a boil. Slowly add cornmeal, whisking continuously.

When all cornmeal is added, reduce heat to low and continue whisking to remove any lumps. Continue cooking while stirring with spoon, adding 1/2 cup fontina cheese, for about 25 minutes, or until mixture is thick.

Line 9-inch loaf pan with wax paper and lightly butter paper. Scoop cornmeal into pan and set aside to firm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter ovenproof baking dish.

Cut polenta into slices and place slices in overlapping layers in dish, dotting with butter and sprinkling with cheese. Reserve cheese to sprinkle over top.

Bake polenta until cheeses melt and polenta forms crust, 10 to 15 minutes. For final browning, place baking dish under broiler and cook until cheeses turn golden. Remove and serve.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Wine Suggestions: Corn, butter, Parmesan, fontina! Thomas Jefferson would probably serve wine from either France or Virginia. Try Louis Latour 1996 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru or Linden Vineyards Chardonnay.

Comments:
Adapted from one of Thomas Jeffersons recipes, polenta, with its origins in Italy, resembles Americas cornmeal mush, a staple in the US diet since the nations very early days. This makes a substantial entree, delicious with raw, steamed or sauteed farm-fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, green beans or chard.

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