Soft polenta drowned in a rich Piedmontese fontina cheese fondue. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is a decadent, warming family comfort food from Italy's northwest alpine region.
Bring water and milk to a gentle simmer in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat; stir in salt.
Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and reduce heat to low. Continue stirring until polenta thickens and pulls from sides, about 30–40 minutes.
Once polenta is creamy, add 2 tbsp butter and mix thoroughly, then cover with lid and keep warm on very low heat.
For fonduta, combine fontina, remaining butter, and milk in a separate saucepan. Heat on low, stirring gently until cheese melts smooth and silky; do not boil.
Remove fonduta from heat, quickly whisk in egg yolk and nutmeg, then season with black pepper. Pour the hot fonduta liberally over the warm polenta and serve immediately.