Fontina Sauce by itself or accented with favorite vegetables is a tasty dish.

Cream based sauces flavored with butter and cheese are typically more popular in the northern regions of Italy.  While Italy does not have Alfredo sauce (an American sauce), the Fontina Sauce can be served on pasta or gnocchi (a potato based food). Buon Appetito!

Serves 4-6 people. Preparation time for Sauce 6 minutes. Can be prepared while pasta is boiling.

• 4 Tbsp butter or Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots or onion
• (OPTIONAL, choose favorite vegetables: asparagus, peas, mushrooms, spinach, thinly sliced peppers, chopped tomatoes)
• 1 cup  heavy whipping cream (panna)
• 8 ounces fontina cheese cut into cubes
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Cracked Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley for presentation

In a large pan, begin to boil water on high heat, once boiling add 2 Tbsp salt to boiling water, add pasta or gnocchi and cook for necessary time. Using a colander drain well from water, then add back into large pan.

Fontina cheese for making a delicious sauce.

Meanwhile water is boiling, place a sauce pan on medium low heat, add butter, shallots or onions (and optional vegetables if desired) allowing to sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and soft. Pour in heavy whipping cream (panna), add in fontina cheese, parmesan cheese and salt into sauce. Stir until melted about 2 minutes, REMOVE from heat, do not allow to boil to avoid clumping, or burning of the sauce.

Drizzle sauce onto prepared pasta or gnocchi. Gently toss. Serve onto plates and top off with  pepper and parsley for presentation.

Health Disclosure: Individuals who experience high cholesterol are discouraged from including increased dairy intake in their meal plans due to saturated fats found in dairy. This delicious dish, (contains high saturated fat) is best consumed in a reduced amount.