Fontina

The classic cheese from the Valle d’Aosta. It is produced elsewhere in Italy and in Scandinavia, but you should use only the genuine article, which has a reddish-brown crust. The cheese itself is straw-colored and sweet, and occasionally reveals a mild mushroom flavor. Fontina has wonderful melting properties and is the basis for fonduta (fondue). You may also melt Fontina (120 calories per ounce) to serve with gnocchi or fresh tagliatelle.