Desert Polenta with Cheddar

• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
3. Pinch of nutmeg
4. Pinch of ground cloves
5. 2 1/2 cups milk
6. 2 1/2 cups water
7. 2 teaspoons kosher salt
8. 1 cup coarse cornmeal or polenta
9. 4 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)
10. Pinch of paprika

1. Melt the butter in a large heavy sauce-pan. Add the garlic, nutmeg and cloves and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the milk, water and salt and bring to a boil. Whisking constantly, add the cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick and creamy, about 30 minutes. Stir in the cheese and paprika and serve.