4 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup grits, coarse stone-ground yellow
4 tablespoons butter
shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Bring salted water to a rapid boil. Slowly shake in grits with one hand while whisking vigorously with the other. Continue whisking and lower to the heat to where just the occasional bubble breaks the surface. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom occasionally to prevent scorching. Drop in the butter just before serving. Add the cheese if desired, this is a VERY modern addition as far as our old family is concerned.