Polenta

Bring about 2” of water to boil in bottom of double boiler; reduce to simmer and maintain throughout cooking process. Set top of double boiler on, and add 4 c water. Add 1 tsp salt, then gradually sprinkle 1 c medium-grind cornmeal into water, whisking constantly (you can use a funnel to add meal gradually). Cover and cook until polenta is very soft and smooth, 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 10-15 min. Once cooked, it can be covered and saved up to 4 hours, adding a little water if necessary. Add butter and cheese if desired. (Alternative method, if taste of olive oil is OK: Heat 1 T olive oil over medium heat. Add cornmeal and stir for about 1 min. Then add water and whisk as it comes to a boil. Once it simmers, cover and lower the heat. It will be done in about 20 min.)