Cornmeal Mush

Yield: 4 main dishes, 8 side dishes

Ingredients

 

1  cup fine or medium grind white or yellow cornmeal (Personal preference will dictate the grind of cornmeal. The finer the grind, the smoother the mush and the shorter the cooking time.)

 

3 cups cold water

 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

1 cup whole milk

 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 9 pieces

 

 

Garnishes

 

Fresh berries

 

Light brown sugar

 

Cinnamon sugar

 

Cream

 

Currents

 

Poached egg

 

Honey

 

Maple syrup

 

Whole milk

 

Raisins

 

Sorghum

 

 

Steps

 

1. Place the cold water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Bring water to a boil.
2. Whisk together cornmeal, milk, and salt in a bowl.
3. Slowly whisk the boiling water into the cornmeal mixture.
4. When all of the water has been whisked into the cornmeal, return cornmeal mixture to the saucepan.
5. Continue to whisk as the mush comes to a simmer.
6. Simmer 10-12 minutes or until the mush thickens.  It should be thick, not solid, similar to a milk-based gravy or porridge.  The texture should not be gritty.
7. Remove saucepan from heat.
8. Whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, whisking until the piece is completely melted before adding the next piece.
9. Place in a serving bowl, with cover.
10. Serve.
11. Allow guests to add their desired garnish(es).