Creamy Polenta - cooking recipe

Ingredients

7 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 pinch baking soda
1 1/2 cups polenta (Coarse Ground Corn Meal)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces parmesan cheese
fresh ground black pepper

Preparation

Brint water to boil in 4 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in salt and baking soda. Slowly pour cornmeal into water in steady stream, while stirring back and forth with wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Bring mixture to boil, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to lowest possible setting and cover.
After 5 minutes, whisk polenta to smooth out any lumps that may have formed for about 15 seconds. Cover and continue to cook, without stirring for approximately 25 minutes. You want the polenta to be tender but slightly al dente.
Remove from heat, stir in butter and Parmesan, season to taste with fresh ground black pepper. Let stand covered 5 minutes.
The polenta will be loose, but thickens as it cools. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.